Nahum 2:5

KJV

He shall recount his worthies: they shall stumble in their walk; they shall make haste to the wall thereof, and the defence shall be prepared.

KJV (with Strong's)

He shall recount {H2142} his worthies {H117}: they shall stumble {H3782} in their walk {H1979}; they shall make haste {H4116} to the wall {H2346} thereof, and the defence {H5526} shall be prepared {H3559}.

Complete Jewish Bible

[The king of Ninveh] assigns his officers; they stumble as they march; they hurry to its wall and set up shields to protect the battering ram.

Berean Standard Bible

He summons his nobles; they stumble as they advance. They race to its wall; the protective shield is set in place.

American Standard Version

He remembereth his nobles: they stumble in their march; they make haste to the wall thereof, and the mantelet is prepared.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nahum 2:5 vividly portrays the desperate, last-ditch efforts of the Assyrian king to rally his most formidable warriors as Nineveh faces its imminent and catastrophic fall. The verse depicts the king's frantic review of his elite "worthies," only for them to stumble in their disorganized haste towards the city walls, highlighting the futility of their defense and the sudden, overwhelming nature of divine judgment against the once-invincible capital.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nahum 2:5 is situated within the heart of Nahum's oracle against Nineveh, specifically in the second chapter which graphically describes the siege and destruction of the Assyrian capital. Following the declaration of God's vengeance and justice in [Nahum 1](/nahum/1 "Nahum 1 - God's Vengeance Against Nineveh"), chapter 2 shifts to a vivid, almost cinematic portrayal of the invading army's advance and Nineveh's demise. Verses 1-4 set the stage with the approach of the besiegers and the initial chaos within the city. Verse 5 zeroes in on the king's frantic attempts to organize a defense, immediately followed by the collapse of the city's defenses and the flight of its inhabitants in [Nahum 2:6-10](/nahum/2-6-10 "Nahum 2:6-10 - Nineveh's Collapse and Plunder"). This verse serves as a pivotal moment, illustrating the transition from a perceived state of power to one of utter disarray and impending doom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Nahum is directed squarely at Nineveh, the capital of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, which was the dominant superpower of the ancient Near East from the 9th to the 7th centuries BCE. Known for its ruthless military campaigns, brutal treatment of conquered peoples, and extensive idolatry, Assyria had been God's instrument of judgment against the northern kingdom of Israel and had severely oppressed Judah. Nineveh itself was a massive, heavily fortified city, considered impregnable, with formidable walls and a reputation for military might. The historical context for Nahum's prophecy is the period leading up to Nineveh's actual fall in 612 BCE to a coalition of Babylonian and Median forces. The "worthies" mentioned in the verse refer to the elite, highly trained soldiers of the Assyrian army, renowned for their discipline and effectiveness. The "wall" is the literal, massive defensive structure of Nineveh, a symbol of its strength and security. The scene captures the sudden, unexpected panic of a once-proud empire facing its ultimate demise.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Nahum and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **Sovereignty of God over Nations**, demonstrating that no human empire, however mighty or fortified, can ultimately withstand the divine will when judgment is decreed. Nineveh's fall, despite its "worthies" and "wall," is a testament to God's ultimate control, a truth echoed in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Certainty and Justice of Divine Judgment** against unrepentant wickedness. Nineveh's long history of violence, oppression, and idolatry, as detailed in [Nahum 3:1-4](/nahum/3-1-4 "Nahum 3:1-4 - Nineveh's Woe and Whoredoms"), culminates in this catastrophic end, serving as a stark warning. Finally, it conveys the theme of **Futility of Human Strength and Security** when confronted with God's purposes. The "stumbling" and "haste" of the elite soldiers emphasize their disarray and the breakdown of their famed military prowess, illustrating that true security is not found in human defenses but in the Lord, as affirmed in [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **recount (Hebrew, _zâkar'_):** (H2142) From a primitive root meaning "to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e. to remember; by implication, to mention." In this context, it signifies the king's desperate act of mustering, reviewing, or calling to mind his elite troops. It's not a calm, orderly inspection but a frantic attempt to rally forces in the face of imminent danger, suggesting a last-ditch effort to recall their past prowess.
