Reference: Nahum (2)
Fausets
consolation and "vengeance", to Israel and Israel's foe respectively. The two themes alternate in Nahum 1; as the prophecy advances, vengeance on Assyria predominates.
Country. "The Elkoshite" (Na 1:1), from Elkosh or Elkesi a village of Galilee pointed out to Jerome (Preface in Nahum). Capernaum, "village of Nahum," seemingly takes its name from Nahum having resided in the neighbourhood, though born in Elkosh. The allusions in Nahum indicate local acquaintance with Palestine (Na 1:4,15; 2:2) and only general knowledge of Nineveh (Na 2:4-6; 3:2-3). This confutes the notion that the Alkush (resembling the name Elkosh), E. of the Tigris and N. of Mosul, is Nahum's place of birth and of burial, though Jewish pilgrims visit it as such.
DATE. Hezekiah's time was that in which trust in Jehovah and the observance of the temple feasts prevailed as they did not before or after. So in Na 1:7,15, "Jehovah is a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth (with approval) them that trust in Him ... O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts." Moreover Nahum has none of the reproofs for national apostasy which abound in the other prophets. Nahum in Elkosh of Galilee was probably among those of northern Israel, after the deportation of the ten tribes, who accepted Hezekiah's earnest invitation to keep the Passover at Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 30). His graphic description of Sennacherib and his army (2Ch 1:9-12) makes it likely he was near or in Jerusalem at the time.
Hence, the number of phrases corresponding to those of Isaiah (Na 1:8-9, compare Isa 8:8; 10:23; Na 2:10 with Isa 24:1; 21:3; Na 1:15 with Isa 52:7). The prophecy in Na 1:14, "I will make it (namely, 'the house of thy gods,' i.e. Nisroch) thy grave," foretells Sennacherib's murder 20 years after his return from Palestine, "as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god" (Isa 37:38). He writes while Assyria's power was yet unbroken (Na 1:12; 2:11-13; 3:1, "the bloody city, full of lies ... the prey departeth not": Na 3:15-17). The correspondence of sentiments in Nahum with those of Isaiah and Hezekiah implies he wrote when Sennacherib was still besieging and demanding the surrender of Jerusalem (Na 1:2 ff, with 2Ki 19:14-15; Na 1:7 with 2Ki 18:22; 19:19,31; 2Ch 32:7-8; Na 1:9,11 with 2Ki 19:22,27-28; Na 1:14 with 2Ki 19:6-7; Na 1:15 and Na 2:1-2 with 2Ki 19:32-33; Na 2:13, "the voice of thy messengers shall no more be heard," namely, Rabshakeh the bearer of Sennacherib's haughty message, with 2Ki 19:22-23).
The historical facts presupposed in Nahum are Judah's and Israel's humiliation by Assyria (Na 2:2); the invasion of Judah (Na 1:9-11); the conquest of No-Amon or Thebes in Upper Egypt, probably by Sargon (Isaiah 20) who, fearing lest Egypt should join Palestine against him, undertook an expedition against it, 717-715 B.C. (Na 3:8-10). Tiglath Pileser and Shalmaneser had carried away Israel. Judah was harassed by Syria, and oppressed by Ahaz's payments to Tiglath Pileser (2 Chronicles 28; Isaiah 8-9). As Nahum refers in part prophetically to Sennacherib's (Sargon's successor) last attempt on Judah ending in his host's destruction, in part as matter of history (Na 1:9-13; 2:13), he must have prophesied about 713-710 B.C., 100 years before the event foretold, namely, the overthrow of Nineveh by the joint forces of Cyaxares and Nabopolassar in the reign of Chyniladanus, 625 or else 603 B.C.
The name "Huzzab" (Na 2:7) answers to Adiabene, from the Zab or Diab river on which that region lay; a personification of Assyria, and seems to be an Assyrian word. So the original words, minzaraik, taphsarika, for "crowned" or "princes" (Na 3:17) and "captains" or "satraps" (also in Jer 51:27); contact with Assyria brought in these words. Na 2:13, "the faces gather blackness," corresponds to Isa 13:8; Joe 2:6; Joel is probably the original. Na 1:6 with Joe 2:7; Am 2:14; Na 1:3 with Joe 2:13; the mourning dove, Na 2:7, with Isa 38:14; the first ripe figs, Na 3:12, with Isa 28:4; Na 3:13 with Isa 19:16; Na 3:4 with Isa 23:15; Na 2:4-5,13 with Isa 22:7; 36:9; Mic 1:13; 5:10.
