God's Blessing

Nahum 3 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

1 Woe to the bloody city, all full of lies and plunder— no end to the prey!
2 The crack of the whip, and rumble of the wheel, galloping horse and bounding chariot!
3 Horsemen charging,
flashing sword and glittering spear,
hosts of slain,
heaps of corpses,
dead bodies without end—
they stumble over the bodies!
4 all because of the multitude of the whoredom of the prostitute, graceful and of deadly charms, who betrays nations with her whoredom, and peoples with her charms.
5 Behold, I am against you, declares the Lord of hosts, and will lift up your skirts over your face; and I will make nations look at your nakedness and kingdoms at your shame.
6 I will throw filth at you and treat you with contempt and make you a spectacle.
7 And all who look at you will shrink from you and say, “Wasted is Nineveh; who will grieve for her?” Where shall I seek comforters for you?
8 Are you better than Thebes that sat by the Nile,
with water around her,
her rampart a sea,
and water her wall?
9 Cush and Egypt were her boundless strength;
Put and Libya were her helpers.
10 Yet she became an exile; she went into captivity; her infants were dashed in pieces at the head of every street; for her honored men lots were cast, and all her great men were bound in chains.
11 You also will be drunken; you will go into hiding; you will seek a refuge from the enemy.
12 All your fortresses are like fig trees
with first-ripe figs—
if shaken they fall
into the mouth of the eater.
13 Behold, your troops are women in your midst. The gates of your land are wide open to your enemies; fire has devoured your bars.
14 Draw water for the siege; strengthen your forts; go into the clay; tread the mortar; take hold of the brick mold!
15 There will the fire devour you; the sword will cut you off. It will devour you like the locust. Multiply yourselves like the locust; multiply like the grasshopper!
16 You increased your merchants more than the stars of the heavens.
17 Your princes are like grasshoppers,
your scribes like clouds of locusts
settling on the fences
in a day of cold—
when the sun rises, they fly away;
no one knows where they are.
18 Your shepherds are asleep, O king of Assyria; your nobles slumber. Your people are scattered on the mountains with none to gather them.
19 There is no easing your hurt; your wound is grievous. All who hear the news about you clap their hands over you. For upon whom has not come your unceasing evil?

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The True Meaning of Nahum 3

The book of Nahum was written by the prophet Nahum, who lived during the reign of King Hezekiah in Judah. Nahum’s message focuses on the impending doom of the Assyrian Empire, particularly its capital city of Nineveh. Nahum, in this chapter, continues his scathing condemnation of Nineveh, warning of its inevitable destruction.

Nahum paints a vivid picture of Nineveh’s downfall, drawing parallels to the fate of the Egyptian city of Thebes, which had also fallen to the Assyrians (Nahum 3:8-10). He highlights Nineveh’s cruelty, greed, and idolatry, which have incurred the wrath of God. The chapter foreshadows the city’s violent end, as Nahum describes the invading armies and the city’s desperate attempts to defend itself.

This passage serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of sin and the power of God’s judgment. Nahum’s words echo the warnings found in other prophetic books, such as Jonah’s message to the people of Nineveh (Jonah 3:4). The chapter also highlights the importance of repentance and the need to turn away from wickedness, lest one face the same fate as the once-mighty Nineveh.

Nahum 3:1-4

The prophet Nahum delivers a message of judgment against Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire in Nahum 3:1-4. The section can be divided into three main parts: 1) the city of blood, 2) the deceitful city, and 3) the unrepentant city.

To begin with, in verse 1, Nahum describes Nineveh as the “city of blood, full of lies, full of plunder, never without victims!” These words emphasize the wickedness and violence that were prevalent in Nineveh. The city had a reputation for its brutality in war and its oppressive treatment of conquered peoples. This description serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of sin and the judgment that follows when a nation strays from God’s ways. It also highlights the importance of justice and righteousness in the eyes of the Lord.