* **worthies (Hebrew, _ʼaddîyr'_):** (H117) Derived from a root meaning "wide or (generally) large; figuratively, powerful." This term refers to the mighty, noble, or majestic ones—the elite, most powerful, and distinguished soldiers or leaders of the Assyrian army. The use of this word emphasizes the high caliber of the forces being summoned, making their subsequent "stumbling" even more striking and indicative of the overwhelming nature of the invasion.
* **stumble (Hebrew, _kâshal'_):** (H3782) A primitive root meaning "to totter or waver (through weakness of the legs, especially the ankle); by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall." This word vividly portrays the disarray, panic, and loss of composure among the Assyrian soldiers. It suggests a lack of coordination, a breakdown of discipline, and perhaps even a literal tripping or falling as they rush in confusion, signifying the immediate and devastating impact of the siege on their morale and effectiveness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He shall recount his worthies":** This clause describes the Assyrian king's urgent and desperate action. Faced with the invading forces, he attempts to muster, review, or call forth his most elite and powerful warriors. The act of "recounting" implies a frantic effort to assess and deploy his best, suggesting a moment of crisis where every capable soldier is needed for defense.
* **"they shall stumble in their walk;":** Despite being the "worthies" or elite soldiers, their movement is characterized by disarray and instability. "Stumble in their walk" vividly portrays their panic, disorganization, and lack of coordinated movement. It suggests a literal tripping or faltering, symbolizing the breakdown of their famed military discipline and the overwhelming fear that has gripped them.
* **"they shall make haste to the wall thereof,":** Driven by urgency and fear, these soldiers rush towards the city's defensive wall. The "haste" indicates a desperate, perhaps ill-conceived, attempt to shore up defenses against the rapidly advancing enemy. It underscores the suddenness of the attack and the lack of prepared, orderly resistance.
* **"and the defence shall be prepared.":** This final clause, often interpreted with a sense of irony, suggests that despite their frantic efforts, the "defence" (or "covering/protection" in the Hebrew) will indeed be set up—but not effectively for their protection. It might imply a hastily erected, inadequate defense, or even that the defense is prepared *for* the enemy's assault, rather than *against* it, highlighting the futility of their last-minute efforts against God's decreed judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Nahum 2:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of impending doom. **Vivid Imagery** is paramount, painting a dynamic scene of a king frantically rallying his elite soldiers who, instead of marching in disciplined formation, "stumble in their walk" as they "make haste to the wall." This creates a powerful mental picture of chaos and disarray. **Irony** is subtly present in the phrase "and the defence shall be prepared." Given the context of Nineveh's inevitable fall, this preparation is portrayed as ultimately futile, serving not to save the city but to mark the final moments of its resistance before collapse. The very act of preparing a defense highlights its inadequacy against a divinely ordained judgment. Furthermore, the verse functions as **Foreshadowing**, as the stumbling and haste of the "worthies" prefigure the complete overthrow and destruction of Nineveh itself, which is detailed in the subsequent verses. This immediate breakdown of the elite forces signals the broader, unavoidable collapse of the entire city.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nahum 2:5 powerfully illustrates the biblical truth that no human power, however great or well-defended, can ultimately stand against the sovereign will and righteous judgment of God. The scene of the Assyrian king's "worthies" stumbling in disarray underscores the futility of relying on human strength and military might when divine judgment is set in motion. This passage serves as a profound reminder that God is the ultimate ruler of nations, raising up and bringing down kingdoms according to His perfect plan. It teaches that unrepentant wickedness, even in the most powerful empires, will eventually face divine reckoning, offering both a warning to the proud and comfort to the oppressed. The panic and disorganization depicted are a direct consequence of Nineveh's long history of cruelty and idolatry, demonstrating that God's justice is not arbitrary but a righteous response to sin.