The Assyrians, by just retribution, in turn should experience themselves what they caused to Israel and Judah (compare also Na 1:3 with Jon 4:2; Na 1:13 with Isa 10:26-27; Na 1:8 with Isa 10:21-22; 8:8; Na 1:9,11 with Isa 37:23; Na 3:10 with Isa 13:16; Na 2:2 with Isa 24:1; Na 3:5 with Isa 47:2-3; Na 3:7 with Isa 51:19). Plainly, Nahum is the last of the prophets of the Assyrian period. Jeremiah borrows from, and so stamps with inspiration, Nahum (Jer 10:19 compare Na 3:19; Jer 13:26 compare Na 3:5; Jer 50:37; 51:30, compare Na 3:13). Nahum is seventh in position in the canon, and seventh in date.
Subject matter. "The burden of Nineveh." The three chapters form one consecutive whole, remarkable for unity of aim. Nahum encourages his countrymen with the assurance that, alarming as their position seemed, assailed by the mighty foe which had already carried captive the ten tribes, yet that not only should the Assyrian fail against Jerusalem, but Nineveh and his own empire should fall; and this not by chance, but by Jehovah's judgment for their iniquities.
STYLE. Clear and forcible. Several phases of an idea are presented in the briefest sentences; as in the sublime description of God in the beginning, the overthrow of Nineveh, and that of No Amon. Melting softness and delicacy alternate with rhythmical, sonorous, and majestic diction, according as the subject requires; the very sound of the words conveys to the ear the sense (Na 2:4; 3:3). Paronomasia or verbal assonance is another feature of likeness to Isaiah, besides those already mentioned (Na 1:3,6,10; 2:2-3,11; 3:2).
See Verses Found in Dictionary
If you say to me: We trust in Jehovah our God, is he not the one whose high places and altars have been taken away by Hezekiah. For he told Judah and Jerusalem that worship may only be given before this altar in Jerusalem?
Isaiah responded to them: Tell this to your master: 'This is what Jehovah says: Do not be afraid of the message you heard when the Assyrian king's assistants slandered me. I am going to put a spirit in him so that he will hear a rumor and return to his own country. I will have him assassinated in his own country.'
Hezekiah read the letters from the messengers. Then he went to Jehovah's Temple and shared them with Jehovah. He prayed: Jehovah of Hosts, God of Israel, you are enthroned above the angels. You alone are God of all the kingdoms of the earth. You made heaven and earth.
Rescue us from Assyria's control, O Jehovah our God, so that all the kingdoms on earth will know that you alone are Jehovah God.
Whom are you defying and slandering? Against whom are you shouting? Who are you looking at so arrogantly? It is the Holy One of Israel!
Whom are you defying and slandering? Against whom are you shouting? Who are you looking at so arrogantly? It is the Holy One of Israel! You defy Jehovah and through your servants you say: 'With my many chariots I ride up the high mountains, up the slopes of Lebanon. I cut down its tallest cedars and its finest cypresses. I travel to its most distant borders and its most fertile forests.
I know when you get up and sit down. I know when you go out and come in. I know how you rage against me. Since you rage against me and you boast in my ears, I will put my hook in your nose and my bridle in your mouth. I will make you go back the way you came.
There will be a remnant of people in Jerusalem and on Mount Zion who will survive. Jehovah is determined to make this happen. This is what Jehovah said about the Assyrian king: 'He will not enter this city or shoot a single arrow against it. No soldiers with shields will come near the city. No siege mounds will be built around it.' read more. He will go back by the same road he came. He will not enter the city. I, Jehovah, have spoken!
O Jehovah my God, fulfill the promise you made to my father David. You have made me king over a people, who are so many that they cannot be counted. Please give me the wisdom and knowledge I need to rule over them. Otherwise, how would I ever be able to rule this great people of yours? read more. God replied to Solomon: You have made the right choice. Instead of asking for wealth, treasure, fame or the death of your enemies or even for long life for yourself, you have asked for wisdom and knowledge so that you can rule my people, over whom I have made you king. For this reason I will give you wisdom and knowledge. And in addition, I will give you more wealth, treasure, and fame than any king has ever had before or will ever have again.
It will sweep through Judah. It will overflow and pass through. It will be neck-high. Its outspread wings will extend over your entire country, O Immanuel.
It will sweep through Judah. It will overflow and pass through. It will be neck-high. Its outspread wings will extend over your entire country, O Immanuel.
A remnant of Jacob will return to the Mighty (Powerful) God. Yes, a remnant will return! Your people, O Israel, are like the sand of the sea. Yet only a remnant within them will return. Overwhelming and righteous destruction has been decreed. read more. The Sovereign Lord Jehovah of Hosts, will carry out the complete destruction decreed upon the whole land.