Moving on to verse 2, Nahum condemns Nineveh for being a deceitful city, saying, “Cracking of the whip, rattling of wheels, galloping horses, jolting chariots….” This imagery of military might and aggression portrays the arrogance and self-reliance of the Assyrians. They trusted in their military power and cunning strategies rather than turning to God for guidance and protection. This serves as a warning against pride and self-sufficiency, emphasizing the need for humility and dependence on God in all circumstances. Nahum points out in verse 3 that despite the devastation that will come upon Nineveh, the city remained unrepentant. He says, “Charging horsemen, flashing swords and glittering spears! Many casualties, piles of dead, bodies without number, people stumbling over the corpses.” This vivid imagery paints a picture of the destruction and chaos that will befall the city, yet even in the face of such calamity, Nineveh refuses to turn from its sinful ways. This serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of stubbornness and refusal to heed God’s warnings. It also highlights the importance of repentance and turning back to God in times of trouble. Nahum prophesied the fall of Nineveh in the broader context of the Bible, aligning with the overarching theme of God’s justice and righteousness. Throughout the Old Testament, we see numerous examples of God’s judgment on nations and individuals who have strayed from His commands. The story of Nineveh’s downfall serves as a reminder that no kingdom or city is beyond the reach of God’s judgment, and that ultimately, His will shall prevail. This message of divine judgment and the call to repentance reverberates throughout the Bible, emphasizing the need for obedience and faithfulness to God.

Nahum 3:5-7

The passage in Nahum 3:5-7 begins with the phrase “‘I am against you,’ declares the Lord Almighty.”” This declaration is a strong and powerful statement from God against Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire. The use of the title “Lord Almighty” emphasizes the authority and power of God over all nations, including the seemingly mighty Assyrians. The verse continues to describe the reasons for God’s judgement on Nineveh, stating that He will lift their skirts over their faces, exposing their shame.

This imagery of having their skirts lifted over their faces was a symbol of disgrace and humiliation in ancient times. It signifies the exposure of their sins and wickedness to the world, showing that God’s judgment is not arbitrary but based on the sins and atrocities committed by the people of Nineveh. This act of humiliation serves as a form of divine retribution for their evil deeds.

This passage serves as a reminder of the consequences of wickedness and the ultimate judgment of God. Throughout the Bible, we see instances where God judges nations and individuals based on their actions. God could no longer overlook Nineveh’s violence, idolatry, and oppression of others, as their sins had reached a critical point. This emphasizes the importance of living in obedience to God’s commandments and the severity of facing the righteous judgment of God when one strays from His ways. The story of Nineveh and the Assyrian Empire serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty over all nations in a broader context. Despite their military might and dominance in the ancient world, the Assyrians were not exempt from God’s judgment when they turned away from Him. This theme is echoed in other parts of the Bible, such as in the book of Daniel, where God’s supremacy over earthly kingdoms is highlighted. Nahum 3:5-7 conveys a message of divine justice, accountability, and the eventual downfall of those who choose to rebel against God. It underscores the timeless truth that God’s righteousness will prevail, and that ultimately, every knee will bow before Him.

Nahum 3:8-10

The prophet Nahum describes Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire, as a city of blood, lies, and plunder in Nahum 3:8-10. He depicts the city’s fall as a consequence of its relentless pursuit of power through violence and deceit. This passage serves as a warning against the consequences of living a life of wickedness and oppression. Nahum criticizes Nineveh in verse 8 for being a city full of blood, lies, and plunder. This portrayal of the city reflects its history of conquest and oppression. Throughout the Bible, there are numerous instances where God condemns the shedding of innocent blood and the exploitation of the vulnerable. This verse reminds us of the importance of justice and righteousness in the eyes of God.

