Nahum 2:2

KJV

For the LORD hath turned away the excellency of Jacob, as the excellency of Israel: for the emptiers have emptied them out, and marred their vine branches.

KJV (with Strong's)

For the LORD {H3068} hath turned away {H7725} the excellency {H1347} of Jacob {H3290}, as the excellency {H1347} of Israel {H3478}: for the emptiers {H1238} have emptied them out {H1238}, and marred {H7843} their vine branches {H2156}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For ADONAI is restoring the pride of Ya'akov, along with the pride of Isra'el; because plunderers have plundered them and ravaged their vines.

Berean Standard Bible

For the LORD will restore the splendor of Jacob like the splendor of Israel, though destroyers have laid them waste and ruined the branches of their vine.

American Standard Version

For Jehovah restoreth the excellency of Jacob, as the excellency of Israel; for the emptiers have emptied them out, and destroyed their vine-branches.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nahum 2:2 serves as a pivotal theological justification within the prophet Nahum's oracle against Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. While the surrounding verses vividly detail Nineveh's impending destruction, this verse looks back to explain the divine rationale for Assyria's judgment. It declares that the Lord Himself allowed or orchestrated the desolation of Jacob and Israel, permitting their "excellency" or glory to be "turned away" by the "emptiers" – the Assyrians – who thoroughly plundered and "marred their vine branches." This statement underscores that Nineveh's coming ruin is not arbitrary, but a righteous act of divine retribution for their past cruelty and devastation inflicted upon God's covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nahum 2:2 functions as a crucial explanatory link in the prophet's message. Chapter 1 establishes the character of God as a jealous, avenging, and wrathful Lord who is also good and a stronghold in times of trouble. It sets the stage for the coming judgment on Nineveh. Chapter 2 then shifts to a vivid, almost cinematic description of Nineveh's imminent siege and destruction. Verse 2, however, is a retrospective statement, providing the theological "why" behind the "what" that follows. It reminds the audience that Assyria's fate is directly tied to their past actions against God's people, serving as a divine justification for the impending catastrophe described in the subsequent verses of the chapter, which detail the ferocity of the attacking armies and the utter ruin of the city.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the height of Assyrian power and their brutal subjugation of surrounding nations, including Israel and Judah. The Northern Kingdom of Israel (often referred to as "Jacob" or "Israel" collectively) had been conquered and deported by Assyria in 722 BC (see [2 Kings 17:5-6](/2_kings/17-5-6 "2 Kings 17:5-6 - The Fall of Samaria and Exile of Israel")). Judah, though spared from complete destruction, had suffered severe invasions and tribute demands, notably during Sennacherib's campaign in 701 BC (see [2 Kings 18:13-16](/2_kings/18-13-16 "2 Kings 18:13-16 - Sennacherib's Invasion of Judah")). The Assyrians were notorious for their ruthless military tactics, including widespread destruction, plundering, and mass deportations, which perfectly align with the imagery of "emptiers" who "marred their vine branches." The "excellency" of Jacob and Israel refers not only to their material wealth and political strength but also to their unique status as God's chosen covenant nation, embodying His glory on earth.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Nahum and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Justice and Retribution**, asserting that God remembers the suffering inflicted upon His people and will hold oppressors accountable. Though God sometimes used nations like Assyria as instruments of judgment against Israel's sin (as seen in [Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5-6 "Isaiah 10:5-6 - Assyria as God's Rod")), this verse emphasizes that the instruments themselves are not exempt from judgment for their own cruelty and pride. Secondly, it underscores the **Consequences of Oppression**, illustrating the devastating impact of ruthless conquest on nations and peoples. Thirdly, it speaks to **Israel's Humiliation and Desolation**, vividly portraying the extent of their suffering through the metaphor of the "vine branches" being "marred." The "vine" is a common biblical symbol for Israel, representing its vitality, fruitfulness, and covenant relationship with God (e.g., [Psalm 80:8](/psalms/80-8 "Psalm 80:8 - Israel as a Vine") and [Isaiah 5:7](/isaiah/5-7 "Isaiah 5:7 - The Vineyard of the Lord")). Its marring signifies national ruin and spiritual decline.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Excellency (Hebrew, _gâʼôwn'_):** From H1347, this word denotes arrogance, majesty, glory, pomp, or pride. When applied to Jacob/Israel, it refers to their former strength, prosperity, unique status, and perhaps even the Temple and their covenant relationship as a source of national pride and glory. The phrase "turned away the excellency" implies that God allowed or orchestrated their downfall, often as a consequence of their unfaithfulness, leading to their humiliation and loss of former splendor.
* **Emptiers (Hebrew, _bâqaq'_):** From H1238, a primitive root meaning "to pour out," "to empty," or figuratively "to depopulate." This vivid term perfectly describes the Assyrian armies who systematically looted, deported, and destroyed the lands, resources, and populations of Israel and Judah. It conveys the thoroughness of their destructive work, leaving nothing but desolation.
* **Marred (Hebrew, _shâchath'_):** From H7843, a primitive root meaning "to decay," or causatively "to ruin," "destroy," "spoil," or "corrupt." This word emphasizes the comprehensive and devastating ruin inflicted upon the "vine branches," symbolizing the people and their national well-being. It speaks to a state of utter desolation and corruption.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the LORD hath turned away the excellency of Jacob, as the excellency of Israel:"** This opening clause establishes divine agency. It is Yahweh, the covenant God, who has allowed or actively orchestrated the removal of the glory, pride, and strength of His people, both the Southern Kingdom (Jacob/Judah) and the Northern Kingdom (Israel). This turning away was often a consequence of Israel's own covenant infidelity, leading to God's judgment being executed through foreign powers. The parallelism between "Jacob" and "Israel" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of this divine action across both divisions of the nation.
* **"for the emptiers have emptied them out,"** This clause provides the immediate reason and method for the "turning away" of Israel's excellency. The "emptiers" are the Assyrian invaders, who acted as instruments of God's judgment. The repetition of the root "empty" (Hebrew _bâqaq_) underscores the totality of the devastation, signifying a complete plundering, depopulation, and desolation of the land and its inhabitants. They left nothing behind.
* **"and marred their vine branches."** This final clause uses a powerful agricultural metaphor. The "vine" is a common biblical symbol for Israel, representing its vitality, fruitfulness, and its special relationship with God. To "mar" or destroy its "vine branches" signifies the comprehensive ruin of the nation, its people, its prosperity, and its spiritual health. It paints a picture of a once-flourishing entity reduced to a state of brokenness and barrenness.

