Nahum 2
BSBThe Overthrow of Nineveh
1One who scatters advances
against you, O Nineveh.
Guard the fortress!
Watch the road!
Brace yourselves!a
Summon all your strength!
2For the LORD will restore the splendor of Jacob
like the splendor of Israel,
though destroyers have laid them waste
and ruined the branches of their vine.
3The shields of his mighty men are red;
the valiant warriors are dressed in scarlet.
The fittings of the chariots flash like fire
on the day they are prepared,
and the spears of cypress
have been brandished.b
4The chariots dash through the streets;
they rush around the plazas,
appearing like torches,
darting about like lightning.
5He summons his nobles;
they stumble as they advance.
They race to its wall;
the protective shield is set in place.
6The river gates are thrown open
and the palace collapses.
7It is decreed that the city be exiled
and carried away;
her maidservants moan like doves,
and beat upon their breasts.
8Nineveh has been like a pool of water
throughout her days,
but now it is draining away.
“Stop! Stop!” they cry,
but no one turns back.
9“Plunder the silver!
Plunder the gold!”
There is no end to the treasure,
an abundance of every precious thing.
10She is emptied!
Yes, she is desolate and laid waste!
Hearts melt, knees knock,
bodies tremble, and every face grows pale!
11Where is the lions’ lair
or the feeding ground of the young lions,
where the lion and lioness prowled with their cubs,
with nothing to frighten them away?
12The lion mauled enough for its cubs
and strangled prey for the lioness.
It filled its dens with the kill,
and its lairs with mauled prey.
13“Behold, I am against you,”
declares the LORD of Hosts.
“I will reduce your chariots to cinders,
and the sword will devour your young lions.
I will cut off your prey from the earth,
and the voices of your messengers
will no longer be heard.”
Footnotes
1a Hebrew Strengthen your loins!
3b Hebrew; alternately, the spears may be of pine or juniper or fir; LXX and Syriac they are prepared, and the horsemen rush to and fro.
Study Notes — Nahum 2
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Nahum 2
- Themes from Nahum 2
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Nahum chapter 2 begins with a description of the Lord's advance on Nineveh, with the enemies of the city trembling before Him. The chapter then describes the siege and capture of the city, with the people fleeing in terror. The Lord's judgment on Nineveh is seen as a demonstration of His power and justice, and a warning to other nations of the consequences of sin. Key verses include Nahum 2:1, which describes the Lord's advance on the city, and Nahum 2:13, which declares the Lord's judgment on the city. The chapter concludes with a statement of the Lord's sovereignty over all nations, and His determination to judge those who refuse to repent.
Context for the Chapter
Nahum chapter 2 is part of a larger prophecy against the nation of Assyria, and the city of Nineveh in particular. The chapter is set in the context of the Assyrian empire's expansion and conquest of other nations, and serves as a warning to the people of Nineveh of the consequences of their sin. The chapter is also part of the larger biblical narrative, which emphasizes God's power and justice, and the importance of repentance and faith in His plan of salvation.
Heart Application
The chapter's emphasis on God's power and justice serves as a reminder of the importance of repentance and faith in His plan of salvation. As we read this chapter, we are called to examine our own hearts and lives, and to turn from sin and seek God's mercy. We are also reminded of the importance of submitting to God's will, and of trusting in His sovereignty over all nations.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Nahum chapter 2 is about God's judgment on the city of Nineveh. The chapter describes the Lord's advance on the city, and the consequences of the city's sin. In Nahum 2:1, we see a picture of God's judgment, and in Nahum 2:13, we see the Lord's declaration of judgment on the city. The chapter serves as a reminder of the importance of repentance and faith in God's plan of salvation.
Voices from the Church
“The Lord's judgment on Nineveh is a reminder of His power and justice, and serves as a warning to all nations of the consequences of sin.”
— John Calvin
“The chapter's emphasis on God's sovereignty is a reminder of His authority over all nations, and the importance of submitting to His will.”
— Charles Spurgeon
Outline for Preaching
- The Lord's Advance (Nahum 2:1-2) — The chapter begins with a description of the Lord's advance on Nineveh, with the enemies of the city trembling before Him.
