Nahum2
English Standard Version
1The has . the ; the ; for battle; your .
2 the Lord is the of as the of , for have them and their .
3The of his is ; his are clothed in . The come with on the he them; the spears are .
4The madly through the ; they to and fro through the ; they like ; they like .
5He his ; they as they , they to the ; the siege is up.
6The are ; the away;
7its is ; she is off, her girls , like and their .
8 like a whose away. ! ! they cry, but .
9 the , the ! There is of the or of the of .
10 ! and ! and ; is in ; !
11 is the ’ , the place of the , where the and , his were, with to ?
12The for his and prey for his ; he his with and his with torn .
13 , I am you, the Lord of , and I will your in , and the shall your . I will off your from the , and the of your shall be .
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Nahum 2.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: Nineveh's destruction foretold. (1–10). The true cause, their sinning against God, and his appearing against them. (11–13).
vv1-10
Nineveh shall not put aside this judgment; there is no counsel or strength against the Lord. God looks upon proud cities, and brings them down. Particular account is given of the terrors wherein the invading enemy shall appear against Nineveh. The empire of Assyria is represented as a queen, about to be led captive to Babylon. Guilt in the conscience fills men with terror in an evil day; and what will treasures or glory do for us in times of distress, or in the day of wrath? Yet for such things how many lose their souls!
vv11-13
The kings of Assyria had long been terrible and cruel to their neighbours, but the Lord would destroy their power. Many plead as an excuse for rapine and fraud, that they have families to provide for; but what is thus obtained will never do them any good. Those that fear the Lord, and get honestly what they have, shall not want for themselves and theirs. It is just with God to deprive those of children, or of comfort in them, who take sinful courses to enrich them. Those are not worthy to be heard again, that have spoken reproachfully of God. Let us then come to God upon his mercy-seat, that having peace with him through our Lord Jesus Christ, we may know that he is for us, and that all things shall work together for our everlasting good.
Key Words
פּוּץ: to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively (especially to disperse)
עָלָה: to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
עַל: above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פָּנִים: the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposition (before, etc.)
נָצַר: to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)
מְצוּרָה: a hemming in, i.e. (objectively) a mound (of siege), or (subjectively) a rampart (of protection), (abstractly) fortification
צָפָה: properly, to lean forward, i.e. to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await
דֶּרֶךְ: a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
אָמַץ: to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage)
מְאֹד: properly, vehemence, i.e. (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or superlative; especially when repeated)
Cross References
Nahum 2The 'dasher in pieces' (v1) matches Jeremiah's description of Babylon as God's destroying battle-axe.
Supported by JFB
Contrasts God's love for the 'excellency of Jacob' with his judgment and turning it away.
Supported by JFB
Connects Israel as an empty vine to the 'emptiers' who marred their vine branches.
Supported by JFB
Parallels the rapid, flashing wheels of the invading chariots looking like sparks and torches.
Supported by JFB
The felling of 'fir trees' refers to the shaking and destruction of great empires and kingdoms.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Parallels the raging, furious driving of chariots in the streets during the siege of Nineveh.
Supported by JFB
Uses the exact same extended allegory of imperial powers as lions caught in pits.
Supported by JFB
Further identifies the 'hammer of the whole earth' who breaks in pieces.
Supported by JFB
The Assyrian rod of anger, having done its work of emptying Jacob, is now destroyed.
Supported by Poole, Calvin, JFB
Identical prophetic expression where hearts melt and 'faces gather blackness' in terror.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Rabshakeh's proud messages against Judah are silenced forever; the messengers' voices are heard no more.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Repeats the terrifying divine declaration: 'Behold, I am against thee, saith the Lord of hosts.'
Supported by Matthew Henry
Shows literal physical terror of judgment, matching 'the knees smite together'.
Supported by Matthew Poole
The historical destruction of the Assyrian army, showing God fulfilling His word.
Supported by Matthew Poole