Nahum 3:13

KJV

Behold, thy people in the midst of thee [are] women: the gates of thy land shall be set wide open unto thine enemies: the fire shall devour thy bars.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, thy people {H5971} in the midst {H7130} of thee are women {H802}: the gates {H8179} of thy land {H776} shall be set wide {H6605} open {H6605} unto thine enemies {H341}: the fire {H784} shall devour {H398} thy bars {H1280}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Look at your troops! They behave like women! Your country's gates are wide open to your foes; fire has consumed their bars.

Berean Standard Bible

Look at your troops— they are like your women! The gates of your land are wide open to your enemies; fire consumes their bars.

American Standard Version

Behold, thy people in the midst of thee are women; the gates of thy land are set wide open unto thine enemies: the fire hath devoured thy bars.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nahum 3:13 vividly portrays the impending and complete collapse of Nineveh, the formidable capital of Assyria. The verse details the city's internal demoralization, depicting its once-feared warriors as utterly emasculated and devoid of courage. It then graphically illustrates the utter failure of Nineveh's physical defenses, with its gates standing wide open to invaders and its protective bars consumed by fire, signifying an inescapable and humiliating destruction as an act of divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nahum 3:13 is situated within the powerful "woe oracle" (Nahum 3:1-19) that pronounces the final, irreversible doom of Nineveh. It immediately follows vivid descriptions of the city's violent nature and its impending, bloody demise (Nahum 3:1-3). The preceding verses (Nahum 3:4-7) condemn Nineveh as a harlot, ensnaring nations through its sorceries and political machinations, and declare its public humiliation. Verses 8-10 serve as a stark historical parallel, reminding Nineveh of the fall of No-amon (Thebes), a once-mighty Egyptian city, to the Assyrians themselves, thereby demonstrating that even the most powerful cities are not immune to divine judgment. Verse 12 uses the metaphor of fig trees easily shaken, setting the stage for the complete vulnerability described in verse 13. This verse, therefore, acts as a pivotal moment, transitioning from the general pronouncement of judgment to the specific, humiliating details of Nineveh's internal and external collapse, leading into the final, mocking descriptions of its futile preparations and ultimate destruction (Nahum 3:14-19).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Assyrian Empire, with Nineveh as its capital, dominated the Near East from the 9th to the 7th centuries BC. They were notorious for their ruthless military tactics, including mass deportations, psychological warfare, and extreme cruelty, which had brought immense suffering to Judah and other nations. Nineveh itself was a marvel of ancient engineering, boasting massive walls, moats, and formidable gates, making it seem impregnable. The prophecy of Nahum is generally dated to the late 7th century BC, likely just before Nineveh's fall in 612 BC to a coalition of Babylonian and Median forces. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the comparison of warriors to "women" (as seen in this verse) was a profound insult, signifying extreme cowardice, loss of virility, and utter inability to fight or defend oneself. Gates and their reinforcing "bars" were the primary points of defense for any fortified city, symbolizing its strength and security. Their being "wide open" or "devoured by fire" would have conveyed an image of absolute defenselessness and irreversible ruin to the original audience.
* **Key Themes:** Nahum 3:13 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Nahum. First, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Retribution**, vividly demonstrating God's righteous wrath against Nineveh's wickedness and oppression, fulfilling the declaration that "The Lord is a jealous and avenging God" [Nahum 1:2](/nahum/1-2 "Nahum 1:2 - God's Vengeance"). Second, it highlights the **Futility of Human Strength and Pride** when confronted by divine purpose, showing that even the most formidable military might and fortifications are useless against God's decree, echoing the sentiment in [Psalm 33:16](/psalms/33-16 "Psalm 33:16 - No King is Saved by the Size of His Army"). Third, the verse emphasizes the **Humiliation of the Oppressor**, reversing Nineveh's once-feared reputation into one of utter weakness and shame, a theme also seen in [Nahum 3:5-7](/nahum/3-5-7 "Nahum 3:5-7 - Nineveh's Shame and Desolation"). Finally, it implicitly provides **Comfort for God's People**, assuring Judah that their oppressor would be brought to justice, reinforcing the message of God as a "stronghold in the day of trouble" for those who trust Him [Nahum 1:7](/nahum/1-7 "Nahum 1:7 - The Lord is Good, a Stronghold").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **people (Hebrew, _ʻam'_):** From H5971, meaning "a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock." In this context, it refers to the entire populace of Nineveh, including its soldiers, emphasizing a collective demoralization rather than just a military defeat.
* **women (Hebrew, _ʼishshâh'_):** From H802, the feminine of `ʼîsh` or `ʼᵉnôsh`, meaning "a woman." Here, it is used metaphorically to convey extreme weakness, cowardice, and emasculation. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, to compare male warriors to women was the ultimate insult, signifying a complete loss of martial spirit and courage, rendering them incapable of defense.
* **bars (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyach'_):** From H1280, meaning "a bolt." These were the heavy wooden or metal beams used to secure city gates, making them impenetrable. Their destruction signifies the complete and irreversible breach of Nineveh's primary defenses, leaving the city utterly exposed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, thy people in the midst of thee [are] women":** This opening clause delivers a shocking and profoundly humiliating indictment. "Behold" (הִנֵּה, `hinneh`) draws immediate attention to the dire state of Nineveh. The comparison of its people, particularly its renowned warriors, to "women" signifies a complete internal collapse of morale, courage, and fighting spirit. It suggests that the city's inhabitants are so terrified and demoralized that they are rendered utterly helpless, unable to mount any effective resistance, a stark reversal of their once-feared reputation.
* **"the gates of thy land shall be set wide open unto thine enemies":** This clause describes the external consequence of Nineveh's internal collapse. City gates were the most critical and heavily fortified points of defense. Their being "set wide open" (from H6605, _pâthach_, meaning "to open wide") implies either a total lack of resistance and surrender, a chaotic and hasty retreat, or a divine act that renders them useless. It speaks to an overwhelming invasion that meets no significant opposition, allowing the enemy unfettered access to the city.
* **"the fire shall devour thy bars":** This final clause emphasizes the complete and irreversible destruction of Nineveh's fortifications. The "bars" (H1280, _bᵉrîyach_) were the strong bolts and beams that secured the massive city gates. Their consumption by "fire" (H784, _ʼêsh_) signifies that the city's strongest points of entry are utterly destroyed, not merely opened. This imagery paints a picture of comprehensive ruin, leaving Nineveh defenseless and ripe for conquest and plunder, sealing its fate.