Furthermore, in verse 9, Nahum describes Nineveh as a city that is now vulnerable and weak, with its defenses breached and its people taken into captivity. This serves as a powerful reminder that no kingdom or empire is too mighty to fall before the judgment of God. The story of Nineveh’s downfall reminds us of the ephemeral nature of earthly power and the ultimate sovereignty of God over all nations. Nahum prophesies the eventual destruction of Nineveh in verse 10. He foretells that despite the city’s strength and numbers, it would ultimately be devoured as if by locusts. This vivid imagery emphasizes the swiftness and completeness of Nineveh’s destruction, highlighting the decisiveness of God’s judgment on a city that had strayed far from His ways. This serves as a cautionary tale for all nations and individuals who choose to walk a path of unrighteousness and disobedience. Nahum 3:8-10 carries a powerful message about the consequences of wickedness and the ultimate judgment of God. It serves as a reminder that no kingdom or city can stand in defiance of God’s will, and that true strength lies in righteousness and obedience to His commands. This passage calls us to examine our own lives and societies, ensuring that our actions are aligned with the principles of justice, mercy, and compassion that are at the heart of God’s kingdom.

Nahum 3:11-13

The verse in Nahum 3:11-13 grimly prophesies the downfall of Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire. Let’s break down this passage into sections for a deeper analysis:

  1. “You too will become drunk; you will go into hiding and seek refuge from the enemy.”
    This section talks about how the people of Nineveh will suffer a fate similar to being drunk, where they will be confused, disoriented, and vulnerable. The mention of seeking refuge from the enemy highlights their fear and desperation as their city faces destruction. This imagery serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of sin and arrogance, as the Assyrians had been known for their cruelty and arrogance, especially towards the people of Israel.

  2. “All your fortresses are fig trees with the first ripe fruit; when they are shaken, the figs fall into the mouth of the eater.”
    This metaphorical language paints a vivid picture of the vulnerability of Nineveh’s defenses. The comparison of their fortresses to fig trees with ripe fruit ready to fall conveys the imminent and inevitable destruction that will befall the city. The ease with which the figs fall into the mouth of the eater symbolizes how effortlessly Nineveh’s defenses will crumble before their enemies. This image underscores the idea that no stronghold, no matter how fortified, can withstand the judgment of God when it comes.

  3. “Look at your troops—they are all weaklings. The gates of your land are wide open to your enemies; fire has consumed the bars of your gates.”
    This section emphasizes the weakness and helplessness of Nineveh’s once formidable army. The gates of the city, which were meant to keep enemies out and protect the inhabitants, are now wide open, allowing easy access to those who seek to conquer the city. The mention of fire consuming the bars of the gates suggests that even the physical barriers that once provided security for Nineveh have been destroyed. This imagery serves as a powerful reminder that human strength and fortifications are nothing compared to the power and sovereignty of God. The fall of Nineveh and the Assyrian Empire align with the biblical theme of God’s judgment on nations and rulers who defy His will and oppress His people in the broader context of the Bible. The Assyrians had a history of brutal conquests and idolatry, and their downfall at the hands of God’s judgment serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of pride, violence, and wickedness. This passage echoes similar themes found in the Old Testament, such as the fall of Babylon in Isaiah 13 and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19, where God’s justice and righteousness are ultimately revealed. Nahum 3:11-13 serves as a stark reminder of the transience of human power and the certainty of God’s judgment. It emphasizes the importance of humility, righteousness, and obedience to God’s will, as these are the qualities that endure in the face of judgment and destruction.

Nahum 3:14-17

The prophet Nahum continues to convey a message of judgment against Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire in Nahum 3:14-17. Let’s break down this passage to fully understand its significance.

Verse 14 begins with a call for the city of Nineveh to draw water for the siege, fortify their defenses, and go into the clay and tread the mortar, preparing for the imminent attack. This is a vivid depiction of the chaos and desperation that will engulf the city as it faces the consequences of its wickedness. The idea of drawing water for the siege emphasizes the necessity of preparing for a long and difficult battle, highlighting the severity of the judgment that is to come upon Nineveh.

Moving on to verse 15, we see the reference to the fire devouring the city’s gates. City gates in ancient times not only served as a physical entrance but also symbolized strength, security, and authority. The destruction of the gates signifies the complete and utter downfall of Nineveh’s power and sovereignty. This imagery serves as a powerful reminder that no earthly kingdom or power is invincible in the face of God’s judgment. The fall of Nineveh reiterates the biblical principle that pride and wickedness will eventually be brought low.