Jehovah of Hosts will stir up enemies against you as when he struck down Midian at the rock of Oreb. His wrath will come by way of the sea, as he did in Egypt. In that day your burden will be lifted from your shoulders, their yoke from your neck; the yoke will be broken because you have grown so fat.
They will be terrified! Pains and anguish will possess them. They will writhe like a woman in labor. They will look at one another in amazement with their faces reddened with excitement (aflame).
Their infant children will be dashed to pieces before their eyes. Their houses will be plundered and their wives raped.
A time is coming when the people of Egypt will be as timid as women. They will tremble in terror when they see that Jehovah of Hosts has stretched out his hand (extended His power) to punish them.
What I saw and heard in the vision has filled me with terror and pain. My hips are full of pain and convulsions like that of a woman in labor.
Your choicest valleys are full of chariots, and horsemen are posted at the city gates.
Now in that day Tyre will be forgotten for seventy years like the lifespan of one king. At the end of seventy years it will happen to Tyre as in the song of the prostitute:
Jehovah lays the earth waste, annihilates it, disfigures its surface and scatters its inhabitants.
Jehovah lays the earth waste, annihilates it, disfigures its surface and scatters its inhabitants.
The fading flower of his glorious beauty is found at the head of the fertile valley. He looks at the first-ripe fig before the summer. He picks it with his hand and eats it.
How can you defeat my master's lowest-ranking officers when you trust Egypt for chariots and horses?
Who is it you have insulted and blasphemed? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes in pride? It is against the Holy One of Israel!
One day, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch, his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer cut him down with the sword. They escaped to the land of Ararat. Esarhaddon his son succeeded him as king.
I cry like a swallow (swift). I mourn like a dove. My eyes are red from looking to you, Jehovah. I am terribly abused. Please come and help me.
Take the millstones and grind meal. Remove your veil, strip off the skirt; uncover the leg and cross the rivers. Your nakedness will be uncovered and your shame will be exposed. I will take vengeance. I will not spare a man.
These double calamities have come upon you. Who can comfort you? You experience ruin and destruction, famine and sword. Who can console you?
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace and who bring good tidings of good things! For they proclaim salvation and say to Zion: Your God reigns as king! (Hebrew: Elohiym' malak': God rules!)
Oh, I am wounded! My wound is serious. Then I thought that this is my punishment, and I will bear it.
A sword will kill their horses, their chariots, and all the foreigners within their ranks. They will become women. A sword will destroy their treasures, and they will be looted.
Raise your battle flag throughout the world. Blow the ram's horn among the nations. Prepare nations to attack Babylon. Tell the kingdoms of Ararat, Minni, and Ashkenaz to attack it. Appoint a commander to lead the attack. Bring up horses like a swarm of locusts.
The warriors of Babylon have stopped fighting. They stay in their fortified cities. Their strength has failed. They have become women. Their buildings are set on fire. The bars across their gates are broken.
At their presence the peoples are in anguish; all faces are waxed pale. They run like mighty men. They climb the wall like men of war. They march every one on his way and do not break their ranks.
Rip apart your heart, and not your garments. Turn to Jehovah your God! He is gracious and merciful. He is slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness. He will turn back from doing harm.
Flight will perish from the swift! The strong will not increase his strength. The mighty will not save himself.
He prayed to Jehovah: I pray to you, O Jehovah, was this what I said, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I hurried to flee to Tarshish. Because I knew that you are a gracious God. You are merciful, slow to anger, abundant in loving kindness, and one who takes pity over calamity (tragedy) (catastrophe) (disaster).
Bind the chariot to the swift steed, O lady inhabitant of Lachish! You were the beginning of sin to the daughter of Zion. The transgressions of Israel were found in you.
It will happen, said Jehovah: I will remove and destroy your horses and your chariots from among you.
The oracle of Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite: Jehovah (YHWH) is a zealous God requiring exclusive devotion (tolerates no rivals). Jehovah takes vengeance (punishment) against his adversaries. He reserves (maintains) wrath (indignation) (displeasure) against his enemies. read more. Jehovah is slow to anger, and great in power! He will by no means reprieve the guilty (leave them unpunished). Jehovah has his way in the whirlwind and in the storm. The clouds are the dust of his feet.
Jehovah is slow to anger, and great in power! He will by no means reprieve the guilty (leave them unpunished). Jehovah has his way in the whirlwind and in the storm. The clouds are the dust of his feet.
