Nahum 3:9

Nahum 3:9 is part of a vivid prophetic oracle against Nineveh, the formidable capital of the Assyrian Empire. In this chapter, the prophet Nahum uses the recent fall of No Amon (also known as Thebes, a great city in Egypt) as a stark example and warning to Nineveh. The verse highlights the immense strength and vast alliances that No Amon possessed, stating, "Ethiopia and Egypt were her strength, and it was infinite; Put and Lubim were thy helpers." This seemingly overwhelming power ultimately failed to save it from destruction, serving as a powerful lesson.

Context

The book of Nahum primarily pronounces God's judgment against Nineveh, a city notorious for its cruelty, idolatry, and oppression. Chapters 1 and 2 describe the Lord's character as a jealous and avenging God, and the certainty of Nineveh's downfall. Chapter 3 specifically details the reasons for Nineveh's destruction and illustrates it by referencing the historical defeat of Thebes (No Amon), a powerful city that had seemingly insurmountable defenses and formidable allies. Verses 8 and 9 draw a parallel: if a city as mighty as No Amon, with its vast resources and allies, could fall, then Nineveh, despite its own perceived strength, would also succumb to divine judgment. This serves as a powerful testament to God's ultimate sovereignty over nations, even the most dominant ones.

Key Themes

• The Futility of Human Strength and Alliances: Despite No Amon's strategic location and powerful allies like Ethiopia, Egypt, Put (likely ancient Libya), and Lubim (another Libyan tribe), their combined might was described as "infinite." Yet, this vast military and economic power proved utterly ineffective against God's decree. This theme underscores that no worldly power can withstand the judgment of the Almighty.
• Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: The verse, within its broader context, emphasizes God's absolute control over the rise and fall of nations. The destruction of No Amon, and by extension, the promised destruction of Nineveh, serves as a clear demonstration that God alone holds ultimate authority and executes justice against wickedness. For more on God's just judgment, see Nahum 1:2-3.
• Warning Through Historical Precedent: The mention of No Amon's fate is not merely historical detail but a direct warning to Nineveh. It's a reminder that past examples of judgment should compel present nations to heed God's call to repentance and righteousness.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "it was infinite" (KJV) translates the Hebrew `ein mispar` (אֵין מִסְפָּר), which literally means "there is no number" or "without measure." This vividly conveys the immense, uncountable resources and manpower that No Amon could draw upon from its allies. It emphasizes the sheer scale of the power that God overcame, making His victory all the more profound and underscoring that human limits are nothing to the divine.

Practical Application

For believers today, Nahum 3:9 serves as a potent reminder not to place ultimate trust in worldly power, wealth, or human alliances. While these may offer temporary security, they are ultimately finite and fallible. Our ultimate reliance should be on God alone, who is truly infinite in power and unchanging in His character. Just as the might of No Amon and Nineveh crumbled, so too will all human systems and strengths that oppose God. This verse encourages us to seek our security and strength in the Lord, understanding that no king is saved by the multitude of an host.