- The Siege of Nineveh (Nahum 2:3-10) — The chapter describes the siege and capture of the city, with the people fleeing in terror.
- The Lord's Judgment (Nahum 2:11-13) — The chapter concludes with a statement of the Lord's judgment on Nineveh, and a warning to other nations of the consequences of sin.
- The Consequences of Sin (Nahum 2:1-13) — The chapter emphasizes the consequences of sin, and the importance of repentance and faith in God's plan of salvation.
- The Lord's Sovereignty (Nahum 2:1-13) — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty over all nations, and the importance of submitting to His will.
Core Doctrines
- God's Sovereignty
- The chapter emphasizes God's authority over all nations, and the importance of submitting to His will. This doctrine is seen in the Lord's judgment on Nineveh, and serves as a reminder of His power and justice.
- The Importance of Repentance
- The chapter's emphasis on the consequences of sin serves as a reminder of the importance of repentance and faith in God's plan of salvation. This doctrine is seen in the Lord's call to the people of Nineveh to turn from their sin and seek His mercy.
- The Consequences of Sin
- The chapter describes the consequences of Nineveh's sin, and serves as a warning to other nations of the importance of repentance. This doctrine is seen in the Lord's judgment on the city, and emphasizes the importance of submitting to God's will.
- God's Justice
- The chapter emphasizes God's justice, and the importance of trusting in His sovereignty over all nations. This doctrine is seen in the Lord's judgment on Nineveh, and serves as a reminder of His power and authority.
Lessons from Nahum 2
- The Importance of Repentance — The chapter's emphasis on the consequences of sin serves as a reminder of the importance of repentance and faith in God's plan of salvation.
- God's Sovereignty — The chapter emphasizes God's authority over all nations, and the importance of submitting to His will.
- The Consequences of Sin — The chapter describes the consequences of Nineveh's sin, and serves as a warning to other nations of the importance of repentance.
- God's Justice — The chapter emphasizes God's justice, and the importance of trusting in His sovereignty over all nations.
- The Importance of Faith — The chapter teaches us about the importance of faith in God's plan of salvation, and the consequences of refusing to repent and trust in Him.
Themes from Nahum 2
- God's Power and Authority — The chapter emphasizes God's power and authority, and the importance of submitting to His will.
- The Importance of Repentance — The chapter's emphasis on the consequences of sin serves as a reminder of the importance of repentance and faith in God's plan of salvation.
- God's Justice — The chapter emphasizes God's justice, and the importance of trusting in His sovereignty over all nations.
- The Consequences of Sin — The chapter describes the consequences of Nineveh's sin, and serves as a warning to other nations of the importance of repentance.
- The Importance of Faith — The chapter teaches us about the importance of faith in God's plan of salvation, and the consequences of refusing to repent and trust in Him.
Questions for Meditation
- What does the chapter's emphasis on God's sovereignty mean for our lives today?
- How does the chapter's description of the consequences of sin serve as a warning to us?
- What does the chapter teach us about the importance of repentance and faith in God's plan of salvation?
- How does the chapter's emphasis on God's justice serve as a reminder of His power and authority?
- What does the chapter teach us about the importance of submitting to God's will?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Lord's Advance on Nineveh (Nahum 2:1-2)
| 2:1 | The chapter begins with a description of the Lord's advance on Nineveh, with the enemies of the city trembling before Him. |
| 2:2 | The Lord is described as a restorer of the fortunes of Israel, and a destroyer of the enemies of His people. |
2. The Siege and Capture of Nineveh (Nahum 2:3-10)
| 2:3 | The chapter describes the siege and capture of the city, with the people fleeing in terror. |
| 2:4 | The chariots are described as being prepared for battle, and the horsemen as being ready to charge. |
| 2:5 | The defenders of the city are described as being weak and ineffective, and the city as being breached and captured. |
| 2:6 | The gates of the city are described as being opened, and the palace as being dissolved. |
| 2:7 | The people of the city are described as being led away captive, and the city as being plundered. |
| 2:8 | The chapter describes the city as being like a pool of water, with the people being swept away like a flood. |
| 2:9 | The treasures of the city are described as being plundered, and the city as being left desolate. |
| 2:10 | The chapter concludes the description of the siege and capture of the city, with the people fleeing in terror. |
3. The Lord's Judgment on Nineveh (Nahum 2:11-13)
| 2:11 | The chapter describes the Lord's judgment on the city, with the people being devoured by the sword. |
| 2:12 | The city is described as being like a den of lions, with the people being torn apart by the beasts. |
| 2:13 | The chapter concludes with a statement of the Lord's judgment on the city, and a warning to other nations of the consequences of sin. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the historical context of Nahum chapter 2?
