Nahum 2:7

KJV

And Huzzab shall be led away captive, she shall be brought up, and her maids shall lead [her] as with the voice of doves, tabering upon their breasts.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Huzzab {H5324} shall be led away captive {H1540}, she shall be brought up {H5927}, and her maids {H519} shall lead {H5090} her as with the voice {H6963} of doves {H3123}, tabering {H8608} upon their breasts {H3824}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Its mistress is stripped and carried away; her handmaids moan, they sound like doves, as they beat their breasts.

Berean Standard Bible

It is decreed that the city be exiled and carried away; her maidservants moan like doves, and beat upon their breasts.

American Standard Version

And it is decreed: she is uncovered, she is carried away; and her handmaids moan as with the voice of doves, beating upon their breasts.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nahum 2:7 vividly portrays the utter humiliation and despair accompanying the fall of Nineveh, the formidable capital of the Assyrian Empire. The verse describes "Huzzab," likely a personification of the city or its queen, being led away in ignominious captivity. Her attendant maids follow, lamenting with the mournful cooing of doves and beating their breasts in a public display of profound grief, symbolizing the complete reversal of Nineveh's once-unrivaled power and the devastating consequences of its persistent wickedness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nahum 2:7 is situated within a dramatic prophetic oracle against Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, following an initial announcement of its impending destruction in [Nahum 1](/nahum/1 "Nahum 1 - The Lord's Vengeance Against Nineveh"). Chapters 2 and 3 detail the vivid imagery of a siege, the city's fall, and the subsequent desolation, emphasizing the swift and total nature of God's judgment. This particular verse focuses on the personal humiliation of the city's inhabitants, specifically its leading women, providing a poignant human dimension to the broader military conquest described in the surrounding verses. It contrasts sharply with the earlier account of Nineveh's repentance under [Jonah's preaching](/jonah/3-4 "Jonah 3:4 - Jonah's Prophecy to Nineveh") centuries prior, highlighting that God's patience, though vast, is not infinite when wickedness returns.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Assyrian Empire was the dominant superpower of the ancient Near East from the 9th to the 7th centuries BCE, renowned for its military might, brutal conquest tactics, and ruthless oppression of conquered peoples, including Israel. Nineveh, its capital, was a massive, heavily fortified city, seemingly impregnable. The prophecy of Nahum was delivered around the mid-7th century BCE, likely before Nineveh's actual fall in 612 BCE to a coalition of Babylonian and Median forces. Culturally, the act of leading away captives, especially women, was a common practice in ancient warfare, often involving public humiliation and stripping, signifying complete subjugation. The customs of mourning, such as the mournful sounds of doves and the beating of breasts, were widely recognized expressions of deep grief and despair in the ancient Near East, reflecting profound national or personal calamity.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Nahum and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Retribution**, underscoring God's unwavering commitment to justice against oppressive and wicked nations. Nineveh's downfall demonstrates that no empire, however powerful, is beyond the reach of divine accountability, reinforcing the [Lord's ultimate sovereignty over all nations](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms"). Another significant theme is the **Humiliation of the Mighty**, as Nineveh, once a symbol of terror and strength, is depicted as utterly brought low, its pride shattered. Finally, the imagery of wailing maids and mournful doves highlights the theme of **Profound Lamentation and Despair**, illustrating the deep sorrow and irreversible loss that accompanies such a catastrophic defeat, a common motif in prophetic books describing national ruin, such as those found in [Lamentations](/lamentations/1 "Lamentations 1 - The Desolation of Jerusalem").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Huzzab (Hebrew, _nâtsab'_):** This term (H5324) is a point of scholarly discussion. While some interpret it as a proper name, possibly referring to a queen or prominent female figure, the more common and widely accepted interpretation, derived from the root "nâtsab" (to station, establish, set up), views it as a descriptive noun. In this sense, "Huzzab" refers to "that which is established" or "the queen," personifying Nineveh itself or its established strength and royal dignity. Thus, the verse speaks to the downfall of the city's very essence and established power.
* **led away captive (Hebrew, _gâlâh'_):** The Hebrew word (H1540) means "to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal." This emphasizes not just the act of being taken away but the inherent disgrace, vulnerability, and public humiliation associated with being stripped and exiled. It signifies a complete loss of freedom, dignity, and homeland.
* **tabering (Hebrew, _tâphaph'_):** This word (H8608) means "to drum, i.e., play (as) on the tambourine." When applied to "upon their breasts," it describes the act of beating one's chest, a common ancient Near Eastern gesture of intense grief, sorrow, and self-affliction in mourning rituals. It signifies deep emotional pain, lamentation, and overwhelming despair over irreversible loss, rather than a musical performance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Huzzab shall be led away captive":** This clause pronounces the inevitable fate of Nineveh, personified as "Huzzab." Whether a specific queen or the city's established power, she will be subjected to the ultimate disgrace of captivity, signaling the complete reversal of Nineveh's dominion and the triumph of God's judgment.
* **"she shall be brought up":** This phrase likely refers to being brought up out of the city's defenses or from a place of apparent safety, perhaps to be publicly displayed or marched away as a prisoner. It emphasizes the forced removal and public nature of her humiliation.
* **"and her maids shall lead [her] as with the voice of doves":** The attendants or handmaids of "Huzzab" are depicted as leading her, implying their own shared fate of captivity and sorrow. The simile "as with the voice of doves" vividly conveys their lamentation. Doves, known for their soft, mournful cooing, symbolize quiet, profound grief, distress, and lament, indicating a deep, almost hushed, sorrow rather than loud wailing.
* **"tabering upon their breasts":** This final phrase describes a traditional act of mourning. The maids are beating their chests, a physical manifestation of intense emotional pain, lamentation, and self-affliction. This gesture underscores the depth of their despair and the public acknowledgment of their overwhelming loss and suffering.

