Nahum 3:17

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].

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nahum 3:17 delivers a vivid prophetic image of the impending downfall of Nineveh, the capital of the mighty Assyrian Empire. This verse, part of Nahum's oracle against Nineveh, illustrates the sudden and complete collapse of its formidable military and leadership.

Historical and Cultural Context

The Book of Nahum is a powerful prophecy primarily directed at Nineveh, the cruel and oppressive capital of Assyria. Assyria was a dominant force in the ancient Near East, known for its brutal military campaigns and subjugation of nations, including Israel. Nahum's prophecy, likely delivered in the late 7th century BC, foretells Nineveh's utter destruction as a divine judgment for its wickedness. The imagery of locusts and grasshoppers would have been immediately recognizable to an ancient audience as a symbol of overwhelming numbers, destructive capacity, but also a transient presence, easily dispersed or annihilated. This verse specifically targets the vast but ultimately fragile nature of Nineveh's military might and leadership.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment: The verse powerfully portrays God's absolute sovereignty over earthly powers. Even the most formidable human forces are no match for His decree, demonstrating that God is jealous and avenges.
  • Transience of Earthly Power: Nineveh's "crowned" (high officials, perhaps mercenaries or princes) and "captains" (military commanders) are likened to swarms of insects—numerous but ultimately fleeting. Their might, seemingly invincible "in the cold day," vanishes instantly "when the sun ariseth," signifying the sudden and complete end of their dominance. This highlights the inherent transience of all earthly power and glory.
  • 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, emphasizing the ultimate vulnerability of those who defy God and oppress others.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV translates "crowned" from the Hebrew nezirayikh (נְזִירַיִךְ), which can refer to consecrated ones or princes, indicating high-ranking officials or even mercenary leaders. "Captains" comes from tapserayikh (טַפְסְרַיִךְ), meaning scribes, muster-masters, or military commanders. The comparison to "locusts" (arbeh) and "great grasshoppers" (govai) is crucial. Arbeh often denotes a vast, destructive swarm, while govai refers to a larger, perhaps more formidable type of grasshopper. The imagery of them "camp[ing] in the hedges in the cold day" suggests they are temporarily settled and numerous in favorable conditions, but their immediate disappearance "when the sun ariseth" underscores their superficiality and lack of enduring power, leaving no trace ("their place is not known where they are"). This vivid metaphor underlines the decisiveness of God's judgment against the Assyrian empire.

Practical Application

Nahum 3:17 serves as a timeless reminder that all human strength, military might, and political power are ultimately temporary and subject to God's sovereign will. It encourages believers to place their trust not in the fleeting powers of this world, but in the eternal, unchanging God. For those facing oppression or injustice, this verse offers hope that oppressors, no matter how strong they appear, will eventually face judgment and be brought to nothing. It challenges us to evaluate where we place our ultimate security and reliance, pointing us toward the enduring kingdom of God rather than transient earthly kingdoms.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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