Tyndale Open Study NotesNahum 3

city of blood: The Assyrians' extreme cruelty is well documented. They cut off body parts like noses, ears, hands, and feet. They executed people by impaling them on stakes. They piled severed heads in front of besieged city gates. They sometimes blinded victims and stripped their skin while still alive.

• These short, abrupt phrases show how shocking it was to see and hear the battle as it happened.

• Assyrian chariots and charioteers were feared in many lands because of their speed and power.

mistress of sorcery: The Assyrians attracted other nations with wealth and promises of safety and prosperity. However, they then exploited them through military power and economic control. Therefore, their punishment was a fair consequence for their actions (see Proverbs 24:12; Joel 3:4–8; Revelation 18:6; 20:12).

Twice, God tells Nineveh, I am against you (also Nahum 2:13). Nineveh's judgment serves as a historical reminder that the Lord hates sin and will judge people and nations based on their actions (Psalms 9:7–8; 62:12; Jeremiah 46:28; Acts 17:31). One day, God's justice will reach the entire world, affecting those who have rebelled against him (Revelation 17–19).

Thebes was a historic capital of Egypt. The city stood on both sides of the Nile River in Upper Egypt.

Thebes became most famous during Egypt’s New Kingdom period, from 1550 to 1069 BC. During this time, it served as the main political, religious, and cultural center of the nation.

By the 600s BC, Thebes was no longer Egypt’s capital. Even so, it remained a large and active city.

• The Assyrians, led by King Ashurbanipal, conquered Thebes in 663 BC. Before this, Thebes seemed unbeatable with strong defenses and support from Egypt and its allies:

  • Ethiopia,

  • Put (possibly the legendary land of Punt, located near what is now coastal Somalia), and

  • Libya.

  However, these allies did not protect Thebes effectively.

• infants were dashed to pieces: In the ancient world, conquering armies sometimes killed the infants of their enemies. This cruel practice was meant to wipe out a people completely and prevent future resistance (2 Kings 8:12; Psalm 137:9; Isaiah 13:16, 18).

• Soldiers cast lots to divide the goods taken in war. At the same time, the leaders of the defeated people were tied with chains and taken away as prisoners (see 2 Kings 25:7; Jeremiah 40:1, 4; Joel 3:3; Obadiah 1:11).

ripe figs: Compare Amos 8:1–2; Revelation 6:13.

Draw … strengthen: Nahum used sarcasm (sharp words meant to mock) to show that no amount of preparation could protect the Assyrians from God’s judgment. He also used this same sarcastic tone in Nahum 2:11–13.

The Old Testament often uses locusts as a metaphor for armies (see Joel 2:1–11).

Assyrian merchants spread across the Near East like locusts, bringing great wealth to Nineveh. However, like locusts that eat and leave, the merchants took their goods and departed during Nineveh's difficult times, leaving the people in need.

• shepherds: With the leaders gone, Nineveh’s people would scatter like sheep.

• sleep (see John 11:11–14): Assyria’s leaders, asleep during Nineveh’s crisis, would sleep in death. In contrast, Israel’s Protector does not slumber (Psalm 121:3), and he will gather Israel’s lost sheep (Jeremiah 23:3; Ezekiel 36:35).

Nineveh deserved destruction, not healing. Although God showed patience with Nineveh in Jonah’s time (Jonah 3:10), the Assyrians returned to cruelty. They would face the consequences of their evil actions (see Proverbs 11:16–19; Isaiah 66:5–6; Hosea 8:7). Those who suffered under Assyria’s cruelty would welcome this message with joy.