#### Literary Devices
Nahum 2:7 is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of Nineveh's downfall. We see the visual of "Huzzab" (the city personified) being led away, the maids following, and the physical act of "tabering upon their breasts." The auditory imagery of the "voice of doves" evokes a mournful sound, emphasizing the quiet despair. **Personification** is central, as "Huzzab" represents Nineveh, giving the abstract concept of a city's fall a human, relatable dimension of humiliation and suffering. The phrase "as with the voice of doves" employs a powerful **Simile**, comparing the maids' lament to the mournful cooing of doves, which was a well-understood symbol of sorrow in the ancient world. This combination of devices creates a deeply emotional and impactful portrayal of utter defeat and lamentation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nahum 2:7 profoundly illustrates the principle of divine justice and the ultimate accountability of all nations before God. It serves as a stark reminder that even the most formidable and oppressive powers, like Assyria, are subject to the Lord's righteous judgment when their wickedness and cruelty persist. The humiliation of Nineveh, once a terror to the world, demonstrates God's sovereignty over human history and His commitment to delivering justice for the oppressed. This passage offers both a warning against pride and a comforting assurance to those who suffer under tyranny, knowing that God sees and will act.

* [Isaiah 13:6-8](/isaiah/13-6-8 "Isaiah 13:6-8 - The Day of the Lord's Wrath")
* [Lamentations 1:1-3](/lamentations/1-1-3 "Lamentations 1:1-3 - Jerusalem's Desolation")
* [Revelation 18:2-3](/revelation/18-2-3 "Revelation 18:2-3 - The Fall of Babylon")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The vivid imagery of Nahum 2:7, though depicting an ancient judgment, carries timeless lessons for our lives today. It calls us to reflect on the transient nature of earthly power and the enduring reality of divine justice. For individuals and nations alike, it serves as a sobering reminder that unchecked pride, cruelty, and oppression ultimately lead to a reckoning. We are challenged to examine our own hearts and societies for any patterns of injustice or arrogance that might invite God's displeasure. Conversely, for those who feel oppressed or witness injustice, this verse offers a profound source of hope and comfort, affirming that God is not indifferent to suffering and will ultimately bring about justice. It encourages us to cultivate humility, practice compassion for the vulnerable, and place our ultimate trust not in human might or fleeting empires, but in the righteous and sovereign God who holds all things in His hands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be susceptible to the pride and arrogance that characterized Nineveh?**
* **How does the certainty of God's justice in this passage encourage me when I witness injustice in the world today?**
* **What does the deep lamentation of the captive women teach me about empathy and compassion for those who suffer, even if they are on the "losing" side of a conflict?**
* **How does this prophecy reinforce my trust in God's ultimate control over history and His commitment to fulfilling His word?**

