Nahum 3:7

KJV

And it shall come to pass, [that] all they that look upon thee shall flee from thee, and say, Nineveh is laid waste: who will bemoan her? whence shall I seek comforters for thee?

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall come to pass, that all they that look {H7200} upon thee shall flee {H5074} from thee, and say {H559}, Nineveh {H5210} is laid waste {H7703}: who will bemoan {H5110} her? whence {H370} shall I seek {H1245} comforters {H5162} for thee?

Complete Jewish Bible

Then all who see you will recoil from you; they will say, 'Ninveh is destroyed!' Who will mourn for her? Where can I find people to comfort you?"

Berean Standard Bible

Then all who see you will recoil from you and say, ‘Nineveh is devastated; who will grieve for her?’ Where can I find comforters for you?”

American Standard Version

And it shall come to pass, that all they that look upon thee shall flee from thee, and say, Nineveh is laid waste: who will bemoan her? whence shall I seek comforters for thee?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nahum 3:7 delivers a chilling prophecy regarding the utter and irreversible destruction of Nineveh, the formidable capital of the Assyrian Empire. It foretells a scene where all who witness its desolation will flee in terror, proclaiming its ruin and lamenting the complete absence of any comforter or mourner for the fallen city. This verse underscores the severity of divine judgment, portraying Nineveh's demise as so deserved that it elicits no sympathy, only a stark recognition of its deserved fate.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nahum 3:7 is situated within the latter half of the book, which shifts from the general declaration of God's vengeance in chapter 1 to increasingly graphic and detailed descriptions of Nineveh's impending downfall in chapters 2 and 3. The preceding verses (Nahum 3:1-6) paint a vivid picture of Nineveh as a "bloody city," a "lioness" devouring nations, and a harlot enchanting peoples through her idolatry and violence. This verse serves as a climactic declaration of the city's ultimate humiliation and isolation, following the prophet's pronouncements of God "uncovering her skirts" (Nahum 3:5) and casting "abominable filth" upon her (Nahum 3:6). It marks the transition from the vivid imagery of Nineveh's crimes and God's active judgment to the desolate aftermath, emphasizing the complete lack of pity for its ruin.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Nahum is an oracle against Nineveh, the capital of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, which was the dominant superpower in the ancient Near East from the 9th to the 7th centuries BC. Assyria was infamous for its brutal military campaigns, including mass deportations, torture, and widespread destruction, which instilled terror across the region. Nineveh itself was a massive, heavily fortified city, considered impregnable. The prophecy likely dates to the late 7th century BC, after the Assyrians had sacked Thebes (No-amon) in Egypt (referenced in [Nahum 3:8](/nahum/3-8 "Nahum 3:8 - The Fall of No-amon")), but before Nineveh's own destruction in 612 BC by a coalition of Babylonians and Medes. The cultural context includes the common practice of lamenting fallen cities, a custom that Nahum explicitly denies Nineveh, highlighting the extraordinary nature of its deserved judgment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Nahum and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it exemplifies **Divine Judgment and Retribution**, demonstrating God's righteous wrath against persistent wickedness, cruelty, and idolatry, as proclaimed earlier in [Nahum 1:2](/nahum/1-2 "Nahum 1:2 - God's Jealousy and Vengeance"). Secondly, it emphasizes **Utter Desolation and Isolation**, portraying Nineveh's destruction as so complete and its reputation so vile that no one, not even former allies, will mourn its demise, leaving it utterly bereft of comfort. This stands in stark contrast to the expected lamentation over a fallen city, underscoring the unique severity of Nineveh's fate. Finally, the verse speaks to the **Sovereignty of God over Nations**, illustrating that even the mightiest human empires are subject to His ultimate authority and justice, and His prophecies, like those concerning Nineveh's downfall, will inevitably be fulfilled (compare [Isaiah 14:24-27](/isaiah/14-24-27 "Isaiah 14:24-27 - God's Unstoppable Plan")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **flee (Hebrew, _nâdad'_ - H5074):** This primitive root means "to wave to and fro," but figuratively, "to rove, flee, or (causatively) to drive away." In Nahum 3:7, it vividly depicts the panicked, disorderly flight of those who witness Nineveh's desolation. It implies not just a simple departure, but a hasty, terrified scattering, underscoring the horror and revulsion evoked by the city's ruin.
* **laid waste (Hebrew, _shâdad'_ - H7703):** Properly, this root means "to be burly" or "powerful," but by implication, "to ravage." It signifies a complete and forceful destruction, not merely a decline, but a violent plundering and rendering utterly desolate. When applied to Nineveh, it conveys the idea of a city not just defeated, but thoroughly stripped of its power, wealth, and very existence, reduced to ruins.
* **seek comforters (Hebrew, _bâqash'_ - H1245 and _nâcham'_ - H5162):** The verb _bâqash_ means "to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after; ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, procure, seek." The noun _nâcham_ (from which the plural "comforters" derives) means "to sigh, i.e. breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e. (in a favorable sense) to pity, console." The rhetorical question "whence shall I seek comforters for thee?" powerfully combines these meanings to emphasize the absolute absence of any source of solace or sympathy for Nineveh. It highlights a desperate, futile search for pity that will yield nothing, because the city's destruction is seen as just and deserved.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass, that all they that look upon thee shall flee from thee,"**: This opening clause establishes the immediate and visceral reaction to Nineveh's downfall. The phrase "it shall come to pass" signals a certain, divinely ordained event. Those who "look upon thee" (Nineveh) are not just casual observers but those who witness its utter ruin. Their response is immediate and unequivocal: they "flee from thee." This flight is not out of fear of Nineveh's power, but out of horror at its desolation, or perhaps a fearful recognition of the divine power that brought it low. It also suggests that any who might have been allies or beneficiaries of Nineveh's power will abandon it in its hour of need.
* **"and say, Nineveh is laid waste:"**: This segment reveals the collective declaration of those fleeing. Their words confirm the complete and irreversible destruction of the city. "Nineveh is laid waste" is a stark, definitive statement, signifying total ruin, plundering, and desolation. It's an acknowledgment of the city's complete collapse, a public pronouncement of its end.
* **"who will bemoan her?"**: This is the first of two powerful rhetorical questions. The verb "bemoan" (Hebrew _nûwd_) implies lamentation, mourning, or showing sympathy. By asking "who will bemoan her?", the prophet emphatically declares that no one will mourn Nineveh. Its cruelty and wickedness were so pervasive that its destruction will be met with indifference, or even relief, rather than sorrow. This absence of lamentation highlights the city's moral bankruptcy and the justice of its fate.
* **"whence shall I seek comforters for thee?"**: The second rhetorical question reinforces the first, deepening the sense of utter isolation. "Whence" (Hebrew _ʼayin_) asks "from where?" or "from what source?" The question implies a futile search for solace. Not only will no one spontaneously mourn Nineveh, but there will be no place or person to whom one can turn to find comfort or sympathy for its plight. This underscores the complete and absolute nature of its deserved abandonment and the lack of any redeeming quality that might elicit compassion.

