Nahum 3:10

KJV

Yet [was] she carried away, she went into captivity: her young children also were dashed in pieces at the top of all the streets: and they cast lots for her honourable men, and all her great men were bound in chains.

KJV (with Strong's)

Yet was she carried away {H1473}, she went {H1980} into captivity {H7628}: her young children {H5768} also were dashed in pieces {H7376} at the top {H7218} of all the streets {H2351}: and they cast {H3032} lots {H1486} for her honourable men {H3513}, and all her great men {H1419} were bound {H7576} in chains {H2131}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Still she went captive into exile, her infants torn to pieces at every streetcorner. Lots were drawn for her nobles, and all her great men were bound in chains.

Berean Standard Bible

Yet she became an exile; she went into captivity. Her infants were dashed to pieces at the head of every street. They cast lots for her dignitaries, and all her nobles were bound in chains.

American Standard Version

Yet was she carried away, she went into captivity; her young children also were dashed in pieces at the head of all the streets; and they cast lots for her honorable men, and all her great men were bound in chains.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nahum 3:10 vividly portrays the utter devastation and brutal consequences that befall a conquered city, using the recent fall of Thebes (No-amon) as a stark example to warn Nineveh of its impending doom. The verse graphically details the horrors of ancient warfare, including the forced exile of its populace, the merciless slaying of innocent children, the casting of lots for its esteemed leaders, and the binding of its great men in chains, illustrating the complete humiliation and destruction awaiting those who defy divine justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nahum 3:10 continues the prophet's scathing indictment of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, by drawing a direct parallel to the fate of Thebes (No-amon), a powerful Egyptian city that Assyria itself had conquered and sacked in 663 BC. Verses [Nahum 3:8-9](/nahum/3-8-9 "Nahum 3:8-9 - The Fall of No-amon") explicitly mention Thebes' former might and its subsequent fall, asking Nineveh if it believes itself immune to such a destiny. Verse 3:10 then elaborates on the specific atrocities and humiliations that characterized Thebes' defeat, serving as a chilling prophetic mirror for Nineveh. The detailed imagery is not merely descriptive but serves as a rhetorical device to underscore the certainty and severity of Nineveh's own impending judgment, demonstrating that even the most formidable cities are vulnerable to God's sovereign hand.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Assyrian Empire, with Nineveh as its capital, was notorious for its unparalleled cruelty, military might, and oppressive rule throughout the ancient Near East. Their methods of conquest often involved mass deportations, brutal torture, and public humiliation of defeated enemies, including the slaughter of non-combatants and the enslavement of leaders. The fall of Thebes (No-amon), a major religious and political center in Egypt, was a well-known historical event at the time of Nahum's prophecy. Assyrian records boast of this conquest, detailing the plundering of its wealth and the enslavement of its people. By depicting Thebes' downfall in such graphic terms, Nahum reminds Nineveh of the very tactics it employed against others, implying a divine principle of "lex talionis" – that Nineveh would reap the same violent harvest it had sown. The practices of "dashing children" and "casting lots" for captives were grim realities of ancient siege warfare, designed to break the spirit of the conquered and assert total dominance.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Nahum and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Retribution and Justice**, demonstrating that God's patience with oppressive and cruel nations eventually runs out, and He will execute judgment commensurate with their wickedness. Nineveh, which had inflicted similar horrors on others, is now warned that it will face the same fate, fulfilling the principle found in [Obadiah 1:15](/obadiah/1-15 "Obadiah 1:15 - As You Have Done, It Shall Be Done to You"). Secondly, it highlights the **Fall of Mighty Empires**, illustrating that no earthly power, however formidable or well-fortified, is immune to divine judgment. Thebes' utter destruction serves as a potent example that even the most secure cities can be brought to ruin, emphasizing God's ultimate sovereignty over all nations, as declared in [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God Rules in the Kingdom of Men"). Lastly, the horrific details emphasize the **Consequences of Sin and Cruelty**, showing the devastating human cost of a nation's unbridled violence and wickedness, and serving as a stark warning against pride and oppression.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **carried away (Hebrew, _gôwlâh'_):** This term, derived from the root meaning "to uncover" or "to go into exile," signifies the forced removal of a population from their homeland. In the context of ancient warfare, it was a common practice for conquering empires like Assyria to deport defeated peoples to prevent rebellion and to integrate them into their own territories. Here, it emphasizes the complete disruption and loss of identity for the inhabitants of the conquered city, highlighting their powerlessness and the end of their communal existence in their ancestral land.
* **dashed in pieces (Hebrew, _râṭâsh'_):** This is a primitive root conveying extreme violence and destruction, specifically to "dash down" or "smash." When applied to children, as it is here, it depicts an act of unimaginable brutality and mercilessness. This horrific imagery was not uncommon in ancient Near Eastern warfare, serving as a terror tactic to utterly annihilate a people's future and to demonstrate the conqueror's absolute dominance. It underscores the utter depravity and ruthlessness of the conquering forces, and by extension, the severity of the judgment being described.
* **lots (Hebrew, _gôwrâl'_):** Literally meaning "a pebble" (as small stones were used for this purpose), this word refers to the practice of casting lots to make decisions or to divide spoils. In this context, it signifies the dehumanizing practice of distributing the captured "honourable men" as property among the victors. It highlights the complete loss of status, dignity, and personal autonomy for those who were once respected leaders, reducing them to mere objects to be divided. This act symbolizes the ultimate humiliation and subjugation of the conquered elite.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yet was she carried away, she went into captivity:"** This clause immediately establishes the fate of the city (Thebes, as an example for Nineveh): forced exile and enslavement. The repetition emphasizes the certainty and totality of this displacement, signifying the end of their independent existence and their reduction to a subjugated people. It speaks to the loss of home, freedom, and national identity.
* **"her young children also were dashed in pieces at the top of all the streets:"** This is the most shocking and grievous detail, depicting the merciless slaughter of infants and young children in public view. "At the top of all the streets" suggests a widespread, indiscriminate, and public act of brutality, designed to terrorize and utterly eradicate the future generation of the conquered city. It underscores the extreme cruelty of ancient warfare and the depth of the judgment.
* **"and they cast lots for her honourable men,"** This clause describes the fate of the city's elite and respected leaders. The act of "casting lots" for them signifies their complete dehumanization and reduction to mere spoils of war. They are no longer individuals with status or dignity but objects to be divided among the victors, highlighting the profound humiliation and loss of their former standing.
* **"and all her great men were bound in chains."** This final clause reinforces the subjugation of the city's powerful figures. "Great men" refers to those of high rank, wealth, or influence. Being "bound in chains" symbolizes their complete loss of freedom, power, and authority. They are paraded as captives, further demonstrating the conqueror's triumph and the utter defeat of the city's leadership.

