Nahum 2:3

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Context

Nahum's prophecy is a powerful declaration of God's impending judgment against Nineveh, the formidable capital of the Assyrian Empire. This verse, Nahum 2:3, forms part of a vivid description of the overwhelming military force that God would use to execute His divine retribution. After centuries of Assyrian brutality and oppression, and despite a previous period of repentance under Jonah's preaching (see Jonah 3:10), Nineveh had returned to its wicked ways. The prophet paints a picture of the attackers' terrifying preparation and appearance, signaling the inevitable and complete destruction of the city.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Retribution: The primary message is God's sovereign control over nations and His readiness to bring severe judgment upon those who persist in wickedness. The detailed imagery of the attacking army underscores the certainty and ferocity of Nineveh's doom.
  • Military Might and Terror: The description of "red shields," "valiant men in scarlet," and "chariots with flaming torches" depicts an incredibly formidable and terrifying military force. This imagery is designed to convey the overwhelming power arrayed against Nineveh, signaling utter defeat and instilling fear. It paints a vivid picture of intense, fiery warfare.
  • Unstoppable Destruction: The phrase "the fir trees shall be terribly shaken" serves as a powerful metaphor for the widespread panic, chaos, and desolation that will accompany Nineveh's fall. It suggests that nothing, not even strong fortifications or valuable resources like timber, will be able to withstand or escape the coming devastation.

Linguistic Insights

The colors "red" and "scarlet" used in this verse are highly symbolic. In biblical contexts, these hues frequently represent war, bloodshed, and violence, emphasizing the brutal and destructive nature of the impending attack on Nineveh. The phrase "the day of his preparation" (or "the day of his array" in some interpretations) refers to the meticulous and overwhelming readiness of the forces God has marshaled for this specific act of judgment, highlighting the divine orchestration behind the historical event.

Practical Application

Nahum 2:3 serves as a profound reminder of God's unwavering justice and His ultimate sovereignty over all earthly powers. Its application extends beyond ancient Nineveh:

  • God's Justice is Inescapable: This prophecy illustrates that no nation or individual can indefinitely defy God's moral law without facing consequences. The fall of Nineveh, once a seemingly invincible empire, demonstrates that all earthly powers are temporary and ultimately subject to God's will.
  • Warning Against Arrogance and Cruelty: Nineveh's downfall was a direct result of its pride, violence, and oppression. The verse implicitly warns against human arrogance, the abuse of power, and persistent wickedness.
  • Hope for the Oppressed: For those who are oppressed by tyrannical forces or experience injustice, this prophecy offers hope. It assures believers that God sees injustice and will, in His perfect timing, bring about justice and deliverance for His people, as promised in Nahum 1:7, "The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him."
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.
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