#### Literary Devices
Nahum 3:7 masterfully employs several **Literary Devices** to convey its powerful message of judgment and desolation. The most prominent is **Rhetorical Question**, seen in "who will bemoan her?" and "whence shall I seek comforters for thee?". These questions are not posed to elicit information but to make an emphatic statement: absolutely no one will mourn Nineveh, and no comfort will be found for it. This device powerfully communicates the city's utter isolation and the justice of its fate. **Personification** is also evident, as Nineveh is addressed directly ("thee") as a desolate entity, capable of being "looked upon" and for whom "comforters" might be sought, intensifying the sense of its abject ruin. Furthermore, the verse uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extreme nature of Nineveh's desolation. While some might have felt pity, the prophetic declaration that *no one* will bemoan or comfort the city serves to underscore the profound and unprecedented nature of its deserved judgment, highlighting the depth of its wickedness and the totality of its downfall.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nahum 3:7 stands as a stark testament to the biblical truth that God is a God of justice who holds all nations accountable for their actions. The prophecy against Nineveh underscores that unchecked pride, idolatry, and systemic cruelty, even by seemingly invincible empires, will ultimately face divine reckoning. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's patience is not infinite, and His justice, though sometimes delayed, is always certain. It also highlights the principle that those who sow wickedness will reap desolation, and that true comfort and lamentation are reserved for those whose suffering is undeserved or who have lived righteously. The absence of mourners for Nineveh signifies a judgment so complete and deserved that it leaves no room for pity, only for the acknowledgment of divine righteousness.

* [Isaiah 13:19-22](/isaiah/13-19-22 "Isaiah 13:19-22 - The Desolation of Babylon")
* [Revelation 18:9-10](/revelation/18-9-10 "Revelation 18:9-10 - Lament over Babylon's Fall")
* [Proverbs 11:21](/proverbs/11-21 "Proverbs 11:21 - The Wicked Shall Not Go Unpunished")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nahum 3:7, while a prophecy of ancient judgment, carries profound and timeless implications for us today. It serves as a sobering reminder that God's moral order is immutable, and that persistent injustice, cruelty, and spiritual rebellion, whether in individuals, communities, or nations, will inevitably lead to devastating consequences. This verse challenges us to examine our own lives and the societies we inhabit: Are we building on foundations of righteousness and compassion, or are we, like Nineveh, accumulating "bloodguilt" through oppression and self-serving ambition? The chilling silence of "no comforters" for Nineveh should prompt us to consider the legacy we are building. It calls us to a deep humility, acknowledging that no power, wealth, or human ingenuity can ultimately stand against the righteous judgment of God. For those who suffer under oppression, it offers a powerful assurance that God sees, God hears, and God will act, bringing justice to the oppressed and accountability to the oppressor. It compels us to align our lives with God's character, seeking justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with Him, so that when our end comes, it is met not with indifference, but with the comfort and hope that only God can provide.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Nineveh's fate challenge our assumptions about power, security, and the ultimate consequences of unrepentant sin?**
* **In what ways might our own lives or communities exhibit patterns of pride, injustice, or spiritual indifference that could lead to a similar lack of "comforters" in a time of crisis?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment on Nineveh strengthen our faith in His justice and sovereignty, particularly when we witness ongoing injustice in the world?**
* **What does the absence of comfort for Nineveh teach us about the nature of true comfort and where it can ultimately be found?**

