Nahum 2

Nahum chapter two vividly describes the impending destruction of Nineveh by an invading force. The prophet portrays the attacking army with fiery chariots and swift movements, overwhelming the city's defenses. Nineveh, once a powerful and secure city, is depicted as becoming desolate, its inhabitants fleeing in terror, and its vast treasures plundered. The chapter concludes with the Lord's direct declaration against Nineveh, affirming His judgment upon its predatory nature.

Nahum chapter two opens with a prophetic vision of an approaching enemy, described as "he that dasheth in pieces," poised to attack Nineveh. The Lord's judgment is linked to the past suffering of Jacob and Israel, whose "excellency" was marred. The invading army is depicted with striking imagery: red shields, scarlet warriors, and chariots resembling flaming torches and lightning, raging through the city's streets. Despite Nineveh's attempts to fortify its defenses and rally its worthies, its gates are breached, and its palace dissolved. The city, once formidable, is portrayed as a pool of water from which its inhabitants now flee in terror, leaving behind immense spoils of silver and gold. The chapter culminates in a powerful declaration from the Lord of hosts, who vows to destroy Nineveh's military might, cut off its plunder, and silence its voice, likening the city to a den of lions whose reign of terror is now over.

Nahum chapter two commences with a stark warning of an imminent invasion against Nineveh, personified by "he that dasheth in pieces," who approaches the city's face. The prophet calls for Nineveh to prepare its defenses, strengthen its munition, and fortify its power, yet this is presented within the context of the Lord's overarching plan. The divine rationale for this judgment is subtly introduced, referencing the Lord's turning away of Jacob's and Israel's "excellency" due to those who "emptied them out." The invading army is then described with intense, dynamic imagery: mighty men in scarlet with red shields, chariots appearing as flaming torches and lightning, fiercely traversing the streets and broad ways. Nineveh's king attempts to organize his "worthies," who stumble as they rush to the walls, preparing a defense that ultimately proves futile. The chapter foretells the breaching of the city's defenses, with the "gates of the rivers" opening and the palace dissolving. A prominent figure, "Huzzab," likely representing the queen or a significant idol, is led away captive, accompanied by the mournful sounds of her maids. Nineveh, once compared to a stable "pool of water," is now shown in chaotic flight, its inhabitants abandoning the city without looking back, despite desperate cries to stand. The city's immense wealth, its silver and gold, is declared as spoil for the conquerors. The aftermath is one of utter desolation: Nineveh is "empty, and void, and waste," its people consumed by fear, pain, and despair, their hearts melting and knees smiting together. The prophet then employs the powerful metaphor of the "dwelling of the lions," questioning where Nineveh's former predatory power and fearlessness have gone. The chapter concludes with a definitive declaration from the LORD of hosts, who proclaims Himself against Nineveh, promising to burn its chariots, destroy its "young lions" (its warriors and leaders), cut off its ability to prey on others, and silence the voice of its messengers forever.