Nahum 3:14

KJV

Draw thee waters for the siege, fortify thy strong holds: go into clay, and tread the morter, make strong the brickkiln.

KJV (with Strong's)

Draw {H7579} thee waters {H4325} for the siege {H4692}, fortify {H2388} thy strong holds {H4013}: go {H935} into clay {H2916}, and tread {H7429} the morter {H2563}, make strong {H2388} the brickkiln {H4404}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Draw water for the siege! Strengthen your fortifications! Go down in the clay, tread the mortar, Take hold of the mold for bricks!

Berean Standard Bible

Draw your water for the siege; strengthen your fortresses. Work the clay and tread the mortar; repair the brick kiln!

American Standard Version

Draw thee water for the siege; strengthen thy fortresses; go into the clay, and tread the mortar; make strong the brickkiln.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nahum 3:14 presents a scathing, sarcastic divine command to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, to prepare for an impending siege. Far from offering genuine advice, the prophet Nahum, speaking on behalf of God, mocks the city's frantic and ultimately futile attempts to fortify itself. The verse highlights the desperate measures Nineveh would undertake—drawing water, strengthening defenses, and preparing building materials—all while underscoring the absolute certainty and inevitability of their divinely ordained destruction, demonstrating that no human effort can withstand God's righteous judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nahum 3:14 is situated within the latter half of the book of Nahum, specifically in chapter 3, which vividly details the "woe" pronounced upon Nineveh and the graphic imagery of its destruction. Following the declaration of God's character and His judgment against Nineveh in [Nahum 1](/nahum/1 "Nahum 1 - God's Vengeance and Goodness") and the description of the siege and fall in [Nahum 2](/nahum/2 "Nahum 2 - The Fall of Nineveh"), chapter 3 intensifies the prophetic indictment. This verse, along with others in the chapter, uses ironic commands and rhetorical questions to emphasize Nineveh's depravity and the inescapable nature of its doom. The preceding verses ([Nahum 3:1-13](/nahum/3-1-13 "Nahum 3:1-13 - Nineveh's Woe and Shame")) condemn Nineveh for its cruelty, idolatry, and oppressive conquests, portraying it as a "bloody city" and a "mistress of witchcraft." The commands in verse 14 are a direct response to Nineveh's past reliance on its military might and extensive resources, now shown to be utterly useless against the Lord's decree.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Nineveh, the capital of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, was one of the most powerful and feared cities of the ancient world. Known for its immense fortifications, including a massive wall system, and its brutal military campaigns, Assyria had terrorized the Near East for centuries, often employing horrific tactics against conquered peoples. This historical backdrop makes Nahum's prophecy particularly striking, as it targets a seemingly invincible power. In the event of a siege, ancient cities would typically prepare by stockpiling food and, crucially, water, and by reinforcing their defenses. The mention of "clay," "morter," and "brickkiln" reflects the common building practices of the time, where sun-dried or kiln-fired bricks were essential for constructing and repairing walls and structures. The prophet's taunt, therefore, draws upon these familiar preparations, highlighting the desperate and ultimately futile efforts Nineveh would undertake when facing a siege orchestrated by divine wrath, contrasting sharply with their earlier, temporary repentance during [Jonah's ministry](/jonah/3 "Jonah 3 - Nineveh Repents").
* **Key Themes:** Nahum 3:14 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **Inevitable Divine Judgment** against persistent wickedness and oppression. Despite Nineveh's formidable power and fortifications, God's righteous wrath is unstoppable, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over nations and empires. No human strength or ingenuity can thwart His decree, as seen in the broader biblical narrative where God raises and brings down kingdoms according to His will ([Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Futility of Self-Reliance** in the face of divine opposition. The sarcastic commands to "draw waters for the siege," "fortify thy strong holds," and "make strong the brickkiln" mock Nineveh's desperate attempts to rely on its own military might, vast labor force, and engineering prowess. This theme resonates with the wisdom literature, which often warns against trusting in human strength or riches rather than the Lord ([Proverbs 11:28](/proverbs/11-28 "Proverbs 11:28 - Trusting in Riches")). Finally, Nahum's prophecy serves as a message of **Justice for the Oppressed**. For nations like Judah, which had suffered under Assyrian cruelty, the impending downfall of Nineveh offered profound assurance that God sees and acts on behalf of the afflicted, bringing down the proud and wicked, echoing sentiments found in the Psalms, such as [Psalm 9:12](/psalms/9-12 "Psalm 9:12 - God Remembers the Afflicted").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **châzaq (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** This primitive root means "to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate." In Nahum 3:14, it is used twice: "fortify" (H2388) and "make strong" (H2388). The repetition emphasizes the desperate, intense effort Nineveh would exert to strengthen its defenses and building materials. However, in this prophetic context, the word carries a profound irony, as all their efforts to "be strong" or "fortify" will ultimately fail against God's judgment.
* **chômer (Hebrew, _chômer'_):** Derived from a root meaning "a bubbling up," this word refers to "mire or clay (cement)" and "a heap." Here, it translates to "morter" (H2563), the binding agent used in construction. The command to "tread the morter" vividly depicts the laborious, physical effort involved in preparing building materials, symbolizing the city's frantic attempt to shore up its crumbling defenses. The use of this word underscores the tangible, earthy nature of their futile preparations.
* **mâtsôwr (Hebrew, _mâtsôwr'_):** From a root meaning "to hem in," this noun signifies "something hemming in, i.e. (objectively) a mound (of besiegers), (abstractly) a siege, (figuratively) distress; or (subjectively) a fastness." In this verse, it is translated as "siege" (H4692) and implicitly refers to the "strong holds" (mibtsâr, H4013) that would be under siege. The term encapsulates the dire situation Nineveh would face, highlighting the overwhelming nature of the encirclement and the distress it would bring, from which their "strong holds" would offer no true protection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Draw thee waters for the siege":** This imperative command, though sarcastic, reflects a critical aspect of ancient siege warfare. Cities under siege would quickly deplete their water supply, making access to water paramount for survival. The prophet's instruction highlights the desperate, immediate need Nineveh would have for this most basic resource, implying a prolonged and devastating siege that would test the city's endurance to its limits.
* **"fortify thy strong holds":** This command refers to the reinforcement of Nineveh's formidable defensive structures. "Strong holds" (mibtsâr) denotes fortresses or fortified cities. The instruction underscores the city's reliance on its physical defenses, yet within the context of Nahum's prophecy, it is a taunt, ridiculing the idea that even their most robust fortifications could withstand the divine judgment unleashed upon them.
* **"go into clay, and tread the morter":** This phrase vividly depicts the laborious process of preparing building materials. "Clay" (ṭîyṭ) and "morter" (chômer) were essential for making bricks and cementing structures. The command to "go into clay" and "tread the morter" paints a picture of frantic, dirty, and physically exhausting work, symbolizing the desperate, last-ditch efforts of the Ninevites to repair and strengthen their walls and buildings against the inevitable assault.
* **"make strong the brickkiln":** This final command in the series emphasizes the need for a continuous supply of bricks, crucial for any major construction or repair during a siege. A "brickkiln" (malbên) was where bricks were fired to make them durable. The instruction to "make strong the brickkiln" implies an urgent, non-stop production of building materials, further highlighting the futility of their efforts, as no amount of human industry could avert the decreed destruction.

