Nahum2

Nahum chapter two vividly describes the impending destruction of Nineveh by an invading force. The prophet portrays the attacking army with fiery chariots and swift movements, overwhelming the city's defenses. Nineveh, once a powerful and secure city, is depicted as becoming desolate, its inhabitants fleeing in terror, and its vast treasures plundered. The chapter concludes with the Lord's direct declaration against Nineveh, affirming His judgment upon its predatory nature.

Nineveh Warned of the Destroyer

1
He who dashes in pieces has come up against you. Keep the fortress! Watch the way! Strengthen your waist! Fortify your power mightily! ​
2
For the LORD restores the excellency of Jacob, as the excellency of Israel; for the destroyers have destroyed them, and ruined their vine branches. ​

Terror of the Invading Army

3
The shield of his mighty men is made red. The valiant men are in scarlet. The chariots flash with steel in the day of his preparation, and the pine spears are brandished. ​
4
The chariots rage in the streets. They rush back and forth in the broad ways. Their appearance is like torches. They run like the lightnings. ​
5
He summons his picked troops. They stumble on their way. They dash to its wall, and the protective shield is put in place. ​

The City Falls and is Plundered

6
The gates of the rivers are opened, and the palace is dissolved. ​
7
It is decreed: she is uncovered, she is carried away; and her handmaids moan as with the voice of doves, beating on their breasts. ​
8
But Nineveh has been from of old like a pool of water, yet they flee away. “Stop! Stop!” they cry, but no one looks back. ​
9
Take the plunder of silver. Take the plunder of gold, for there is no end of the store, the glory of all goodly furniture. ​
10
She is empty, void, and waste. The heart melts, the knees knock together, their bodies and faces have grown pale. ​

The Lion's Den Is Destroyed

11
Where is the den of the lions, and the feeding place of the young lions, where the lion and the lioness walked, the lion’s cubs, and no one made them afraid? ​
12
The lion tore in pieces enough for his cubs, and strangled for his lionesses, and filled his caves with the kill, and his dens with prey. ​
13
“Behold, I am against you,” says the LORD of Hosts, “and I will burn her chariots in the smoke, and the sword will devour your young lions; and I will cut off your prey from the earth, and the voice of your messengers will no longer be heard.” ​

Study Notes for Nahum 2

Verse 1

The destroyer refers to the invading army (Babylonians and Medes). The command to Nineveh to 'keep the munition' is ironic, highlighting the futility of their defenses against God’s determined judgment.

Verse 2

This verse is a parenthesis of comfort for Judah (Jacob/Israel), assuring them that although Assyria had previously marred their land, God will now restore them after Nineveh’s destruction.

Verse 3

The description of the invading shields and uniforms being 'red' and 'scarlet' emphasizes their terrifying appearance, possibly symbolizing blood or the fiery nature of the impending attack.

Verse 4

The vivid imagery compares the speed and recklessness of the chariots to torches and lightning, emphasizing the swift, chaotic, and irresistible nature of the siege.

Verse 5

The Assyrian king attempts to rally his 'worthies' (officers), but their hasty preparation and stumbling suggest panic and ineffective defense as the enemy reaches the walls.

Verse 6

Nineveh was protected by the Tigris River and a system of moats. The 'gates of the rivers' opening likely refers to a breach in the defenses caused by flooding, fulfilling a historical account of the city’s fall.

Verse 7

Huzzab (meaning 'the established one' or possibly a reference to the Queen) personifies Nineveh. Her capture and the mourning of her maids, symbolized by the 'voice of doves,' depict profound lamentation and humiliation.

Verse 8

Nineveh’s ancient stability is compared to a 'pool of water,' but now its inhabitants flee like draining water. Their panic is so complete that no one heeds the desperate cries to 'Stand, stand.'

Verse 9

The prophet instructs the invaders to 'take ye the spoil,' highlighting the immense wealth Nineveh had amassed through centuries of conquest and plunder, now becoming the spoil of others.

Verse 10

A powerful description of utter desolation, using three terms for emptiness. The physical symptoms (melting heart, smiting knees, blackness in faces) illustrate the paralyzing terror gripping the city’s population.

Verse 11

Nineveh (Assyria) is consistently likened to a vicious lion, symbolizing its predatory nature and oppressive power over surrounding nations. This rhetorical question taunts them for the loss of their secure dominion.

Verse 12

This verse reinforces the 'lion' metaphor, emphasizing how Assyria violently acquired resources ('ravin') to enrich itself, feeding its kingdom through relentless military aggression and cruelty.

Verse 13

This climactic declaration confirms that the destruction of Nineveh is a direct, sovereign act of judgment by Yahweh, the 'LORD of hosts,' ending Assyria’s reign of terror and cutting off their communication and military strength.

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