Jehovah is slow to anger, and great in power! He will by no means reprieve the guilty (leave them unpunished). Jehovah has his way in the whirlwind and in the storm. The clouds are the dust of his feet. He rebukes the sea, and makes it dry. He dries up all the rivers. Bashan and Carmel become dry and the flower of Lebanon withers.
Who can stand before his indignation (displeasure)? Who can resist (withstand) (endure) the heat of his anger? His wrath is poured out like fire, and the rocks are broken to pieces by him.
Who can stand before his indignation (displeasure)? Who can resist (withstand) (endure) the heat of his anger? His wrath is poured out like fire, and the rocks are broken to pieces by him. Jehovah is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble! He knows (protects) (takes care of) those who take refuge in him.
Jehovah is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble! He knows (protects) (takes care of) those who take refuge in him. He will exterminate adversaries with an over flowing flood and will pursue his enemies into darkness.
He will exterminate adversaries with an over flowing flood and will pursue his enemies into darkness. What do you fabricate (impute) against Jehovah? He will exterminate it! Affliction will not rise up a second time.
What do you fabricate (impute) against Jehovah? He will exterminate it! Affliction will not rise up a second time.
What do you fabricate (impute) against Jehovah? He will exterminate it! Affliction will not rise up a second time.
What do you fabricate (impute) against Jehovah? He will exterminate it! Affliction will not rise up a second time.
What do you fabricate (impute) against Jehovah? He will exterminate it! Affliction will not rise up a second time. Entangled like thorns and drunken from drink, they are consumed like dry stubble.
Entangled like thorns and drunken from drink, they are consumed like dry stubble.
Entangled like thorns and drunken from drink, they are consumed like dry stubble. There is one who comes out from you [O Nineveh]. He counsels wickedness and devises evil against Jehovah.
There is one who comes out from you [O Nineveh]. He counsels wickedness and devises evil against Jehovah.
There is one who comes out from you [O Nineveh]. He counsels wickedness and devises evil against Jehovah.
There is one who comes out from you [O Nineveh]. He counsels wickedness and devises evil against Jehovah. Jehovah declares: Though they are strong and are many they will be destroyed! They will pass away. Though I have afflicted you [O Judah] I will not afflict you any more.
Jehovah declares: Though they are strong and are many they will be destroyed! They will pass away. Though I have afflicted you [O Judah] I will not afflict you any more. I will break their yoke off of you. I will remove your restraint.
I will break their yoke off of you. I will remove your restraint. Jehovah has given command concerning you [Nineveh]. Your name will no longer be perpetuated. I will throw your gods, graven and molten images out of your house. I despise you! You are contemptible! I will prepare your grave.
Jehovah has given command concerning you [Nineveh]. Your name will no longer be perpetuated. I will throw your gods, graven and molten images out of your house. I despise you! You are contemptible! I will prepare your grave. Behold, upon the mountains the feet of him who brings good tidings. Who publishes peace! Keep your feasts, O Judah and perform your vows! The wicked will no more pass through (invade) you. They will be completely destroyed.
Behold, upon the mountains the feet of him who brings good tidings. Who publishes peace! Keep your feasts, O Judah and perform your vows! The wicked will no more pass through (invade) you. They will be completely destroyed.
Behold, upon the mountains the feet of him who brings good tidings. Who publishes peace! Keep your feasts, O Judah and perform your vows! The wicked will no more pass through (invade) you. They will be completely destroyed.
Behold, upon the mountains the feet of him who brings good tidings. Who publishes peace! Keep your feasts, O Judah and perform your vows! The wicked will no more pass through (invade) you. They will be completely destroyed.
He who breaks in pieces has come up against you: Safeguard the fortress, watch the way, make your loins strong, and reinforce your power. Jehovah will restore the pride of Jacob just like the pride of Israel. The devastators have emptied them out and destroyed their vine-branches.
Jehovah will restore the pride of Jacob just like the pride of Israel. The devastators have emptied them out and destroyed their vine-branches.
Jehovah will restore the pride of Jacob just like the pride of Israel. The devastators have emptied them out and destroyed their vine-branches.
Jehovah will restore the pride of Jacob just like the pride of Israel. The devastators have emptied them out and destroyed their vine-branches.
Jehovah will restore the pride of Jacob just like the pride of Israel. The devastators have emptied them out and destroyed their vine-branches. The shield of his mighty men is made red, the valiant men are dressed in scarlet: the chariots flash with steel in the day of his preparation, and the cypress tree [spears] are brandished. read more. The chariots wildly race through the streets. They rush to and fro in the broad ways. They look like torches and they run like lightning.