#### Literary Devices
Nahum 3:14 is rich in **Irony** and **Sarcasm**. The prophet's commands are not genuine instructions but rather a mocking taunt, highlighting the utter futility of Nineveh's preparations against an inevitable divine judgment. This creates a stark contrast between the city's perceived strength and its actual powerlessness before God. The verse also employs vivid **Imagery**, painting a detailed picture of frantic, desperate activity: drawing water, fortifying walls, and laboring with clay and mortar. This imagery evokes a sense of chaos and impending doom, allowing the reader to visualize the city's final, desperate moments. Furthermore, there is an element of **Hyperbole** in the implied scale of the preparations. The commands suggest an exhaustive, all-encompassing effort to prepare for siege, yet the underlying message is that even such extreme measures will be insufficient, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of God's judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nahum 3:14 powerfully articulates the biblical truth that human strength, military might, and self-reliance are ultimately futile when pitted against the sovereign will and righteous judgment of God. Nineveh, a symbol of oppressive power and unrepentant wickedness, is shown that its vast resources and formidable defenses are no match for the Lord's decree. This passage serves as a profound reminder that God is the ultimate arbiter of history, bringing down the proud and elevating the humble. It underscores the certainty of divine justice for those who persist in sin and oppression, assuring the afflicted that their cries do not go unheard. The futility of Nineveh's efforts highlights the critical theological principle that true security and lasting peace are found not in human achievements or fortifications, but in humble submission and trust in God alone.