### FAQ

**Who is "Huzzab" in Nahum 2:7?**

Answer: The identity of "Huzzab" (Hebrew: חֻצָּב, _ḥuṣṣāb_) is a subject of scholarly debate. Some interpretations suggest it is a proper name, possibly referring to a specific queen or a prominent female figure within Nineveh. However, a more common and widely accepted interpretation is that it is not a proper name but a descriptive noun derived from the Hebrew root _nâtsab_ (H5324), meaning "to station," "establish," or "set up." In this view, "Huzzab" refers to "that which is established" or "the queen," serving as a personification of Nineveh itself or its established strength and royal dignity. This interpretation emphasizes the downfall of the city's very essence and its once-unshakeable power, rather than a single individual. Regardless of the precise identity, the term powerfully conveys the humiliation and capture of Nineveh's most esteemed or symbolic representation.

**What does "tabering upon their breasts" mean in the context of this verse?**

Answer: "Tabering" (Hebrew: _tâphaph_, H8608) literally means to drum or play on a tambourine. However, in the context of "upon their breasts," it describes a common ancient Near Eastern gesture of intense grief, sorrow, and self-affliction in mourning rituals. It signifies the act of beating or striking one's chest as a public and visceral expression of deep emotional pain, lamentation, and overwhelming despair over profound loss. This action, often accompanied by wailing or mournful sounds, was a recognized sign of extreme sorrow and distress, underscoring the complete and devastating defeat experienced by the women of Nineveh. Similar expressions of grief are found elsewhere in the Bible, such as in [Jeremiah 31:19](/jeremiah/31-19 "Jeremiah 31:19 - Ephraim's Lament").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Nahum 2:7 directly prophesies the judgment of Nineveh, its Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the broader theological themes it presents: divine justice, the fall of oppressive kingdoms, and the ultimate triumph of God's righteous rule. Christ is the ultimate embodiment of God's justice, who will one day return to execute judgment upon all unrighteousness and establish His eternal kingdom (as prophesied in [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Return as Judge")). The lamentation described in Nahum 2:7 foreshadows the sorrow and despair that will befall those who reject God, yet it also highlights Christ as the one who brings comfort and hope to those who mourn in a fallen world. He is the "Man of Sorrows" (as depicted in [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - The Suffering Servant")), who entered into human suffering, and through His sacrifice, offers a way out of the ultimate captivity of sin and death. Unlike Nineveh's temporary repentance, Christ offers eternal salvation and a kingdom that will never be led away captive, as described in [Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Everlasting Dominion of the Son of Man"). Thus, Nahum's prophecy of a proud empire's fall ultimately points to the enduring reign of the King of kings, whose kingdom is built on righteousness and whose justice brings true peace.

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

Isaiah 38:14

Like a crane [or] a swallow, so did I chatter: I did mourn as a dove: mine eyes fail [with looking] upward: O LORD, I am oppressed; undertake for me.

Isaiah 59:11

We roar all like bears, and mourn sore like doves: we look for judgment, but [there is] none; for salvation, [but] it is far off from us.

Luke 23:48

And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned.

Luke 23:27

And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him.

Isaiah 32:12

They shall lament for the teats, for the pleasant fields, for the fruitful vine.