Nahum 3:17

KJV

Thy crowned [are] as the locusts, and thy captains as the great grasshoppers, which camp in the hedges in the cold day, [but] when the sun ariseth they flee away, and their place is not known where they [are].

KJV (with Strong's)

Thy crowned {H4502} are as the locusts {H697}, and thy captains {H2951} as the great grasshoppers {H1462}, which camp {H2583} in the hedges {H1448} in the cold {H7135} day {H3117}, but when the sun {H8121} ariseth {H2224} they flee away {H5074}, and their place {H4725} is not known {H3045} where {H335} they are.

Complete Jewish Bible

Your guards are like grasshoppers, your marshals like swarms of locusts, which settle on the walls on a cold day, but when the sun rises they fly away; they vanish to no one knows where.

Berean Standard Bible

Your guards are like the swarming locust, and your scribes like clouds of locusts that settle on the walls on a cold day. When the sun rises, they fly away, and no one knows where.

American Standard Version

Thy princes are as the locusts, and thy marshals as the swarms of grasshoppers, which encamp in the hedges in the cold day, but when the sun ariseth they flee away, and their place is not known where they are.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nahum 3:17 vividly portrays the ephemeral nature of Nineveh's military and leadership, likening its "crowned" officials and "captains" to vast swarms of locusts and grasshoppers. While numerous and seemingly formidable, these forces are depicted as temporarily settled in "hedges" during a "cold day," only to vanish without a trace "when the sun ariseth." This striking imagery underscores the sudden, complete, and irreversible collapse of the Assyrian Empire's power, revealing the divine judgment that leaves no remnant of its once-dominant presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nahum 3:17 is situated within the latter half of the book, specifically in a section (Nahum 3:8-19) that contrasts Nineveh's impending destruction with the fall of Thebes (No-amon) in Egypt, which Nineveh itself had conquered. This comparison serves to demonstrate that if a mighty city like Thebes could fall, Nineveh, despite its perceived invincibility, is equally susceptible to divine judgment. The verses immediately preceding Nahum 3:17 describe Nineveh's fortifications, its vast population, and its merchants, setting up the dramatic irony of its swift and complete demise. The imagery of locusts and grasshoppers builds upon the earlier military metaphors, but here, it shifts from an image of overwhelming strength to one of transient vulnerability, directly preceding the final lament over Nineveh's destruction and the universal rejoicing at its downfall (Nahum 3:18-19).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Nahum is a prophetic oracle against Nineveh, the capital of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, a dominant and notoriously brutal power in the ancient Near East during the 7th century BC. Assyria had subjugated many nations, including the northern kingdom of Israel, and had terrorized Judah. Its military might was legendary, and Nineveh itself was a heavily fortified city, considered impregnable. The prophecy likely dates to the period between the fall of Thebes (663 BC) and the fall of Nineveh (612 BC). Locust and grasshopper plagues were a common and devastating natural phenomenon in the ancient world, symbolizing overwhelming numbers, destructive capacity, and sudden disappearance. The "cold day" (or "frosty day" in some interpretations) suggests a temporary lull or a period of inactivity for these insects, while the rising sun signals their dispersal. This imagery would have resonated deeply with an audience familiar with both the terrifying power of Assyria and the destructive, yet often transient, nature of insect swarms.
* **Key Themes:** Nahum 3:17 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Nahum. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment** against wickedness, particularly against Nineveh's cruelty and oppression. The verse vividly illustrates God's absolute sovereignty, demonstrating that even the most formidable human powers are ultimately subject to His decree, as highlighted in [Nahum 1:2-3](/nahum/1-2-3 "Nahum 1:2-3 - God's Vengeance and Power"). Another prominent theme is the **Transience of Earthly Power**. Nineveh's "crowned" and "captains," representing its elite and military strength, are likened to insects that appear numerous but vanish instantly, emphasizing the fleeting nature of all human glory and dominion. This serves as a stark reminder that earthly kingdoms, no matter how mighty, are ultimately impermanent, a truth echoed in [Proverbs 27:24](/proverbs/27-24 "Proverbs 27:24 - The Fleeting Nature of Riches"). Lastly, the verse underscores the **Vulnerability of the Oppressor**. Despite their vast numbers and initial appearance of strength, Nineveh's forces are depicted as easily scattered and leaving no trace, offering a message of hope and vindication to those who had suffered under Assyrian tyranny, reinforcing the idea that God champions the cause of the oppressed.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Crowned (Hebrew, _minnᵉzâr'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to separate" or "consecrate," this term (H4502) refers to a prince or one set apart, often implying a position of authority or nobility. In this context, it likely denotes high-ranking officials, nobles, or perhaps even mercenary leaders who were "crowned" or adorned with symbols of their power and status within the Assyrian hierarchy. The KJV's "crowned" captures the sense of their elevated position.
* **Captains (Hebrew, _ṭiphçar'_):** This word (H2951) is of foreign derivation, possibly Akkadian, and refers to a military governor, scribe, or muster-master. It specifically designates military commanders or high-ranking officers responsible for organizing and leading the Assyrian army. The use of this term alongside "crowned" emphasizes the dual nature of Nineveh's leadership—both its political/royal elite and its military command.
* **Flee away (Hebrew, _nâdad'_):** This primitive root (H5074) means "to wave to and fro," "to rove," or "to flee." It conveys the idea of rapid, unorganized dispersal or flight. In the context of the locusts and grasshoppers, it vividly describes their sudden and complete disappearance, leaving no trace. Applied to Nineveh's forces, it signifies their utter rout and dissolution, highlighting the swiftness and finality of their defeat.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thy crowned [are] as the locusts":** This clause initiates the central metaphor, directly comparing Nineveh's high-ranking officials and elite leaders to swarms of locusts. The comparison emphasizes their vast numbers, suggesting a multitude of powerful individuals, but also subtly foreshadows their inherent vulnerability and destructive, yet ultimately transient, nature.
* **"and thy captains as the great grasshoppers":** Building on the previous comparison, the military commanders are likened to "great grasshoppers." This might suggest a more formidable or larger type of insect, perhaps implying a greater perceived strength or destructive capacity of the military leadership. However, the underlying message remains the same: despite their apparent might, they are still mere insects, subject to dispersal.
* **"which camp in the hedges in the cold day":** This phrase describes the temporary and seemingly stable presence of these insect-like leaders. "Hedges" suggest a place of temporary shelter or gathering, while "cold day" (H7135 H3117) implies a period of dormancy, inactivity, or perhaps a time when conditions are not yet ripe for their dispersal. It paints a picture of a vast, settled force, appearing secure and numerous.
* **"[but] when the sun ariseth they flee away":** This marks the dramatic turning point. The rising sun (H8121 H2224), a symbol of new light and the changing of conditions, acts as the catalyst for their sudden and complete disappearance. This signifies the moment of divine judgment or the onset of Nineveh's downfall, which causes its seemingly entrenched forces to scatter instantly and without resistance.
* **"and their place is not known where they [are].":** This final clause powerfully conveys the utter annihilation and complete disappearance of Nineveh's leadership and military. Not only do they flee, but they vanish so completely that no trace of their presence or former power remains. This emphasizes the totality and irreversibility of the judgment, leaving no remnant or memory of their once-feared dominion.