#### Literary Devices
Nahum 3:10 is replete with vivid **Imagery**, painting a gruesome picture of a conquered city's fate. The descriptions of children "dashed in pieces" and "great men... bound in chains" are designed to evoke strong emotional responses and underscore the sheer brutality of the judgment. There is a profound sense of **Irony** at play, as Nahum describes Nineveh's impending doom using the very tactics and consequences that Nineveh itself inflicted upon others, particularly Thebes. This serves as a powerful rhetorical device, highlighting the principle that the oppressor will suffer the same fate. The verse also employs **Parallelism** by listing various forms of suffering—captivity, infanticide, humiliation of leaders, and enslavement—to create a cumulative effect, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the city's destruction and the multifaceted aspects of divine retribution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nahum 3:10 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle of divine justice and the ultimate accountability of nations before God. It serves as a stark reminder that unchecked cruelty, pride, and oppression will inevitably lead to judgment. The graphic details of suffering, though disturbing, are not gratuitous but underscore the severity of the sin that provokes such divine wrath, and simultaneously offer a measure of comfort to the oppressed, assuring them that God sees their suffering and will ultimately vindicate them. This passage affirms God's sovereignty over human empires, demonstrating that even the mightiest earthly powers are subject to His will and can be brought low. It also highlights the tragic consequences of human depravity when left unchecked, leading to cycles of violence and suffering.

* [Isaiah 13:16](/isaiah/13-16 "Isaiah 13:16 - Judgment on Babylon")
* [Lamentations 2:19](/lamentations/2-19 "Lamentations 2:19 - Desperation in Jerusalem's Fall")
* [Obadiah 1:15](/obadiah/1-15 "Obadiah 1:15 - The Day of the Lord Against Edom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nahum 3:10, though describing ancient horrors, carries profound contemporary relevance. It serves as a sobering reminder that God's justice is not a theoretical concept but an active force in history. For individuals and nations alike, it warns against the dangers of unchecked power, cruelty, and pride. When we witness or participate in systems that oppress the vulnerable, dehumanize others, or seek power through violence, this verse stands as a stark warning of inevitable consequences. Conversely, it offers a powerful message of hope and vindication for those who are oppressed, assuring them that their suffering is seen by a just God who will ultimately bring their oppressors to account. It calls believers to cultivate compassion for the vulnerable, to advocate for justice, and to remember that true security and lasting peace are found not in earthly might but in God's eternal kingdom. This passage compels us to examine our own hearts and societies for any remnants of the same pride and cruelty that brought about Nineveh's downfall, urging us toward humility, mercy, and righteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the graphic nature of Nahum 3:10 challenge or confirm your understanding of God's justice and wrath?**
* **In what ways do modern societies or individuals exhibit forms of "carrying away," "dashing in pieces," or "binding in chains" (metaphorically or literally) that reflect the cruelty described in this verse?**
* **What comfort or challenge does this passage offer to those who feel oppressed or powerless in their own contexts?**
* **How should the impermanence of earthly power, as depicted here, influence our priorities and where we place our ultimate trust?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Bible describe such violent acts, like children being "dashed in pieces"?**

