FocusAttack and desolation
Connection to the wholeThe vivid battle scene depicts the overthrow of the power confronted in the oracle.
interpretation Nahum 2:4
KJVThe chariots shall rage in the streets, they shall justle one against another in the broad ways: they shall seem like torches, they shall run like the lightnings.
Read it in context
The Overthrow of Nineveh
Start reading at Nahum 2:1 (Nahum 2:1 to Nahum 2:13).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The vivid battle scene depicts the overthrow of the power confronted in the oracle.
- 2:1 He that dasheth in pieces is come up before thy face: keep the munition, watch the way, make thy loins strong, fortify thy power mightily.
- 2:2 For the LORD hath turned away the excellency of Jacob, as the excellency of Israel: for the emptiers have emptied them out, and marred their vine branches.
- 2:3 The shield of his mighty men is made red, the valiant men are in scarlet: the chariots shall be with flaming torches in the day of his preparation, and the fir trees shall be terribly shaken.
- 2:4 The chariots shall rage in the streets, they shall justle one against another in the broad ways: they shall seem like torches, they shall run like the lightnings.
- 2:5 He shall recount his worthies: they shall stumble in their walk; they shall make haste to the wall thereof, and the defence shall be prepared.
- 2:6 The gates of the rivers shall be opened, and the palace shall be dissolved.
- 2:7 And Huzzab shall be led away captive, she shall be brought up, and her maids shall lead her as with the voice of doves, tabering upon their breasts.
- 2:8 But Nineveh is of old like a pool of water: yet they shall flee away. Stand, stand, shall they cry; but none shall look back.
- 2:9 Take ye the spoil of silver, take the spoil of gold: for there is none end of the store and glory out of all the pleasant furniture.
- 2:10 She is empty, and void, and waste: and the heart melteth, and the knees smite together, and much pain is in all loins, and the faces of them all gather blackness.
- 2:11 Where is the dwelling of the lions, and the feedingplace of the young lions, where the lion, even the old lion, walked, and the lion's whelp, and none made them afraid?
- 2:12 The lion did tear in pieces enough for his whelps, and strangled for his lionesses, and filled his holes with prey, and his dens with ravin.
- 2:13 Behold, I am against thee, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will burn her chariots in the smoke, and the sword shall devour thy young lions: and I will cut off thy prey from the earth, and the voice of thy messengers shall no more be heard.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Nahum the Elkoshite is the named prophet; his further biography is uncertain. Biblical references: Nahum 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Nahum 2:1–3:19): Nineveh is addressed as the city facing siege and downfall; its rulers, merchants, defenders, and people are portrayed in the warning. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Judah receives reassurance in an oracle against Nineveh. Nineveh is the city addressed in judgment; Judah is explicitly addressed with a call to keep its feasts. Biblical references: Nahum 1:1; Nahum 1:15; Nahum 3:1. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The Overthrow of Nineveh. Read Nahum 2:1 through Nahum 2:13 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The vivid battle scene depicts the overthrow of the power confronted in the oracle. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The book does not state a royal year. Its comparison with the fall of No and announcement of Nineveh's fall provide historical reference points whose modern dates require external reconstruction. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Nineveh is the object of the oracle, with other places used in comparison and poetic description. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The Overthrow of Nineveh (Nahum 2:1 to Nahum 2:13). Start reading at Nahum 2:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The book's judgment on violent oppression can be read beside the New Testament's teaching that Christ judges righteously. This is a thematic connection, not an explicit naming of Jesus in Nahum. See Nahum 3:8, Acts 17:31, Revelation 19:11. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Reject security built on violence and exploitation. Read judgment oracles as announcements about their stated objects, not permission for personal vengeance. interpretation
Cited: Nahum 2:1, Nahum 2:13, Nahum 3:8, Acts 17:31, Revelation 19:11
Who wrote it, and how we know
Nahum
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book opens as the book of the vision of Nahum.
Nahum 1:1
Early traditionTradition names Nahum.
Related passages
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Nahum 2
Nahum presents an oracle concerning Nineveh. The announced judgment is directed toward that oppressive power; descriptions of battle are prophetic and poetic language rather than instructions for the reader to imitate violence. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Nahum
Nahum presents an oracle concerning Nineveh. The announced judgment is directed toward that oppressive power; descriptions of battle are prophetic and poetic language rather than instructions for the reader to imitate violence.
The LORD's character and the city's end
Nahum 1:1–15FocusRefuge and judgment
Connection to the wholeThe opening describes the LORD's power and goodness while announcing the end of the hostile oppressor.
interpretation FocusAttack and desolation
Connection to the wholeThe vivid battle scene depicts the overthrow of the power confronted in the oracle.
interpretation The reason for judgment and the final taunt
Nahum 3:1–19FocusViolence, deceit, and unavoidable collapse
Connection to the wholeThe closing accusations and comparisons expose Nineveh's guilt and complete the announcement of its downfall.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.