Nahum 3:16

Thou hast multiplied thy merchants above the stars of heaven: the cankerworm spoileth, and flieth away.

Thou hast multiplied {H7235} thy merchants {H7402} above the stars {H3556} of heaven {H8064}: the cankerworm {H3218} spoileth {H6584}, and flieth away {H5774}.

You had more merchants than stars in the sky. The locust sheds its skin and flies away.

You have multiplied your merchants more than the stars of the sky. The young locust strips the land and flies away.

Thou hast multiplied thy merchants above the stars of heaven: the canker-worm ravageth, and fleeth away.

Commentary

Nahum 3:16 delivers a vivid prophecy against Nineveh, the formidable capital of the Assyrian Empire, highlighting its immense commercial power and the sudden, devastating judgment awaiting it.

Context

The book of Nahum is a prophetic oracle primarily focused on the impending destruction of Nineveh, a city notorious for its brutality, idolatry, and oppressive rule (see Nahum 3:1). This verse is part of a larger indictment, detailing the various aspects of Nineveh's strength that would ultimately become its weakness and lead to its downfall. The prophet paints a picture of a city brimming with wealth and influence, yet destined for ruin.

Key Themes

  • Nineveh's Economic Dominance: The phrase "Thou hast multiplied thy merchants above the stars of heaven" is a powerful hyperbole emphasizing Nineveh's vast commercial network and the countless number of traders who enriched the city. This speaks to its status as a major economic hub and a symbol of worldly prosperity and pride.
  • The Fleeting Nature of Earthly Wealth and Power: The comparison to the "cankerworm" (a type of locust or devouring insect) is striking. Just as the cankerworm devours and then "flieth away," so too would Nineveh's immense wealth and power be consumed and vanish. This underscores the temporary and vulnerable nature of material possessions and human might when faced with divine judgment. It serves as a stark reminder that riches do not last forever.
  • Divine Judgment and Inevitable Ruin: This verse contributes to the overarching theme of God's righteous judgment against proud and wicked nations. Despite its overwhelming power and seemingly endless resources, Nineveh would not escape the consequences of its actions.

Linguistic Insights

The term "cankerworm" (Hebrew: yeleq) refers to a species of locust, specifically one that devours and strips vegetation. The imagery powerfully conveys the idea of complete consumption and destruction, followed by the swift departure or disappearance of the destructive agent. This contrasts sharply with the earlier image of countless, multiplying merchants, suggesting that the very things that made Nineveh great would be devoured and scattered, much like these insects.

Practical Application

Nahum 3:16 serves as a timeless warning against placing ultimate trust in material wealth, commercial success, or human power. While prosperity is not inherently evil, an unchecked pursuit of it can lead to pride and a disregard for justice and righteousness, as seen in Nineveh's case. The verse reminds us that earthly empires and possessions are temporary and subject to decay and divine judgment. It encourages us to consider where our true security lies and to build on foundations that are eternal, rather than on fleeting riches that can "spoil" and "fly away" (compare Matthew 6:19-21).

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 22:17 (2 votes)

    That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which [is] upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;

  • Genesis 15:5 (2 votes)

    And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.

  • Jeremiah 33:22 (2 votes)

    As the host of heaven cannot be numbered, neither the sand of the sea measured: so will I multiply the seed of David my servant, and the Levites that minister unto me.

  • Nehemiah 9:23 (2 votes)

    Their children also multipliedst thou as the stars of heaven, and broughtest them into the land, concerning which thou hadst promised to their fathers, that they should go in to possess [it].