038. III. The Capture And Plunder Of The Lion’s Lair (2:1, 2:3-13)
III THE CAPTURE AND PLUNDER OF THE LION’S LAIR (Nahum 2:1;Nahum 2:3-13) An ironical warning cry to Nineveh (Nahum 2:1). O Nineveh, your time has come. Your destroyer is in sight. Guard well the fortifications, keep sharp watch of the road by which the enemy advances, gird yourself for bitter, bloody warfare, for the death-struggle is at hand.
Appearance of the invading army (Nahum 2:3). How brave a show the hostile army[60] makes with the copper-covered shields and scarlet mantles of the warriors, and the dazzling glitter of the chariots, with their burnished plates gleaming as they dash to and fro, while the horsemen prance about, brandishing their long lances.
[60] Probably referring to the invaders. A skirmish in the suburbs (Nahum 2:4). In the wide stretches outside the inner walls, the armed chariots meet in deadly conflict; they hurry across the open ground swift as the lightning, glistening in the sunlight as if they were fiery torches. The hurried but ineffectual preparations for defense (Nahum 2:5). Now the king bestirs himself, and summons those whom he has honored with rank and authority to the defense. They, half stupefied with debauchery, stumble as best they may to the walls; but it is too late. The battering-ram is in place, its protecting roof shielding it. The capture of the city (Nahum 2:6-7). Crash go the iron gates! Those at the royal palace are overwhelmed by terror and despair. Huzzab[61] is discovered, seized, and carried off in shameful guise, while her maidens, mourning like doves, beat their breasts.
[61] An obscure word. It refers probably to the queen. The flight of the inhabitants (Nahum 2:8). Through all her history, Nineveh has been like a huge reservoir into which flowed the nations of the earth. But these are not her children, to whom she may look for defense. When the breach is opened, they disappear like the rush of water through a broken dyke. Nothing stops their precipitate flight. Although summoned to make a stand in defense of the city, no one looks back. The sacking of the city (Nahum 2:9-10). Now, O invaders, take the vast spoil of silver and gold, treasures without number, heaps of precious articles. There is no limit to them. Alas! great Nineveh is absolutely laid waste.[62] Every survivor is overcome with weakness; their faces are ghastly pale with fear.