### FAQ

**Why is Nineveh's destruction so complete, and why is there no one to mourn her?**

Answer: Nineveh's destruction is prophesied to be complete as a direct consequence of its extreme and prolonged wickedness. The city and the Assyrian Empire it represented were notorious for their brutality, idolatry, and oppression of other nations, including God's people. The prophet Nahum details their "bloody city" (Nahum 3:1), their "harlotries" (Nahum 3:4), and their insatiable violence. The lack of mourners or comforters for Nineveh (Nahum 3:7) signifies that its downfall is not seen as a tragedy but as a just and deserved retribution. It implies that its victims and even former allies will feel no pity, only relief or a fearful acknowledgment of divine justice. This complete desolation and isolation highlight the depth of Nineveh's depravity and the severity of God's righteous judgment against it.

**Does God delight in judgment, given the harshness of this prophecy?**

Answer: The Bible consistently portrays God as just and righteous, not delighting in the death of the wicked, but in their repentance (e.g., [Ezekiel 18:23](/ezekiel/18-23 "Ezekiel 18:23 - God Desires Repentance")). However, God is also holy and cannot tolerate unrepentant sin and injustice indefinitely. The judgment on Nineveh is not an act of arbitrary cruelty, but a necessary consequence of its persistent evil, which had reached a point where it was "full of lies and plunder" (Nahum 3:1). God's judgment is an expression of His justice, defending the oppressed and upholding His moral order. While the outcome is devastating, the motivation is divine righteousness, demonstrating that God will ultimately bring all wickedness to account.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Nahum 3:7 directly addresses the historical judgment upon Nineveh, its theological implications find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The prophecy of a city utterly laid waste, with no comforters to be found, foreshadows the ultimate judgment awaiting all who reject God's rule and persist in sin. Just as Nineveh faced an inescapable reckoning for its wickedness, so too will all humanity face a final judgment, where those who have not found refuge in Christ will be left without comfort or advocate (compare [Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")). However, the very absence of comfort for Nineveh highlights the profound comfort found *in Christ*. He is the "God of all comfort" (as described in [2 Corinthians 1:3-4](/2_corinthians/1-3-4 "2 Corinthians 1:3-4 - God of All Comfort")), who offers solace and hope to those who turn to Him. Furthermore, Jesus himself referenced Nineveh, noting that the men of Nineveh repented at the preaching of Jonah, and would therefore condemn the unrepentant generation of His day (see [Matthew 12:41](/matthew/12-41 "Matthew 12:41 - The Men of Nineveh Condemn This Generation")). This emphasizes that while Nineveh ultimately fell due to its later return to wickedness, the opportunity for repentance and the availability of divine mercy were always present. Thus, Nahum 3:7 implicitly points to Christ as the ultimate source of true comfort, the one who bore the judgment for sin, and the only one through whom humanity can escape the desolate fate of those who remain unrepentant.

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 15:5

For who shall have pity upon thee, O Jerusalem? or who shall bemoan thee? or who shall go aside to ask how thou doest?

Isaiah 51:19

These two [things] are come unto thee; who shall be sorry for thee? desolation, and destruction, and the famine, and the sword: by whom shall I comfort thee?

Revelation 18:10

Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.

Numbers 16:34

And all Israel that [were] round about them fled at the cry of them: for they said, Lest the earth swallow us up [also].

Jeremiah 51:9

We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed: forsake her, and let us go every one into his own country: for her judgment reacheth unto heaven, and is lifted up [even] to the skies.

Lamentations 2:13

What thing shall I take to witness for thee? what thing shall I liken to thee, O daughter of Jerusalem? what shall I equal to thee, that I may comfort thee, O virgin daughter of Zion? for thy breach [is] great like the sea: who can heal thee?

Nahum 2:9

Take ye the spoil of silver, take the spoil of gold: for [there is] none end of the store [and] glory out of all the pleasant furniture.