* [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalms/33-16-17 "Psalm 33:16-17 - No King is Saved by the Size of His Army")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Isaiah 14:24-27](/isaiah/14-24-27 "Isaiah 14:24-27 - The Lord of Hosts Has Sworn")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nahum 2:5, while depicting a historical judgment, offers profound insights for contemporary reflection and application. It challenges us to examine where we place our ultimate trust and security. Do we, like the Assyrians, rely on our own strength, resources, or the perceived invincibility of our systems and institutions? This verse serves as a stark reminder that all human constructs, no matter how formidable, are ultimately fragile and temporary in the face of God's sovereign power. It calls us to cultivate humility, recognizing that true security and lasting peace are found only in God, not in human might or elaborate defenses. Furthermore, it encourages us to consider the consequences of unrepentant sin, both individually and corporately. Just as Nineveh's pride and cruelty led to its downfall, so too can persistent rebellion against God's ways lead to spiritual and societal collapse. The passage invites us to repent, align our lives with God's righteous standards, and place our hope in His unfailing faithfulness, rather than in the fleeting strength of this world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "worthies" or strengths do I tend to rely on in my own life, rather than placing my full trust in God?**
* **How does the "stumbling" of Nineveh's elite forces challenge my perception of human power and control?**
* **In what ways does this verse encourage me to live in greater humility and dependence on God?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "worthies" mentioned in Nahum 2:5, and why do they "stumble"?**

Answer: The "worthies" (Hebrew: *ʼaddîyrîm*) refer to the elite, powerful, and noble soldiers or leaders of the Assyrian army. They represent the best and most formidable of Nineveh's military might. They "stumble" because, despite their prowess, they are overwhelmed by the suddenness and ferocity of the invasion, which is divinely ordained. Their stumbling symbolizes the breakdown of their discipline, their panic, and the ultimate futility of human strength against God's judgment. It illustrates that even the most well-trained and powerful forces are powerless when God's decree is against them, leading to disarray and a loss of composure that contributes to their defeat. This is a stark contrast to the expected order and might of such an army, emphasizing the chaotic nature of Nineveh's final moments.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Nahum 2:5 describes a historical judgment against Nineveh, its theological undercurrents find ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "stumbling" of Nineveh's "worthies" foreshadows the ultimate futility of all earthly powers and kingdoms that oppose God's reign. In Christ, we see the true and eternal King, whose kingdom is not of this world and will never be overthrown, unlike Nineveh's ephemeral empire ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom Is Not of This World")). Jesus, the Lamb of God, disarmed the spiritual "worthies" of darkness—principalities and powers—on the cross, triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Disarming the Powers")). The judgment against Nineveh, a city renowned for its violence and oppression, points forward to Christ's ultimate victory over sin, death, and all forms of evil. He is the righteous Judge who will one day bring all earthly kingdoms to account, but also the merciful Savior who offers refuge and true security to those who trust in Him, a security far greater than any "defence" built by human hands ([Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations")). Thus, Nahum's prophecy, while a word of judgment for Nineveh, ultimately magnifies the unshakeable sovereignty and redemptive power of God revealed perfectly in Christ, who establishes a kingdom that cannot be shaken ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken")).

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

Jeremiah 46:12

¶ The nations have heard of thy shame, and thy cry hath filled the land: for the mighty man hath stumbled against the mighty, [and] they are fallen both together.

Nahum 3:18

Thy shepherds slumber, O king of Assyria: thy nobles shall dwell [in the dust]: thy people is scattered upon the mountains, and no man gathereth [them].

Jeremiah 51:27

Set ye up a standard in the land, blow the trumpet among the nations, prepare the nations against her, call together against her the kingdoms of Ararat, Minni, and Ashchenaz; appoint a captain against her; cause the horses to come up as the rough caterpillers.

Jeremiah 51:28

Prepare against her the nations with the kings of the Medes, the captains thereof, and all the rulers thereof, and all the land of his dominion.

Nahum 3:3

The horseman lifteth up both the bright sword and the glittering spear: and [there is] a multitude of slain, and a great number of carcases; and [there is] none end of [their] corpses; they stumble upon their corpses:

Jeremiah 50:29

Call together the archers against Babylon: all ye that bend the bow, camp against it round about; let none thereof escape: recompense her according to her work; according to all that she hath done, do unto her: for she hath been proud against the LORD, against the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 5:27

None shall be weary nor stumble among them; none shall slumber nor sleep; neither shall the girdle of their loins be loosed, nor the latchet of their shoes be broken: