2:11 2:11

Nahum 2:12

2:13 2:13

Bible Versions

The lion did tear in pieces enough for his whelps, and strangled for his lionesses, and filled his holes with prey, and his dens with ravin.
The lion {H738} did tear in pieces {H2963} enough {H1767} for his whelps {H1484}, and strangled {H2614} for his lionesses {H3833}, and filled {H4390} his holes {H2356} with prey {H2964}, and his dens {H4585} with ravin {H2966}.
The lion would tear up food for his cubs and strangle prey for his lionesses; he used to fill his caves with prey, his lairs with torn flesh.
The lion mauled enough for its cubs and strangled prey for the lioness. It filled its dens with the kill, and its lairs with mauled prey.
The lion did tear in pieces enough for his whelps, and strangled for his lionesses, and filled his caves with prey, and his dens with ravin.

Context

The Book of Nahum is a powerful prophetic oracle primarily directed against Nineveh, the formidable capital of the Assyrian Empire. Known for its ruthless military might and oppressive conquests, Assyria had been a terror to surrounding nations, including Judah. Chapter 2 of Nahum vividly describes the impending siege and catastrophic downfall of Nineveh. Verse 12 is part of a broader metaphorical depiction (Nahum 2:11-13) that likens Nineveh to a predatory lion's den, emphasizing its history of violence, plunder, and insatiable appetite for domination before its prophesied destruction.

Key Themes

  • Assyria's Predatory Power: The central image of the "lion" tearing, strangling, and filling its dens with prey vividly portrays Assyria's brutal and aggressive nature. This metaphor underscores their military prowess and their method of sustaining their vast empire through merciless conquest and the accumulation of spoils.
  • Insatiable Greed and Plunder: The phrases "filled his holes with prey, and his dens with ravin" highlight the immense wealth and resources Nineveh accumulated through its military campaigns. It speaks to an insatiable appetite for power and material gain, acquired through violence and exploitation of other nations.
  • Foreshadowing Divine Judgment: While this specific verse focuses on Assyria's past actions, the entire book of Nahum points to the fact that this predatory power is about to face God's severe judgment. The lion's den, once a symbol of terrifying strength and abundant plunder, is prophesied to become empty, signifying the end of Assyria's reign of terror. This judgment is a direct consequence of their actions, as revealed in Nahum 1:2-3, where God declares Himself a jealous and avenging God.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Tear in pieces" (Hebrew: טָרַף - taraf): This verb signifies a violent, ripping action, characteristic of a predator dismembering its prey. It emphasizes the brutal force employed by Assyria.
  • "Strangled" (Hebrew: חָנַק - hanak): This term suggests a swift, decisive killing, often to subdue prey efficiently. It further underscores the ruthless and effective methods of Assyrian conquest.
  • "Ravine" (Hebrew: טֶרֶף - teref): This noun form, closely related to the verb "taraf," refers specifically to the prey, plunder, or spoil. It emphasizes that the dens were not merely filled with food, but with the accumulated wealth and resources seized from conquered nations, highlighting the economic motivation behind Assyria's violence.

Practical Application

Nahum 2:12 offers powerful insights that transcend its historical context:

  • The Transience of Earthly Power: The vivid imagery of the lion's den, once mighty and full, serves as a stark reminder that even the most formidable earthly powers and empires are ultimately subject to divine oversight and judgment. Those built on violence, oppression, and insatiable greed, like Assyria, will eventually fall. This echoes the broader biblical theme of the rise and fall of kingdoms, as seen in Daniel's prophetic visions of earthly empires.
  • Justice for the Oppressed: For those who suffered under Assyria's brutal rule, this prophecy offered immense hope and assurance of God's ultimate justice. It reminds us that God sees the oppression and suffering inflicted by the powerful and will, in His time, bring about accountability.
  • Warning Against Greed and Violence: The "ravin" in the dens points to the dangers of an insatiable desire for wealth and power gained through ruthless and violent means. True and lasting security, peace, and prosperity are not found in plundered riches but in righteousness and adherence to God's ways.
Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Jeremiah 51:34

    Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon hath devoured me, he hath crushed me, he hath made me an empty vessel, he hath swallowed me up like a dragon, he hath filled his belly with my delicates, he hath cast me out.

  • Psalms 17:12

    Like as a lion [that] is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.

  • Isaiah 10:6

    I will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets.

  • Isaiah 10:14

    And my hand hath found as a nest the riches of the people: and as one gathereth eggs [that are] left, have I gathered all the earth; and there was none that moved the wing, or opened the mouth, or peeped.
 Back

Search Scripture