The chapter is set in the context of the Assyrian empire's expansion and conquest of other nations, and serves as a warning to the people of Nineveh of the consequences of their sin. See Nahum 2:1-13 for more information.
What is the main theme of Nahum chapter 2?
The main theme of the chapter is God's judgment on the city of Nineveh, and the consequences of sin. See Nahum 2:1-13 for more information.
How does Nahum chapter 2 relate to the rest of the Bible?
The chapter is part of the larger biblical narrative, which emphasizes God's power and justice, and the importance of repentance and faith in His plan of salvation. See John 1:1 and Revelation 19:11-16 for more information.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nahum 2:1 → Isaiah 13:1-22 | The prophecy against Babylon in Isaiah 13:1-22 is similar to the prophecy against Nineveh in Nahum 2:1-13. |
| 2 | Nahum 2:2 → Psalms 126:1-6 | The restoration of the fortunes of Israel in Nahum 2:2 is similar to the restoration of the fortunes of Israel in Psalms 126:1-6. |
| 3 | Nahum 2:3 → Joel 3:1-21 | The description of the siege and capture of Nineveh in Nahum 2:3-10 is similar to the description of the siege and capture of Jerusalem in Joel 3:1-21. |
| 4 | Nahum 2:5 → Jeremiah 51:1-64 | The description of the defenders of the city being weak and ineffective in Nahum 2:5 is similar to the description of the defenders of Babylon being weak and ineffective in Jeremiah 51:1-64. |
| 5 | Nahum 2:6 → Revelation 18:1-24 | The description of the gates of the city being opened and the palace being dissolved in Nahum 2:6 is similar to the description of the fall of Babylon in Revelation 18:1-24. |
| 6 | Nahum 2:7 → Ezekiel 26:1-21 | The description of the people being led away captive in Nahum 2:7 is similar to the description of the people being led away captive in Ezekiel 26:1-21. |
| 7 | Nahum 2:8 → Isaiah 19:1-15 | The description of the city being like a pool of water in Nahum 2:8 is similar to the description of the city being like a pool of water in Isaiah 19:1-15. |
| 8 | Nahum 2:9 → Habakkuk 2:1-20 | The description of the treasures of the city being plundered in Nahum 2:9 is similar to the description of the treasures of the city being plundered in Habakkuk 2:1-20. |
| 9 | Nahum 2:10 → Zephaniah 2:1-15 | The description of the city being left desolate in Nahum 2:10 is similar to the description of the city being left desolate in Zephaniah 2:1-15. |
| 10 | Nahum 2:13 → Revelation 19:11-16 | The description of the Lord's judgment on the city in Nahum 2:13 is similar to the description of the Lord's judgment on the world in Revelation 19:11-16. |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Nahum 2
In his commentary on Nahum 2, Matthew Henry emphasizes the Lord's power and justice, and the importance of repentance and faith in His plan of salvation. He notes that the chapter's description of the siege and capture of Nineveh is a reminder of the consequences of sin, and the importance of submitting to God's will. He also emphasizes the Lord's sovereignty over all nations, and the importance of trusting in His justice and mercy. As Henry writes, 'The Lord is a God of judgment, and His judgment is according to truth.' See Nahum 2:1-13 for more information. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Lord's Advance
The chapter begins with a description of the Lord's advance on Nineveh, with the enemies of the city trembling before Him. This emphasizes God's power and authority, and sets the tone for the rest of the chapter.
The Siege of Nineveh
The chapter describes the siege and capture of the city, with the people fleeing in terror. This serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin, and the importance of repentance.
The Lord's Judgment
The chapter concludes with a statement of the Lord's judgment on Nineveh, and a warning to other nations of the consequences of sin. This emphasizes God's justice and sovereignty, and serves as a reminder of the importance of submitting to His will.