#### Literary Devices
Nahum 3:13 is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of Nineveh's downfall through concrete and evocative descriptions: demoralized people, open gates, and burning defenses. The most prominent device is **Metaphor**, specifically in the phrase "thy people... are women," which serves as a powerful and culturally specific metaphor for utter cowardice, emasculation, and loss of martial spirit. This is also a form of **Humiliation**, as it directly attacks the pride and reputation of a once-feared military power. The phrase "the fire shall devour thy bars" employs **Personification**, attributing the active, destructive capability of "devouring" to the fire, making it an agent of complete ruin. The entire verse uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the totality of Nineveh's defeat and defenselessness, suggesting an overwhelming and inescapable judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nahum 3:13 stands as a powerful testament to the certainty of divine justice and the ultimate futility of human strength when it stands in opposition to God's righteous decree. Nineveh's downfall is not merely a political or military event but a direct act of God's retribution against a nation notorious for its cruelty, arrogance, and oppression. This verse demonstrates that no empire, however mighty or seemingly impregnable, can escape the consequences of its wickedness. It underscores the biblical principle that pride precedes destruction, and that God is sovereign over all nations, capable of bringing down the most formidable human constructs. For the oppressed, it offers immense comfort, assuring them that God sees their suffering and will ultimately bring justice against their oppressors.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Isaiah 13:6-8](/isaiah/13-6-8 "Isaiah 13:6-8 - The Day of the Lord Against Babylon")
* [Psalm 46:1-3](/psalms/46-1-3 "Psalm 46:1-3 - God Our Refuge and Strength")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nahum 3:13 serves as a timeless and sobering reminder that all human power, security, and pride are ultimately transient and vulnerable before the sovereign will of God. It challenges us to examine where we place our trust and security—is it in our own strength, our material possessions, our fortified systems, or in the unfailing power and justice of the Almighty? For those who feel overwhelmed by oppressive systems or seemingly invincible forces, this prophecy offers profound comfort, assuring them that God is a just judge who will ultimately bring down those who perpetrate evil. Conversely, for those in positions of power, it serves as a stark warning against arrogance, cruelty, and the abuse of authority, reminding them that accountability before a righteous God is inevitable. It calls us to humility, to seek justice, and to recognize that true and lasting security is found not in human might, but in walking in accordance with God's righteous ways.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this prophecy challenge our modern-day reliance on technological advancements, military might, or financial security as ultimate sources of safety?**
* **What comfort does Nahum's message offer to those experiencing oppression or injustice in our world today, knowing that God is a righteous judge?**
* **In what ways might we, individually or corporately, exhibit "pride" or a false sense of invincibility that sets us up for a spiritual or moral fall?**