#### Literary Devices
Nahum 3:17 is rich in **Simile**, the primary literary device, comparing Nineveh's "crowned" and "captains" directly to "locusts" and "great grasshoppers." This comparison is highly effective, immediately evoking images of vast numbers, destructive power, and yet also inherent vulnerability and transience. The **Imagery** throughout the verse is vivid and sensory, painting a picture of swarming insects camping in hedges and then vanishing with the sun's warmth, allowing the reader to visualize the sudden and complete dissolution of Assyrian might. The phrase "cold day" followed by "when the sun ariseth" employs **Contrast** to highlight the abrupt change in fortune, moving from a state of apparent security to one of utter collapse. Furthermore, the final declaration, "and their place is not known where they [are]," uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the totality of the destruction and the complete obliteration of Nineveh's presence and memory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nahum 3:17 profoundly underscores the biblical truth of God's sovereignty over all earthly powers. It serves as a powerful reminder that no human empire, no matter how vast or seemingly invincible, can stand against the divine decree. The transient nature of Nineveh's leadership, likened to insects that vanish with the sun, illustrates that all human strength and glory are fleeting and ultimately subject to the will of the eternal God. This passage offers a message of comfort to the oppressed, assuring them that God sees their suffering and will bring justice upon their oppressors, while simultaneously serving as a stark warning to those who wield power unjustly. It calls believers to place their ultimate trust not in the strength of nations or the might of armies, but in the unchanging and righteous character of the Lord.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of Nations")
* [Isaiah 40:23-24](/isaiah/40-23-24 "Isaiah 40:23-24 - God Brings Princes to Nothing")
* [James 4:14](/james/4-14 "James 4:14 - The Fleeting Nature of Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nahum 3:17 challenges us to critically examine where we place our ultimate security and trust. In a world often dominated by powerful nations, influential leaders, and formidable military forces, this verse serves as a timeless reminder that all human might is temporary and subject to God's sovereign will. It encourages us to shift our focus from the transient kingdoms of this world to the enduring kingdom of God. For those who feel overwhelmed by oppressive systems or powerful adversaries, this prophecy offers profound hope: no oppressor, no matter how strong or numerous, is beyond God's judgment. Just as Nineveh's mighty forces vanished without a trace, so too will all forms of injustice and tyranny ultimately be brought to nothing by the righteous hand of God. This should inspire both confidence in God's ultimate victory and a call to humility for those in positions of power, reminding them that their authority is borrowed and their time is limited.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What earthly powers or systems do I tend to place my trust in, consciously or unconsciously?**
* **How does the swift and complete downfall of Nineveh's forces encourage me when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges or oppressive situations?**
* **In what ways can I live out my faith today, demonstrating that my ultimate allegiance is to God's eternal kingdom rather than to fleeting earthly powers?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of comparing Nineveh's leaders to locusts and grasshoppers?**