* [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalms/33-16-17 "Psalm 33:16-17 - No King is Saved by His Army")
* [Isaiah 14:24-27](/isaiah/14-24-27 "Isaiah 14:24-27 - The Lord of Hosts Has Sworn")
* [Jeremiah 17:5](/jeremiah/17-5 "Jeremiah 17:5 - Cursed is the One Who Trusts in Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nahum 3:14, though a prophecy of judgment against an ancient empire, offers timeless lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a potent reminder that our ultimate security and strength do not reside in human ingenuity, material wealth, or even our most sophisticated defenses. In a world that often encourages self-reliance and the accumulation of power, this verse calls us to a profound humility before God. When we face personal or societal challenges, are we quick to trust in our own resources, strategies, and abilities, or do we first turn to the Almighty? The futility of Nineveh's frantic preparations should prompt us to examine where we place our ultimate trust. True peace and stability come from acknowledging God's sovereignty over all circumstances and submitting to His will. This passage encourages us to trust that even when evil seems to triumph or oppressive systems appear invincible, God's justice will prevail in His appointed time, providing hope and assurance in uncertain times.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely solely on your own strength or resources, rather than trusting in God's provision and sovereignty?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment on unrepentant sin both challenge and comfort you?**
* **What does Nineveh's ultimate downfall teach us about the transient nature of worldly power and the enduring nature of God's kingdom?**
* **How can reflecting on this passage deepen your trust in God's justice and His ultimate control over history?**

### FAQ
**Why does God issue sarcastic commands to Nineveh in this verse?**

Answer: God issues sarcastic commands in Nahum 3:14 not to genuinely advise Nineveh, but to mock their desperate and ultimately futile attempts to prepare for a siege. This literary device, known as irony or sarcasm, emphasizes the absolute certainty and inevitability of their destruction. It highlights that no amount of human effort, military might, or defensive preparation could withstand the divinely ordained judgment against their persistent wickedness and cruelty. The commands underscore Nineveh's powerlessness in the face of God's righteous wrath, making their frantic efforts appear absurd and hopeless. It's a rhetorical strategy to underscore the overwhelming nature of God's sovereignty and judgment.

**What was the ultimate fate of Nineveh, and how does it relate to this prophecy?**

Answer: The prophecy in Nahum 3:14, along with the rest of the book, was fulfilled with devastating accuracy. Nineveh, the formidable capital of the Assyrian Empire, fell in 612 BC to a coalition of Babylonian and Median forces. The city was utterly destroyed, its walls breached, and its inhabitants slaughtered or enslaved, just as Nahum had prophesied. This historical event confirms the absolute truth and power of God's word spoken through His prophet. The city's fall served as a powerful testament to God's justice and His sovereignty over the nations, demonstrating that even the most powerful human empires cannot escape divine accountability for their unrepentant sin, as described in [Nahum 3:19](/nahum/3-19 "Nahum 3:19 - Nineveh's Utter Destruction").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Nahum 3:14 speaks directly of God's judgment on Nineveh, its underlying themes find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The futility of human strength and self-reliance in the face of divine judgment points to the ultimate inability of humanity to save itself from sin's condemnation. No amount of "drawing waters" or "fortifying strongholds" (i.e., human works, righteousness, or wisdom) can deliver us from the spiritual siege of sin and death. Instead, true deliverance comes only through the perfect work of Jesus Christ. He is the one who, unlike Nineveh's futile preparations, offered a complete and final sacrifice on the cross, taking upon Himself the divine wrath that humanity deserved ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Furthermore, the theme of divine justice, so prominent in Nahum, is perfectly embodied in Christ, who will return not only as Savior but also as the righteous Judge of all the earth ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Has Committed All Judgment to the Son")). In Him, the oppressed find their ultimate vindication, and those who trust in Him find true security and an eternal stronghold that no earthly power or spiritual enemy can breach ([Hebrews 6:18-19](/hebrews/6-18-19 "Hebrews 6:18-19 - Our Hope, an Anchor for the Soul")). Thus, the despair of Nineveh's futile efforts contrasts sharply with the triumphant and all-sufficient work of Christ, who offers true salvation and an unshakeable kingdom to all who believe ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness into His Kingdom")).

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

2 Chronicles 32:3

He took counsel with his princes and his mighty men to stop the waters of the fountains which [were] without the city: and they did help him.

2 Chronicles 32:4

So there was gathered much people together, who stopped all the fountains, and the brook that ran through the midst of the land, saying, Why should the kings of Assyria come, and find much water?

Nahum 2:1

¶ He that dasheth in pieces is come up before thy face: keep the munition, watch the way, make [thy] loins strong, fortify [thy] power mightily.

Jeremiah 46:9

Come up, ye horses; and rage, ye chariots; and let the mighty men come forth; the Ethiopians and the Libyans, that handle the shield; and the Lydians, that handle [and] bend the bow.

Isaiah 37:25

I have digged, and drunk water; and with the sole of my feet have I dried up all the rivers of the besieged places.

Isaiah 22:9

Ye have seen also the breaches of the city of David, that they are many: and ye gathered together the waters of the lower pool.

Isaiah 22:11

Ye made also a ditch between the two walls for the water of the old pool: but ye have not looked unto the maker thereof, neither had respect unto him that fashioned it long ago.