Tanak Foundations-Concepts in Nahum-Chapter 2

Nahum 2.1-13 describes the overthrow of Ninevah. The destroyer of Israel who was vindictive and cruel is himself going to be destroyed.

v 1…The one who scatters has come up against you (an approaching army). Man the fortress, watch the road (secure the passes that lead to Ninevah); strengthen your back (put on armor, put on the sword, prepare for battle), summon all your strength (the courage you will need, but it will all be in vain).

v 2…For the Lord (Yehovah) will restore the splendor of Jacob (the natural name for the twelve tribes) like the splendor of Israel (the spiritual name for the twelve tribes-Yehovah will exalt the nation again to its divine calling), even though devastations have devastated them and destroyed their vine branches (Yehovah will avenge the people-Isa 5.1; Jer 12.10).

v 3…The shields of his (Yehovah’s) mighty men are red (the color of their painted shields or the copper color which overlaid them), the warriors are dressed in scarlet (the fighting uniform of the nations was frequently blood red). The chariots are in flashing steel (axes, bows, arrows, armor, weapons adorned the chariots) when he is prepared (to fight), and the cypress (spears or javelins) are brandished (swung by the warriors).

v 4…The chariots race madly in the streets, they rush wildly in the squares (to make a spoil in Ninevah, confusion in the suburbs surrounding the inner citadel), their appearance is like torches (the chariots as they drive about being ornamented with steel weapons and armor), they dash to and from like lightning flashes.

v 5…He remembers his glorious ones (the Assyrians remember their great warriors who may possibly defend the city); they stumble in their march (in terror at the violent assault), they hurry to the wall, and the tortoise is set up (a battle formation formed by soldiers holding their shields close together and above their heads).

v 6…The gates by the rivers are opened (the gates protected by the rivers and canals are occupied easily), and the palace is dissolved (vanish through fear and alarm once the gates protected by the rivers and broken open).

v 7…And it is fixed (determined); she (the city) is stripped, she is carried away (completely destroyed), and her handmaids are moaning like the sound of doves, beating their breasts (mourning over the loss of their mistress Ninevah).

v 8…Though Ninevah was like a pool of water throughout her days (full of life and people), now they are fleeing; “Stop, stop” but no one turns back.

v 9…Plunder the silver! Plunder the gold! For there is no limit to the treasure-wealth from every kind of desirable object (the conquerors are summoned to plunder by Yehovah. What Ninevah took will now be taken from them).

v 10…She is emptied! Yes, she is desolate and waste (nothing left)! Hearts are melting and knees knocking (people can hardly stand because of the terror)! Also anguish is in the whole body, and all their faces are grown pale!

v 11…Where is the den of lions (the predatory nature of the kings of Ninevah) and the feeding place of the young lions (the citizens of Ninevah who could not seek prey for themselves-Ninevah is described as the dwelling place of lions, but no more), where the lion, lioness, and the lion cubs prowled, with nothing to disturb them (describes the predatory nature of the Assyrians themselves)?

v 12…The lion tore through for his cubs (the kings took what they wanted), strangling for his lioness (the warriors, citizens), and filled his lairs with prey (the innocent victims-lions drag their prey back to their dens) and his dens with torn flesh.

v 13…”Behold (see for yourself, take note), I am against you,” declares the Lord of hosts (Yehovah Tzavaot or “armies”). “I will burn up her chariots in smoke (they disappear). A sword will devour your young lions (citizens, warriors), I will cut off your prey from the land, and no longer will the voice of your messengers be heard (the complete destruction of the imperial power of Assyria; Assyrian ambassadors in foreign courts demanding tribute and subjection will not be feared any longer).

Posted in All Teachings, Articles, Idioms, Phrases and Concepts, Prophecy/Eschatology, The Festivals of the Lord, The Tanak, Tying into the New Testament

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