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2NAMfrontintrox7kl0# Introduction to Nahum<br>## Part 1: General Introduction<br><br>### Outline of the Book of Nahum<br><br>1. Nahum introduces this book (1:1)<br>1. Yahweh will destroy his enemies (1:2-15)<br>1. Nahum describes how Nineveh will fall (2:13:19)<br><br>### What is the Book of Nahum about?<br><br>The Book of Nahum contains prophecies about how Yahweh would judge and punish Nineveh.<br><br>Nineveh was the capital city of the Assyrian Empire. The Assyrians had already conquered the northern kingdom of Israel. They were threatening the southern kingdom of Judah. The book gave Judah hope that the Assyrians would be defeated.<br><br>### How should the title of this book be translated?<br><br>“The Book of Nahum” or just “Nahum” is the traditional title of this book. Translators may choose to call it “The Sayings of Nahum.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])<br><br>### Who wrote the Book of Nahum?<br><br>The prophet Nahum probably wrote this book. He was a prophet from Elkosh, an unknown city probably in Judah.<br><br>Nahum wrote before Nineveh fell in about 612 B.C. Nahum also mentions the destruction of Thebes, a city in Egypt, which happened about 663 B.C. Therefore, the Book of Nahum was written sometime between 663 and 612 B.C. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]])<br><br>## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts<br><br>### What is the importance of the descriptions of locusts in 3:1517?<br><br>Locust attacks occurred often in the ancient Near East. Certain kinds of grasshoppers would come in countless numbers. There would be so many that they would darken the sky like a black cloud that blocked the sunlight. They often came after a long period of no rain. They came down on whatever crops were surviving in the fields and stripped them bare of their leaves. The locusts could not be stopped and caused terrible damage. For this reason, locust attacks served as a powerful image of military attacks in the Old Testament.<br><br>The original language of the Old Testament used various names for locusts. It is uncertain whether these names refer to different kinds of locusts or to the same kind of locust in different stages of growth. For this reason, versions of the Bible differ in how they translate these terms.<br><br>## Part 3: Important Translation Issues<br><br>### What emotions were present in the various speakers in the Book of Nahum?<br><br>When Nahum spoke to the Israelites, he wanted to comfort them.<br><br>When Nahum and Yahweh spoke against the Ninevites, they often mocked them. This manner of speech was similar to speech in the ancient Near East when conquerors laughed at their victims.<br><br>It is important for translators to present both emotions of comfort and of mockery when translating this book.<br>
3NAM1introfa8i0# Nahum 01 General Notes<br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>Some translations prefer to set apart extended quotations, prayers and songs. The ULT and many other English translations set the lines of the entire book (except for verse 1 of this chapter) farther to the right on the page than regular text because they are poetic prophecy. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]])<br><br>Despite being divided into three chapters, this book consists of one long prophecy.<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Yahwehs anger against Nineveh<br>This prophecy should be read in reference to the book of Jonah. That book described how the people of Niniveh, Assyrias capital city, repented when Jonah warned them that Yahweh was angry at them. The book of Nahum, written a little over one hundred years later than when Jonah was set, indicates that the Ninevites would be punished by God, but only after he had used them for his own purposes. These actions of Yahweh, although described as vengeance or anger, do not have the same sinful quality as they usually do with humans. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/evil]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/avenge]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])<br><br>### Complete destruction<br>At that time, Assyria controlled almost the entire Near East. Nahum prophesied that the Assyrians would be so completely destroyed as a nation that they would no longer even be a people group. This prophecy came true very suddenly.<br>
4NAM11wy4yfigs-parallelism0General Information:Nahum describes the destruction of Nineveh in poetry. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
5NAM11na47figs-explicit0The declaration about Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum, the ElkoshiteThese words are an introduction to the entire book. This can be stated as a complete sentence. Alternate translation: “This is the book of the vision of Nahum, the Elkoshite, which gives a declaration about Nineveh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
6NAM11q626translate-names0ElkoshiteA person from the village of Elkosh (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
7NAM12z2vjfigs-metaphor0General Information:Nahum begins to describe Yahweh coming to judge his enemies and to save his people. The vision is full of metaphorical language and uses different kinds of parallelism. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
8NAM12krb60YahwehThis is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.
9NAM12z8hx0full of wrath“very angry”
10NAM12a6fz0he continues his anger for“continues to be angry with”
11NAM13t8dj0slow to anger“slow to become angry”
12NAM13e2y8figs-litotes0he will not allow the wicked to go unpunishedThis emphatic negative statement can be translated positively. Alternate translation: “he will always be sure to punish the wicked” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
13NAM13du22figs-explicit0Yahweh makes his way in the whirlwind and the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feetThe biblical writers often associated Yahwehs presence with powerful storms. Here Yahweh rides in strong storm winds and his feet are creating clouds by kicking up dust as he is coming to judge the people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
14NAM13l5ed0the dust of his feet“the dust that his feet kick up”
15NAM14lh7c0General Information:Nahum continues to describe Yahweh coming to judge his enemies and to save his people.