#### Literary Devices
Nahum 2:2 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine justice and national devastation. **Parallelism** is evident in the phrase "the excellency of Jacob, as the excellency of Israel," which uses synonymous parallelism to emphasize that both parts of God's covenant people experienced this divine turning away of their glory. The verse also utilizes powerful **Metaphor**, most notably in "their vine branches," where Israel is likened to a vine. This metaphor evokes images of a once-fruitful and vibrant nation now broken and ruined, highlighting the extent of their desolation. The "emptiers" can be seen as a form of **Personification** or **Metonymy**, where the agents of destruction (the Assyrians) are identified by their destructive action, giving a vivid and active sense to their role. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of the root _bâqaq_ in "emptiers have emptied them out" creates a strong rhetorical emphasis, underscoring the thoroughness and completeness of the plundering and depopulation inflicted upon Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nahum 2:2 profoundly articulates the principle of divine justice and God's sovereign control over history, even amidst the suffering of His own people. It reveals that while God may use wicked nations as instruments of His judgment against His disobedient people, He does not condone their cruelty or pride. The "emptiers" are held accountable for their actions, demonstrating that God's justice is comprehensive, extending to all nations and individuals. This verse reassures the suffering remnant of Judah that God sees their affliction and will ultimately vindicate His covenant. It also serves as a stark reminder that even those who seem to prosper through oppression will face the consequences of their actions in God's perfect timing.

* [Isaiah 10:5-15](/isaiah/10-5-15 "Isaiah 10:5-15 - Assyria as God's Rod and Its Judgment")
* [Jeremiah 50:17-18](/jeremiah/50-17-18 "Jeremiah 50:17-18 - Israel Scattered, Babylon Judged")
* [Psalm 80:8-16](/psalms/80-8-16 "Psalm 80:8-16 - The Vine of Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nahum 2:2 offers profound insights into the character of God and the consequences of human actions, both for nations and individuals. It reminds us that God is actively involved in human history, orchestrating events according to His righteous purposes. For those who suffer injustice, this verse provides a powerful assurance that God sees, remembers, and will ultimately bring justice to oppressors. It also serves as a sober warning that even when God uses individuals or nations as instruments of His will, they are still accountable for their own sin, pride, and cruelty. This should prompt us to examine our own hearts and actions, ensuring that we do not become "emptiers" in our relationships or society, causing harm to others for our own gain. Instead, it calls us to live justly, mercifully, and humbly, trusting in God's ultimate sovereignty and His promise to restore what has been marred. It invites us to find hope in God's unwavering commitment to His people, even when they experience seasons of desolation, knowing that His ultimate plan is for restoration and flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might we, individually or corporately, act as "emptiers" in our relationships or communities, causing harm or diminishing the "excellency" of others?**
* **How does the concept of God using one nation to judge another, yet still holding the instrument of judgment accountable, shape your understanding of divine justice?**
* **Considering Israel's "marred vine branches," how can we find hope and purpose when our own lives or communities experience seasons of desolation or brokenness?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the importance of humility and the dangers of pride, especially when we experience success or power?**