Answer: The Bible, particularly in prophetic books like Nahum, often uses graphic and unvarnished language to describe the realities of ancient warfare and the consequences of divine judgment. These descriptions are not meant to glorify violence but to accurately portray the horrific brutality that was common in that era, especially by empires like Assyria. The purpose is twofold: first, to underscore the extreme wickedness of the nations being judged (in this case, Nineveh's own cruelty, which is now being turned back on them); and second, to emphasize the severity and totality of God's righteous judgment against sin and oppression. It serves as a stark warning and a testament to the depth of human depravity and the justness of God's response. Such passages remind us of the brokenness of the world and the profound need for God's ultimate redemption and peace.

**What does it mean that "they cast lots for her honourable men"?**

Answer: "Casting lots" was an ancient practice, often involving small stones or pieces of wood, used to make decisions or to divide spoils. In Nahum 3:10, it signifies the ultimate humiliation and dehumanization of the conquered city's elite. The "honourable men" – leaders, nobles, and respected figures – were stripped of all dignity and status, reduced to mere possessions to be distributed among the victorious soldiers as part of their plunder. This act highlights the complete subjugation of the city's leadership and the utter contempt with which the conquerors treated their former adversaries, symbolizing the total collapse of the city's social and political structure. It's a stark image of the powerful being utterly debased.

**How can a verse about such ancient brutality be relevant for Christians today?**

Answer: While the immediate context is historical, Nahum 3:10 offers timeless spiritual and theological lessons. Firstly, it affirms God's unwavering justice and sovereignty over all nations. It reminds us that no power, however mighty, can escape divine accountability for its cruelty and oppression. This provides comfort to the oppressed and a warning to the proud. Secondly, it exposes the devastating consequences of sin and human depravity, urging us to recognize the brokenness of the world and our need for God's redemptive work. For believers, it calls us to cultivate compassion, advocate for justice, and place our trust not in fleeting earthly powers but in the eternal kingdom of God. It also serves as a stark reminder of the ultimate judgment that awaits all unrighteousness, prompting us to live lives that reflect God's righteousness and mercy, as exemplified in [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nahum 3:10, with its grim depiction of judgment and suffering, finds profound resonance and ultimate resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the verse portrays the just judgment against a wicked city, Christ embodies both the ultimate Judge and the ultimate Lamb. He is the one to whom all judgment has been committed ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Son as Judge")), and His return will bring a final reckoning for all unrighteousness, where every knee will bow and every tongue confess His Lordship ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Jesus' Exaltation")). Yet, paradoxically, Christ also fulfills the imagery of suffering and humiliation. He, the truly "honourable man" and "great man" (the Son of God), was "bound in chains" (figuratively, by human authorities and ultimately by sin's power on the cross) and led to His execution. In a striking parallel to the "casting lots" for the honourable men, soldiers literally "cast lots" for His garments at the foot of the cross ([John 19:23-24](/john/19-23-24 "John 19:23-24 - Soldiers Cast Lots for Jesus' Clothes")), enduring the ultimate indignity for humanity's sin. Unlike the children "dashed in pieces," Christ's compassion for children was profound ([Matthew 19:14](/matthew/19-14 "Matthew 19:14 - Jesus Blesses the Children")), and He came to bring life, not destruction. His sacrifice on the cross breaks the chains of spiritual captivity, offering true freedom to those who were bound by sin ([Colossians 2:14-15](/colossians/2-14-15 "Colossians 2:14-15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Thus, while Nahum 3:10 reveals the terrifying consequences of divine justice against human evil, Christ reveals the depth of divine love that willingly endures such suffering to offer redemption, ultimately establishing a kingdom of peace and righteousness where such horrors will be no more ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Mourning")).

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 20:4

So shall the king of Assyria lead away the Egyptians prisoners, and the Ethiopians captives, young and old, naked and barefoot, even with [their] buttocks uncovered, to the shame of Egypt.

Joel 3:3

And they have cast lots for my people; and have given a boy for an harlot, and sold a girl for wine, that they might drink.

Hosea 13:16

Samaria shall become desolate; for she hath rebelled against her God: they shall fall by the sword: their infants shall be dashed in pieces, and their women with child shall be ripped up.

Obadiah 1:11

In the day that thou stoodest on the other side, in the day that the strangers carried away captive his forces, and foreigners entered into his gates, and cast lots upon Jerusalem, even thou [wast] as one of them.

Isaiah 13:16

Their children also shall be dashed to pieces before their eyes; their houses shall be spoiled, and their wives ravished.

Lamentations 2:19

Arise, cry out in the night: in the beginning of the watches pour out thine heart like water before the face of the Lord: lift up thy hands toward him for the life of thy young children, that faint for hunger in the top of every street.

Psalms 137:8

O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy [shall he be], that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us.