The chariots wildly race through the streets. They rush to and fro in the broad ways. They look like torches and they run like lightning.
The chariots wildly race through the streets. They rush to and fro in the broad ways. They look like torches and they run like lightning. He remembers his majestic ones. They stumble as they march. They hurry to the wall to prepare the barricade.
He remembers his majestic ones. They stumble as they march. They hurry to the wall to prepare the barricade. The gates of the rivers are opened and the palace is dissolved. read more. It is decreed: she is uncovered! She is carried away and her handmaids moan like the sound of doves, beating on their chests.
It is decreed: she is uncovered! She is carried away and her handmaids moan like the sound of doves, beating on their chests.
She is empty and void, a city laid waste! The hearts melt and the knees knock together. There is pain in all the hips and their faces have all grown pale. Where is the lions den, the feeding-place of young lions? Where have the lion and the lioness walked where none have made them afraid?
Where is the lions den, the feeding-place of young lions? Where have the lion and the lioness walked where none have made them afraid? The lion did tear in pieces enough for his whelps, and strangled for his lionesses. He filled his caves and dens with prey. read more. I am against you, said Jehovah of Hosts! I will burn her chariots in the smoke, and the sword will devour your young lions. I will destroy your prey from the earth, and the voice of your messengers will be heard no more.
I am against you, said Jehovah of Hosts! I will burn her chariots in the smoke, and the sword will devour your young lions. I will destroy your prey from the earth, and the voice of your messengers will be heard no more.
I am against you, said Jehovah of Hosts! I will burn her chariots in the smoke, and the sword will devour your young lions. I will destroy your prey from the earth, and the voice of your messengers will be heard no more.
I am against you, said Jehovah of Hosts! I will burn her chariots in the smoke, and the sword will devour your young lions. I will destroy your prey from the earth, and the voice of your messengers will be heard no more.
I am against you, said Jehovah of Hosts! I will burn her chariots in the smoke, and the sword will devour your young lions. I will destroy your prey from the earth, and the voice of your messengers will be heard no more.
Woe to the bloody city! It is full of lies and robbery! The prey does not leave. There is the noise of the whip and the sound of the rattling wheel; the sound of the dashing horse and the bounding chariot.
There is the noise of the whip and the sound of the rattling wheel; the sound of the dashing horse and the bounding chariot. The horseman is mounting. There is the flashing sword and the glittering spear! The multitudes of slain ones produce a great heap of corpses. There is no end of the bodies! They stumble upon their bodies.
The horseman is mounting. There is the flashing sword and the glittering spear! The multitudes of slain ones produce a great heap of corpses. There is no end of the bodies! They stumble upon their bodies. This is because of Nineveh's constant prostitution, this very charming mistress of evil magic. She used to sell nations by her prostitution and people by her evil magic. read more. I am against you, Nineveh, declares Jehovah of Hosts. I will lift up your dress over your face. I will show nations your naked body and kingdoms your disgrace.
I am against you, Nineveh, declares Jehovah of Hosts. I will lift up your dress over your face. I will show nations your naked body and kingdoms your disgrace.
And it will come about that all who see you will go in flight from you and say, Nineveh is devastated: who will weep for her? Where will I get comforters for her? Are you better than Noamon, which sits by the streams of the Nile with water surrounding her? The sea was her defense. The water was her wall. read more. Sudan and Egypt were her endless strength. Put and the Lybians were her help. She went into captivity and was exiled. Her children were smashed to death at every street corner. Soldiers tossed dice for her important men, and all her best men were bound in chains.
She went into captivity and was exiled. Her children were smashed to death at every street corner. Soldiers tossed dice for her important men, and all her best men were bound in chains.
All your defenses will be like fig trees with the ripe figs. When shaken, the figs fall into the mouth of the eater. Look! Your soldiers are like women! The gates of your land are wide open to your enemies. Fire will destroy the bars of your gates.
Look! Your soldiers are like women! The gates of your land are wide open to your enemies. Fire will destroy the bars of your gates.
You will be burned to death or killed in battle. You will be devoured like crops eaten by locusts. You grew in number like locusts! You multiplied your merchants like the stars in the sky! But now they are gone, like locusts that spread their wings and fly away. read more. Your princes are as the locusts, and your officers as the swarms of grasshoppers. They encamp in the hedges on a cold day, but when the sun shines they flee away and no one knows where they go.
Your princes are as the locusts, and your officers as the swarms of grasshoppers. They encamp in the hedges on a cold day, but when the sun shines they flee away and no one knows where they go.
There is no relief for your pain. Your wound is grievous! All who hear the report about you applaud for your wickedness affected everyone.