### FAQ

**Why did the LORD "turn away" the excellency of Jacob and Israel?**

Answer: The phrase "the LORD hath turned away the excellency" indicates God's sovereign hand in the historical events that led to Israel's desolation. While the Assyrians were the physical agents of destruction, Nahum attributes the ultimate cause to God's permissive will or active judgment. This "turning away" was primarily a consequence of Israel's persistent disobedience and idolatry, which violated their covenant with God. Throughout the Old Testament, God repeatedly warned that unfaithfulness would lead to national humiliation, exile, and the loss of their distinctive glory (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). Thus, God allowed the "emptiers" to fulfill His righteous judgment, even as He would later judge the "emptiers" themselves for their excessive cruelty.

**Who are the "emptiers" mentioned in Nahum 2:2?**

Answer: The "emptiers" (Hebrew _boqeqim_) are the Assyrians, particularly their military forces. This term vividly describes their characteristic method of warfare, which involved not only conquering but also thoroughly plundering, depopulating, and devastating the lands and cities of their enemies. They would "empty out" the land of its resources and its people, often deporting entire populations to break their national identity and prevent rebellion. This verse specifically refers to their historical campaigns against the Northern Kingdom of Israel in 722 BC and their later invasions of Judah, where they "marred their vine branches" through widespread destruction and forced tribute.

**What is the significance of "marred their vine branches"?**

Answer: The "vine" is a rich and frequently used metaphor in the Old Testament to represent Israel (e.g., [Psalm 80:8](/psalms/80-8 "Psalm 80:8 - Israel as a Vine"), [Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5-1-7 "Isaiah 5:1-7 - The Song of the Vineyard")). It symbolizes Israel's vitality, fruitfulness, and their unique covenant relationship with God, who cultivated them as His chosen vineyard. Therefore, "marred their vine branches" signifies the comprehensive ruin and desolation inflicted upon the nation of Israel. It speaks to the destruction of their land, the scattering of their people, the loss of their prosperity, and the breaking of their national and spiritual well-being. It paints a picture of a once-flourishing entity reduced to a state of brokenness and barrenness due to the Assyrian onslaught.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nahum 2:2, with its depiction of God's people suffering desolation at the hands of oppressive "emptiers," finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. While Israel's "excellency" was turned away due to their sin, foreshadowing a deeper spiritual emptiness, Christ is revealed as the ultimate "excellency" and glory of God, who was Himself "emptied" for our sake. The prophet Isaiah spoke of the Suffering Servant, who had "no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him" ([Isaiah 53:2](/isaiah/53-2 "Isaiah 53:2 - The Suffering Servant's Appearance")), yet through His self-emptying (Philippians 2:7), He became the source of true glory and restoration. Jesus declares Himself to be the "true vine" ([John 15:1](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus the True Vine")), and through His sacrifice, the "marred vine branches" of humanity, broken by sin, can be grafted into Him and bear fruit ([Romans 11:17-24](/romans/11-17-24 "Romans 11:17-24 - The Root and Branches")). The judgment against the "emptiers" (Assyria) in Nahum foreshadows the ultimate judgment of all oppressive forces and sin itself through Christ's victory on the cross and His return. He is the one who will finally and completely restore the true "excellency" of God's people, not based on their own merits, but on His perfect work, bringing an everlasting kingdom where justice reigns and all that was marred by sin is made new ([Revelation 21:1-5](/revelation/21-1-5 "Revelation 21:1-5 - The New Heaven and New Earth")).

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.

Cross-References

Psalms 80:12

Why hast thou [then] broken down her hedges, so that all they which pass by the way do pluck her?

Psalms 80:13

The boar out of the wood doth waste it, and the wild beast of the field doth devour it.

Zephaniah 3:11

In that day shalt thou not be ashamed for all thy doings, wherein thou hast transgressed against me: for then I will take away out of the midst of thee them that rejoice in thy pride, and thou shalt no more be haughty because of my holy mountain.

Ezekiel 37:23

Neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions: but I will save them out of all their dwellingplaces, wherein they have sinned, and will cleanse them: so shall they be my people, and I will be their God.

Isaiah 60:15

¶ Whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated, so that no man went through [thee], I will make thee an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations.

Jeremiah 25:29

For, lo, I begin to bring evil on the city which is called by my name, and should ye be utterly unpunished? Ye shall not be unpunished: for I will call for a sword upon all the inhabitants of the earth, saith the LORD of hosts.

Genesis 49:22

¶ Joseph [is] a fruitful bough, [even] a fruitful bough by a well; [whose] branches run over the wall: