Nahum 2:3

KJV

The shield of his mighty men is made red, the valiant men [are] in scarlet: the chariots [shall be] with flaming torches in the day of his preparation, and the fir trees shall be terribly shaken.

KJV (with Strong's)

The shield {H4043} of his mighty men {H1368} is made red {H119}, the valiant {H2428} men {H582} are in scarlet {H8529}: the chariots {H7393} shall be with flaming {H784} torches {H6393} in the day {H3117} of his preparation {H3559}, and the fir trees {H1265} shall be terribly shaken {H7477}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The shields of [Ninveh's] warriors are [dyed] red; the soldiers are wearing scarlet. The steel of the chariots flashes like fire as they prepare for battle. The cypress [spears] are poisoned.

Berean Standard Bible

The shields of his mighty men are red; the valiant warriors are dressed in scarlet. The fittings of the chariots flash like fire on the day they are prepared, and the spears of cypress have been brandished.

American Standard Version

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 cypress spears are brandished.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nahum 2:3 vividly portrays the terrifying and overwhelming military might poised to strike Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, as an instrument of God's impending judgment. The verse describes the attackers' shields dyed red, their valiant warriors clad in scarlet, and their chariots blazing with fiery torches, all prepared for the decisive "day of his preparation." This imagery culminates in the metaphor of "fir trees being terribly shaken," signifying the utter panic, chaos, and desolation that will engulf the city, underscoring the certainty and ferocity of Nineveh's divinely ordained destruction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nahum's prophecy is a singular oracle against Nineveh, contrasting sharply with Jonah's earlier message of repentance. Chapter 1 establishes Yahweh's character as a jealous, avenging God who is slow to anger but will not leave the guilty unpunished, setting the stage for the coming judgment. Chapter 2 then launches into a dramatic, almost cinematic description of the siege and fall of Nineveh. Verse 3, specifically, is part of a vivid battle scene that begins in [Nahum 2:1](/nahum/2-1 "Nahum 2:1 - The Besiegers Arrive") with a call to "guard the fortress, watch the road," and continues through [Nahum 2:10](/nahum/2-10 "Nahum 2:10 - Nineveh's Desolation"), detailing the city's plunder and desolation. This verse focuses on the terrifying appearance and readiness of the attacking forces, building suspense and emphasizing the inevitability of the city's demise.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Nineveh was the formidable capital of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, renowned for its military prowess, brutal conquests, and oppressive rule over conquered peoples, including Israel and Judah. By Nahum's time (likely late 7th century BCE), Assyria had been a dominant power for centuries, known for its cruelty, deportation policies, and idolatry. The city itself was heavily fortified, considered impregnable. The description of "red shields" and "scarlet" warriors aligns with ancient military practices where armies would use specific colors, often associated with bloodshed or power, for intimidation and identification. "Flaming torches" on chariots could refer to actual incendiary devices used in siege warfare or simply the terrifying, fiery glint of polished metal in the sun, creating an image of overwhelming, destructive power. The "day of his preparation" refers to the meticulous organization and readiness for a major military campaign, highlighting the deliberate and overwhelming nature of the assault.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Nahum. The most prominent is **Divine Judgment and Retribution**, where God uses human instruments (in this case, the Babylonians and Medes, though not explicitly named) to execute His righteous wrath against a wicked and oppressive nation. It also underscores **God's Sovereignty over Nations**, demonstrating that even the most powerful empires are subject to His ultimate authority and justice, as seen in [Nahum 1:3](/nahum/1-3 "Nahum 1:3 - God's Power and Justice"). The vivid imagery also highlights the **Military Might and Terror** associated with divine judgment, portraying an unstoppable force that will bring **Utter Destruction and Desolation** upon Nineveh, a theme echoed in the prophetic declarations of its complete ruin in [Nahum 3:1-7](/nahum/3-1-7 "Nahum 3:1-7 - Nineveh's Woe and Fall").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **red (Hebrew, _ʼâdam'_):** From H119, meaning "to show blood (in the face), i.e.; flush or turn rosy; be (dyed, made) red (ruddy)." In this context, it describes the shields of the mighty men, suggesting they are either literally painted red, perhaps with blood or a dye symbolizing bloodshed, or are polished to a fiery, reddish gleam, indicative of their readiness for violent conflict and the blood that will be shed.
* **mighty men (Hebrew, _gibbôwr'_):** From H1368, meaning "powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant; champion, chief, excel, giant, man, mighty (man, one), strong (man), valiant man." This term emphasizes the formidable strength, valor, and elite status of the attacking soldiers, portraying them as exceptionally strong and skilled warriors, perfectly suited to execute God's decree against Nineveh.
* **terribly shaken (Hebrew, _râʻal'_):** From H7477, a primitive root meaning "to reel, i.e. (figuratively) to brandish; terribly shake." This word vividly describes the violent, convulsive movement of the "fir trees," which serves as a powerful metaphor for the widespread panic, fear, and instability that will grip Nineveh and its inhabitants as the overwhelming attack commences. It suggests a profound and unsettling disturbance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The shield of his mighty men is made red,"**: This clause immediately sets a tone of impending violence. The shields, typically defensive, are presented as instruments of terror, either literally dyed red to symbolize bloodshed and war, or reflecting the fiery light of the battle, creating a menacing appearance. This color is a direct visual warning of the carnage to come.
* **"the valiant men [are] in scarlet:"**: Complementing the red shields, the warriors themselves are adorned in scarlet. Scarlet, often a color of royalty or wealth, here likely signifies their elite status and their readiness for battle, possibly hinting at the blood that will stain their garments or the ferocity of their intent. It contributes to the overall terrifying and imposing visual of the approaching army.
* **"the chariots [shall be] with flaming torches in the day of his preparation,"**: This phrase introduces the dynamic and destructive element of the chariots. "Flaming torches" could refer to actual fire-bearing instruments used to ignite structures or create confusion, or to the glinting, fiery appearance of the chariots' metalwork as they are prepared for battle. "The day of his preparation" underscores the meticulous and overwhelming readiness of these forces, indicating that the assault is not a spontaneous event but a divinely orchestrated, fully equipped, and imminent operation.
* **"and the fir trees shall be terribly shaken."**: This powerful metaphorical statement concludes the verse, shifting from the direct description of the army to the effect of its arrival. Fir trees, often symbols of strength and stability, being "terribly shaken" conveys the profound and widespread panic, chaos, and desolation that will sweep through Nineveh. It suggests that nothing, not even the strongest elements or fortifications, will remain stable or untouched by the overwhelming force of the judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Nahum 2:3 is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid and terrifying picture of the attacking army. The use of colors like **red** and **scarlet** is a powerful form of **Symbolism**, directly associating the forces with bloodshed, war, and destruction. The phrase "flaming torches" on chariots employs **Visual Imagery** to evoke a sense of fiery, destructive power, possibly also hinting at **Hyperbole** to emphasize the terror. The concluding phrase, "the fir trees shall be terribly shaken," is a potent **Metaphor** for the widespread panic and instability that will grip Nineveh. The fir trees, typically sturdy, represent the foundations and inhabitants of the city, and their violent shaking underscores the complete and overwhelming nature of the impending devastation. This **Sensory Language** creates an atmosphere of dread and inevitability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nahum 2:3 serves as a stark reminder of God's unwavering justice and His ultimate sovereignty over all earthly powers. The vivid depiction of the attacking army is not merely a historical account but a theological statement: God is actively involved in history, raising up and bringing down nations according to His righteous will. Nineveh's fall, orchestrated by God, demonstrates that persistent wickedness and oppression will inevitably face divine retribution. This passage affirms that God sees the suffering of the oppressed and will act decisively to bring justice, even against seemingly invincible empires. It underscores the principle that no human power can ultimately defy the moral order established by the Creator.

