Nahum 3:15 - Judgment Against Nineveh

There the fire will devour you;
This phrase signifies the impending judgment and destruction that Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, will face. Fire is often used in the Bible as a symbol of divine judgment and purification (e.g., Malachi 3:2-3). Historically, Nineveh was known for its grandeur and strength, yet the prophecy foretells its downfall through fire, which aligns with the eventual destruction of the city by the Babylonians and Medes in 612 BC. This serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and justice over nations.

the sword will cut you down
The sword represents warfare and the physical means by which Nineveh will be conquered. The Assyrians were known for their military prowess and brutality, yet here they are warned that they will fall by the same means they used to subdue others. This echoes the biblical principle of reaping what one sows (Galatians 6:7). The imagery of the sword cutting down also connects to the broader biblical theme of divine retribution against those who oppose God's will.

and consume you like a young locust.
Locusts in the Bible often symbolize destruction and overwhelming numbers (Exodus 10:12-15, Joel 1:4). The comparison to a young locust suggests vulnerability and the inevitability of being consumed. This imagery highlights the totality of Nineveh's destruction, as locusts leave nothing behind. It also serves as a metaphor for the futility of human strength against divine judgment.

Make yourself many like the young locust;
This phrase is a taunt, suggesting that no matter how numerous or strong Nineveh makes itself, it will not escape its fate. The irony is that multiplying like locusts, which are typically seen as a force of destruction, will not save them from their own destruction. This reflects the biblical theme that human efforts are futile without God's favor (Psalm 127:1).

make yourself many like the swarming locust!
The repetition emphasizes the futility of Nineveh's attempts to fortify itself. Swarming locusts are known for their overwhelming numbers, yet even such numbers will not prevent the city's downfall. This serves as a warning to all nations and individuals that reliance on human strength and numbers is ultimately vain without God's protection. The imagery also connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's control over creation and history, as seen in His ability to use even locusts as instruments of His will (Amos 4:9).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Nineveh
The capital of the Assyrian Empire, known for its great power and cruelty. Nahum prophesies its downfall.

2. Nahum
A prophet who delivers God's message of judgment against Nineveh.

3. Assyrians
The people of Nineveh, known for their military might and oppressive rule over other nations.

4. Locusts
Used metaphorically to describe the overwhelming and consuming nature of the coming judgment.

5. Fire and Sword
Symbols of destruction and divine judgment that will befall Nineveh.

Teaching Points

Divine Judgment is Inevitable
Just as Nineveh faced inevitable destruction, so too will all who oppose God's righteousness.

Pride Leads to Downfall
The Assyrians' pride and reliance on their strength led to their destruction, reminding us to remain humble before God.

God's Sovereignty
The prophecy against Nineveh demonstrates God's control over nations and history.

Repentance is Key
While Nahum's message is one of judgment, it serves as a warning for repentance and turning back to God.

The Power of God's Word
The fulfillment of Nahum's prophecy underscores the reliability and power of God's Word.

Lists and Questions

Top 10 Lessons from Nahum 3Is Jesus depicted riding a white horse in Revelation?What does the Bible teach about controlling speech?What caused the destruction of Nineveh?How do we reconcile Nahum's prophecy of Nineveh's swift destruction (Nahum 3:15-17) with archaeological evidence of its prolonged ruins and partial habitation?

(15, 16) The diversion of metaphor here is somewhat repugnant to modern taste. The sword, like the locust, shall devour Nineveh. Yet Nineveh is immediately afterwards compared in its numbers, destructive influence, and sudden disappearance to the locust. It is a transition like St. Paul's "going off at a word." The comparison of the locust suggests the thought that Nineveh herself has been a locust-pest to the world, and the direction of the metaphor is thereupon suddenly changed. A paraphrase will best bring out the meaning. (15) "Hostile swords devour thee, as a locust swarm devours. Vainly clusters together thy dense population, itself another locust-swarm. (16) Yea, as the stars of heaven for number have been thy merchants, as a pest of locusts which plunders one day and is gone the next."

Verse 15. - There. In the very place where thou hast taken all these precautions. Shall the fire devour thee. That fire played a great part in the destruction of Nineveh is asserted by historians and proved by the remains of the city discovered in modern times (see note on ver. 13: also Herod., 1:106; Diod. Sic., 2:25-28; Athen., 12:529). The fate of the last king, who burnt himself and his palace, is a well known story (see Justin, 'Hist.,' 1:3; Eusebius, 'Chronicles,' 1:9; 14:3; 15:7; Syncell., 'Chronicles,' 1:396, edit. Dind.) (Kuabenbauer). The sword shall cut thee off. While fire destroys the buildings, the sword shall devour the inhabitants of the city. The cankerworm; literally, the licker (Joel 1:4). The locust in its earlier stage is thus described (see ver. 16). The figure implies that the destruction of Nineveh should be sudden and complete, as that wrought on vegetation by an inroad of locusts. Make thyself many. Collect thine armies, gather hosts as innumerable as the locusts, it will be all in vain. The "cankerworm" represented the enemy; the "locusts" represent the Assyrians themselves. Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

There
שָׁ֚ם (m)
Adverb
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither

the fire
אֵ֔שׁ (’êš)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 784: A fire

will devour you;
תֹּאכְלֵ֣ךְ (tō·ḵə·lêḵ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular | second person feminine singular
Strong's 398: To eat

the sword
חֶ֔רֶב (ḥe·reḇ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2719: Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword

will cut you down
תַּכְרִיתֵ֣ךְ (taḵ·rî·ṯêḵ)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person feminine singular | second person feminine singular
Strong's 3772: To cut, to destroy, consume, to covenant

and consume you
תֹּאכְלֵ֖ךְ (tō·ḵə·lêḵ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular | second person feminine singular
Strong's 398: To eat

like a young locust.
כַּיָּ֑לֶק (kay·yā·leq)
Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3218: A devourer, the young locust

Make yourself many
הִתְכַּבֵּ֣ד (hiṯ·kab·bêḏ)
Verb - Hitpael - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 3513: To be heavy, weighty, or burdensome

like the young locust;
כַּיֶּ֔לֶק (kay·ye·leq)
Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3218: A devourer, the young locust

make yourself many
הִֽתְכַּבְּדִ֖י (hiṯ·kab·bə·ḏî)
Verb - Hitpael - Imperative - feminine singular
Strong's 3513: To be heavy, weighty, or burdensome

like the swarming locust!
כָּאַרְבֶּֽה׃ (kā·’ar·beh)
Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 697: (a kind of) locust

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Nahum 3:15 Catholic BibleOT Prophets: Nahum 3:15 There the fire will devour you (Nah. Na)