Verse 16 describes how Nineveh will be consumed by locusts that multiply in number like the swarming locusts found in the fields. Locusts were often seen as a symbol of destruction and devastation in the ancient world, as they could devour entire crops and lead to famine and suffering. Nahum uses this analogy to paint a picture of the total desolation that will befall Nineveh. This serves as a warning to all who choose to live in rebellion against God and His commandments, as ultimately, there will be consequences for their actions.

Finally, in verse 17, Nahum declares that Nineveh’s officials are like grasshoppers and its scribes like clouds of locusts, which settle on the walls on a cold day but fly away when the sun comes out, leaving the city desolate. This imagery further emphasizes the fleeting nature of human power and glory. The comparison of Nineveh’s leaders to grasshoppers and locusts highlights their insignificance in the grand scheme of God’s judgment. Despite their perceived strength and influence, they will be swept away in the face of God’s righteous anger. Nahum 3:14-17 serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of sin and wickedness. Through the fall of Nineveh, we are reminded of the importance of humility, righteousness, and obedience to God’s commands. The ultimate fate of Nineveh stands as a testament to the truth that no kingdom, no matter how powerful, is beyond the reach of God’s judgment. This passage echoes similar themes found throughout the Bible, such as the rise and fall of kingdoms like Babylon and Assyria as seen in Isaiah 13 and Jeremiah 50-51. It also underscores the need for repentance and the acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty in the face of human pride and arrogance.

Nahum 3:18-19

The text in Nahum 3:18-19 reads, “Your shepherds slumber, O king of Assyria; your nobles lie down to rest.” Your people are scattered on the mountains with none to gather them. There is no easing your hurt; your wound is grievous. All who hear the news about you clap their hands over you. For upon whom has not come your unceasing evil?” This passage reflects a prophetic message regarding the downfall of the mighty Assyrian empire. The shepherds and nobles are depicted as slumbering and lying down to rest, which symbolizes their complacency and lack of awareness of the impending doom that awaits them. The scattered people on the mountains with none to gather them represent the mass exodus and disarray that will befall the once powerful nation.

The verse also conveys a message of divine judgment and retribution. The Assyrians were known for their ruthless conquests and brutal treatment of their enemies. They had inflicted suffering and pain on many nations, and now they themselves are facing the consequences of their actions. The mention of the grievous wound and the inability to ease the hurt allude to the imminent destruction and devastation that will befall Assyria. The clapping of hands by all who hear the news symbolizes a sense of satisfaction and vindication among the nations that have suffered under Assyrian oppression.

This passage serves as a reminder of the Biblical principle of reaping what one sows. Throughout the Bible, there are numerous instances where nations or individuals face the consequences of their actions. “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked,” is written in Galatians 6:7. A man reaps what he sows.” This principle applies not only to individuals but also to nations and empires. The Assyrians, in their arrogance and cruelty, sowed seeds of destruction that eventually led to their downfall.

Furthermore, the theme of divine justice and righteousness is prevalent in this passage. The Assyrians, despite their military might and power, could not escape the judgment of God. Proverbs 21:15 states, “When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.” The downfall of Assyria serves as a reminder that ultimately, God’s justice will prevail, and evildoers will be held accountable for their actions. Nahum 3:18-19 conveys a powerful message about the consequences of pride, oppression, and wickedness. It serves as a warning against arrogance and a reminder of the ultimate sovereignty of God. The Assyrians’ demise stands as a cautionary tale for all nations and individuals who stray from righteousness and justice.

After Nahum 3

The Lord had spoken, and the fate of Nineveh was sealed. The once-mighty city, the capital of the Assyrian Empire, had fallen into a state of utter despair. Its people, once proud and arrogant, now cowered in fear, for the judgment of God had come upon them. The reverend knew that the story of Nineveh was not yet complete as the smoke cleared and the dust settled. The next chapter would reveal the true nature of God’s mercy and the path to redemption, for even in the darkest of times, the light of hope still shines.