Nahum 2:1-13

     The Central Idea of the Text is that God brings an invading army against Nineveh to destroy it. Nahum opens his prophecy with a sarcastic call to the Ninevites to defend themselves, saying, “Man the fortress, watch the road; strengthen your back, summon all your strength” (Nah 2:1). The effort, of course, is futile, for the primary attacker is God Himself, against whom no one can stand. Part of the reason for the attack against Nineveh is God’s intention to “restore the splendor of Jacob like the splendor of Israel” (Nah 2:2a). Though Judah has been devastated by the Assyrians, God would destroy them and put an end to their aggression. Nahum describes the battle, saying, “The shields of his mighty men are colored red, the warriors are dressed in scarlet, the chariots are enveloped in flashing steel when he is prepared to march, and the cypress spears are brandished” (Nah 2:3). Blood-red shields and uniforms were used by the Babylonians as a means of psychological warfare to strike fear in the enemy. Then the battle erupts, as “The chariots race madly in the streets, they rush wildly in the squares, their appearance is like torches, they dash to and fro like lightning flashes” (Nah 2:3-4). The Assyrians stumble to meet the enemy as they hurry to defend the walls of the city and set up their defenses (Nah 2:5). Nahum then declares, “The gates of the rivers are opened and the palace is dissolved” (Nah 2:6). There is historical evidence that just before Nineveh’s destruction, the city had experienced a series of rainfalls that had caused the Khoser River to swell and damage the city walls, creating an opening for the Babylonians and Medes to enter through. If correct, this would show how God used inclement weather to damage the city’s walls in preparation for the Babylonians and Medes, thus ensuring their military success. The events of Nineveh’s destruction are “fixed” according to God’s sovereign will as the city is stripped and carried away in battle and the Assyrian handmaids are left moaning the destruction (Nah 2:7). The city is likened to a pool of water that drains away and no one turns back, though the leaders shout “Stop, stop” (Nah 2:8). The attackers are called to plunder the city of its great wealth as the residents melt in fear (Nah 2:9-10). The great plunderers would be plundered. Assyria is described as a ravenous lion and Nineveh as its lair, and both the people and their city are destroyed (Nah 2:11-13). God then states unequivocally to the Assyrians, “Behold, I am against you” (Nah 2:13a). Though the Lord used the Babylonians and Medes, under the leadership of Nabopolassar and Cyaxeres, it was ultimately God who brought about their destruction, saying, “I will burn up her chariots in smoke, a sword will devour your young lions; I will cut off your prey from the land, and no longer will the voice of your messengers be heard” (Nah 2:13b). God is patient and had waited over 100 years for the Assyrians to repent, but they refused. As Judge, God finally rendered a decision against Nineveh and, because of their arrogance and sin, He brought about their destruction.