### FAQ

**Why is comparing soldiers to "women" used as an insult in this verse?**

Answer: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, including that of the Israelites and Assyrians, society was highly patriarchal, and martial prowess was deeply intertwined with male identity and honor. Strength, courage, and the ability to defend one's family and city were paramount virtues for men, especially soldiers. To compare male warriors to "women" was therefore the ultimate insult, signifying profound emasculation, cowardice, and an utter lack of fighting spirit. It implied that the men had lost their virility and courage, rendering them helpless and incapable of defense, leading to profound shame and humiliation. This rhetorical device powerfully communicates the complete demoralization and internal collapse of Nineveh's once-feared military.

**How does this verse relate to the overall message of Nahum?**

Answer: Nahum 3:13 is a climactic and highly illustrative verse within the book's overarching message of God's righteous judgment against Nineveh. The entire book of Nahum is a prophecy of Nineveh's destruction, serving as both a declaration of divine wrath against a cruel oppressor and a message of comfort and hope for God's oppressed people. This verse specifically details the *how* of Nineveh's downfall, emphasizing its complete internal demoralization ("thy people... are women") and the utter failure of its external defenses ("gates... set wide open... fire shall devour thy bars"). It powerfully reinforces the themes of divine justice, the reversal of human pride, and the ultimate futility of relying on earthly power when it stands against God's sovereign will. It shows that Nineveh's fall was not merely a military defeat but a divinely orchestrated humiliation and destruction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Nahum 3:13 describes the earthly judgment and destruction of a wicked empire, it ultimately points to the greater triumph of Christ over the forces of evil. Nineveh's "gates" and "bars" were physical defenses, ultimately futile against God's judgment. In contrast, Jesus Christ, through His death and resurrection, utterly demolished the spiritual "bars" that held humanity captive to sin and death. He faced the ultimate enemy, not with human weakness, but with divine power, disarming the principalities and powers and triumphing over them on the cross [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities"). The "people" of Nineveh were rendered as "women," weak and defenseless, but in Christ, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit, made strong in their weakness [2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9-10 "2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - God's Grace is Sufficient"). Furthermore, Jesus declared that "the gates of hell shall not prevail" against His church [Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail"), signifying an eternal security far beyond any earthly fortification. Ultimately, Nineveh's fall foreshadows the final defeat of all evil and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom, where the gates of the New Jerusalem will never be shut [Revelation 21:25](/revelation/21-25 "Revelation 21:25 - The Gates of the New Jerusalem"), because there will be no more enemies, no more fear, and no more need for defense, only the perpetual light and presence of the Lamb.

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 51:30

The mighty men of Babylon have forborn to fight, they have remained in [their] holds: their might hath failed; they became as women: they have burned her dwellingplaces; her bars are broken.

Isaiah 19:16

In that day shall Egypt be like unto women: and it shall be afraid and fear because of the shaking of the hand of the LORD of hosts, which he shaketh over it.

Jeremiah 50:37

A sword [is] upon their horses, and upon their chariots, and upon all the mingled people that [are] in the midst of her; and they shall become as women: a sword [is] upon her treasures; and they shall be robbed.

Nahum 2:6

The gates of the rivers shall be opened, and the palace shall be dissolved.

Isaiah 45:1

¶ Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;

Isaiah 45:2

I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:

Psalms 107:16

For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.