Nahum 3

19 verses

TL;DR

Nahum delivers a scathing indictment of Nineveh, foretelling its destruction and the humiliation of its leaders.

Summary

The chapter opens with a lament over the violent city, describing its criminal deeds and the impending judgment from God. The Lord declares His wrath against Nineveh, promising to strip its glory and reveal its shame to all nations. The text paints vivid images of war, slaughter, and the city’s eventual ruin, with references to its former allies Ethiopia and Egypt. It warns that the city's strongholds will be toppled like fig trees and that its defenders will flee like locusts. The narrative culminates in a prophetic vision of Nineveh’s complete defeat and the desolation of its people.

Outline

The city’s sin and the threat of divine judgment
God’s declaration of wrath and humiliation of Nineveh
Descriptive vision of Nineveh’s destruction and the fate of its people

Themes

Divine judgment against corrupt nationsThe futility of relying on military mightThe humiliation and downfall of oppressive powers

Keywords

NinevehAssyriaLord of hostswrathjudgmentdestructionhumiliation

People

The Lord of hostsNinevehKing of AssyriaEthiopiaEgyptPuthLubim

Places

NinevehAssyriaEthiopiaEgyptPuthLubim

Things

whiphorseschariotsswordspearfilthgazingstockfig treescankerwormlocustsshepherdsbars

Key Verses

Nahum 3:1: Sets the tone of condemnation and introduces Nineveh’s sinful nature.
Nahum 3:5: God’s declaration of judgment and intention to expose Nineveh’s shame.
Nahum 3:12: Vivid metaphor of the city’s walls collapsing like fig trees.

Questions

What does Nahum’s description of Nineveh reveal about ancient perceptions of divine justice?
How does the text link military strength with moral failure?
In what ways does the imagery of nature (fig trees, locusts) enhance the prophetic message?

Sentiment

negative
Scathing condemnation and foretelling of catastrophic judgment.