Answer: The comparison is highly significant for several reasons. First, it emphasizes the **vast numbers** of Nineveh's "crowned" (officials/nobles) and "captains" (military commanders), suggesting an overwhelming force. Second, it highlights their **destructive nature**, as locusts and grasshoppers are known for devastating everything in their path, mirroring Assyria's brutal conquests. Third, and most crucially, it underscores their **transience and vulnerability**. Despite their destructive power, insect swarms are easily dispersed or perish under changing conditions, leaving no trace. This vividly illustrates that Nineveh's seemingly invincible power was ultimately fragile and ephemeral, destined to vanish completely under God's judgment, much like a plague of insects disappears when the sun rises. This imagery powerfully conveys the sudden, complete, and irreversible nature of Nineveh's downfall.

**What does "camp in the hedges in the cold day" mean in this context?**

Answer: This phrase contributes to the vivid imagery of the simile. "Hedges" (H1448, _gᵉdêrâh_) refer to enclosures or walls, suggesting a place where the locusts/grasshoppers (representing Nineveh's leaders and military) are temporarily settled, numerous, and seemingly secure. The "cold day" (H7135 H3117, _qârâh yôwm_) implies a period of dormancy or inactivity for these insects. It could signify a time when Nineveh's forces were seemingly at rest or operating under favorable conditions, appearing entrenched and unassailable. However, this temporary security is immediately contrasted with their sudden dispersal when the "sun ariseth," emphasizing that their strength and presence are contingent upon external conditions and are not enduring. It highlights the superficiality and impermanence of their power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nahum 3:17, though a prophecy of judgment against an ancient empire, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The transient nature of earthly power, so starkly depicted in Nineveh's vanishing leadership, points forward to the eternal and unshakable kingdom established by Christ. While earthly "crowned" and "captains" flee and their place is no longer known, Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords, whose dominion "shall have no end" ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - Christ's Eternal Kingdom")). The judgment against Nineveh foreshadows the ultimate judgment that Christ will execute upon all unrighteousness and oppression at His second coming, when every earthly power that opposes Him will be brought to nothing ([Revelation 19:11-21](/revelation/19-11-21 "Revelation 19:11-21 - Christ's Triumphant Return and Judgment")). Conversely, for those who are "in Christ," the fleeting nature of earthly suffering and the ultimate triumph of God's justice offer profound hope. Just as Nineveh's oppressors vanished, so too will all the enemies of God be defeated, and believers will inherit an eternal kingdom where "there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain" ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). Thus, Nahum 3:17, while a historical judgment, serves as a powerful typological pointer to the enduring reign of Christ and the final, decisive victory of His kingdom over all transient earthly powers.

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

Revelation 9:7

And the shapes of the locusts [were] like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads [were] as it were crowns like gold, and their faces [were] as the faces of men.

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.