* [Isaiah 13:3-5](/isaiah/13-3-5 "Isaiah 13:3-5 - God Summons His Army")
* [Jeremiah 51:20-23](/jeremiah/51-20-23 "Jeremiah 51:20-23 - Babylon as God's Battle-Axe")
* [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ as the Victorious Warrior")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nahum 2:3, while describing a historical judgment, carries timeless implications for our understanding of God's character and our own lives. It compels us to recognize that God is not indifferent to injustice or human cruelty. The meticulous "preparation" of the forces against Nineveh reminds us that God's justice is not haphazard but deliberate, comprehensive, and certain. For those who perpetuate injustice or live in defiance of God's ways, this verse serves as a sobering warning of the inevitable consequences. Conversely, for those who are oppressed or suffer under the weight of injustice, it offers profound hope and assurance that God is a righteous judge who will ultimately intervene, bringing down the proud and delivering the afflicted. It calls us to trust in His perfect timing and His unwavering commitment to justice, even when circumstances seem overwhelmingly bleak.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "red shields" and "flaming torches" challenge or affirm your understanding of God's nature and His methods of justice?**
* **In what ways might we, individually or as a society, be prone to the kind of arrogance and oppression that characterized Nineveh, and how does this verse serve as a warning?**
* **How can the assurance of God's ultimate justice, as depicted in Nahum 2:3, provide comfort and hope to those experiencing injustice today?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the colors "red" and "scarlet" in Nahum 2:3?**

Answer: In Nahum 2:3, the colors "red" for the shields and "scarlet" for the valiant men are highly symbolic and contribute significantly to the terrifying imagery of the attacking army. Biblically, red and scarlet are frequently associated with war, bloodshed, violence, and judgment. For example, in [Isaiah 63:2-3](/isaiah/63-2-3 "Isaiah 63:2-3 - God's Garments Stained with Blood"), God's garments are stained red from treading the winepress of His wrath. The use of these colors here emphasizes the brutal and destructive nature of the impending attack on Nineveh, signaling the immense amount of blood that will be shed and the ferocity of the divine retribution. They serve as a visual declaration of war and an omen of the city's violent end.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Nahum 2:3 describes a historical judgment on Nineveh, its underlying themes find ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "day of his preparation" for judgment against a wicked empire foreshadows the ultimate "Day of the Lord" when Christ will return to execute final judgment and establish His righteous kingdom. The terrifying military might depicted here, though a human army, points to the unmatched power and authority of Christ, who is described in [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ, the Rider on the White Horse") as a conquering warrior, whose eyes are "like a flame of fire" and whose robe is "dipped in blood." Just as Nineveh's oppressive reign was brought to an end, Christ's return will decisively defeat all forms of evil, oppression, and rebellion against God, bringing complete justice and establishing an eternal reign of righteousness and peace, as promised in [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Prince of Peace"). The shaking of the "fir trees" in Nahum's prophecy, symbolizing the terror and instability of judgment, finds its ultimate parallel in the shaking of all things that are not of God, leading to the unshakable kingdom of Christ (cf. [Hebrews 12:26-29](/hebrews/12-26-29 "The Unshakable Kingdom")). Thus, Nahum's prophecy, while terrifying for Nineveh, ultimately points to the hope of Christ's victorious reign where justice will finally prevail.

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

Ezekiel 23:14

And [that] she increased her whoredoms: for when she saw men pourtrayed upon the wall, the images of the Chaldeans pourtrayed with vermilion,

Ezekiel 23:15

Girded with girdles upon their loins, exceeding in dyed attire upon their heads, all of them princes to look to, after the manner of the Babylonians of Chaldea, the land of their nativity:

Isaiah 63:1

¶ Who [is] this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this [that is] glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.

Isaiah 63:3

I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people [there was] none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment.

Zechariah 6:2

In the first chariot [were] red horses; and in the second chariot black horses;

Revelation 6:4

And there went out another horse [that was] red: and [power] was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.

Zechariah 1:8

I saw by night, and behold a man riding upon a red horse, and he stood among the myrtle trees that [were] in the bottom; and behind him [were there] red horses, speckled, and white.