16NAM14n6m5figs-explicit0Bashan is weak, and Carmel also; the flowers of Lebanon are weakThe word translated as “weak” can also mean “wither” or “dry out.” Bashan was known for its good pastureland where people tended sheep and cattle, “Carmel” refers to Mount Carmel, which was known for its tree orchards, and the snow from the mountains in Lebanon kept that place fertile. Since Yahweh dries up all the rivers and causes drought, these fertile places will no longer be fertile. Alternate translation: “The fields of Bashan wither, the trees of Mount Carmel die, and the flowers of Lebanon fade” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
17NAM15cg1vfigs-metaphor0the hills meltPossible meanings are 1) the earthquake causing the hills to crumble to pieces is spoken of as if the hills were melting or 2) the water from the storms coursing down the hills and causing them to erode is spoken of as if the hills were melting. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
18NAM15f3dl0the earth collapsesPossible meanings are 1) the mountains and hills collapse or 2) the entire ground begins to move with violent motions.
19NAM15w6mffigs-ellipsis0the world and all people who live in itHere the word “world” refers to the inhabited places on the earth. The verb for this phrase is understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “the world shakes and all the people who live in it collapse” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
20NAM16f6ms0General Information:Nahum continues to describe Yahweh coming to judge his enemies and to save his people.
21NAM16pb6qfigs-parallelism0Who can stand before his wrath? Who can resist the fierceness of his anger?These two rhetorical questions mean basically the same thing. They can be translated with statements. Alternate translation: “No one can stand before his wrath! No one can resist the fierceness of his anger!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
22NAM16s5dd0fierceness of his anger“intensity of his anger” or “amount of his anger”
23NAM16b6tkfigs-metaphor0His wrath is poured out like fireNahum speaks of Yahwehs anger as if it were a liquid that he pours out and which burns like fire. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “He pours out his wrath like fire” or “He expresses his fierce anger” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
24NAM16s5l3figs-activepassive0the rocks are broken apart by himThis can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “he breaks apart the rocks” or “he causes the rocks to break apart” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
25NAM17vrf3figs-metaphor0a stronghold ... those who take refuge in himNahum speaks of Yahweh as if he were a place where people can be safe from those who wish to harm them, and of those who trust Yahweh to protect them as if they were taking refuge inside that safe place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
26NAM17z4wh0in the day of trouble“in times of trouble” or “when troubles happen.” The word “day” here refers to a general period of time.
27NAM18uz38figs-idiom0he will make a full end to his enemiesThe idiom “make a full end” refers to causing his enemies to die. Alternate translation: “he will completely destroy his enemies” or “he will kill all his enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
28NAM18b39gfigs-metaphor0with an overwhelming floodNahum speaks of Yahweh destroying his enemies in such a way that they will be powerless to avoid death as if Yahweh caused them to drown in a great flood of water. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
29NAM18n11ufigs-metonymy0he will pursue them into darknessHere the word “darkness” represents the place of the dead, which is characterized as a dark place. Nahum speaks of Yahweh killing his enemies as if he were chasing them into this dark place. Alternate translation: “he will cause all his enemies to die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
30NAM19mz660General Information:Nahum tells the people of Nineveh how Yahweh will deal with them.
31NAM19c1lkfigs-rquestion0What are you people plotting against Yahweh?This rhetorical question emphasizes the futility of making evil plans against Yahweh. Alternate translation: “It is futile for you people to plot against Yahweh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
32NAM19v6h3figs-idiom0He will make a full end to itThe idiom “make a full end” refers to causing something to exist no longer. Alternate translation: “He will completely stop what you do” or “He will cause your plotting to fail” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
33NAM19d3wcfigs-metonymy0trouble will not rise up a second timePossible meanings are 1) “trouble” is a metonym for the punishment that Yahweh will inflict upon the people. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will not have to punish you a second time” or 2) “trouble” refers to the trouble that the people cause by plotting against Yahweh. Alternate translation: “you will not cause trouble a second time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
34NAM110fkc6figs-metaphor0they will become tangled up like thornbushesPossible meanings for this metaphor are 1) the people who plot against Yahweh will not be able to free themselves from the trouble that Yahweh will bring upon them, like a person who is tangled up in thornbushes cannot easily free himself or 2) just as thornbushes burn more quickly when they are tangled together, Yahweh will quickly destroy those who plot against him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
35NAM110ip7lfigs-metaphor0they will be saturated in their own drinkNahum speaks of those who plot against Yahweh suffering the consequences of their plans as if they were completely drunk with alcohol. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
36NAM110x8ilfigs-metaphor0they will be completely devoured by fire like dry stubbleNahum speaks of Yahweh completely destroying those who plot against him as if fire would burn them up like fire burns up dry stubble. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “fire will completely devour them like it devours dry stubble” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
37NAM110tg7cfigs-metaphor0devoured by fireNahum speaks of fire burning something completely as if the fire were devouring that thing. Alternate translation: “burned up by fire” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
38NAM111ee380promoted wickednessencouraged people to do wicked things
39NAM112p1bp0General Information:Yahweh speaks to the Israelites about Nineveh.
40NAM112uyz90Even if they are at their full strength and full numbersThis refers to the Assyrians or to the people of Nineveh.
41NAM112p6ccfigs-metaphor0they will nevertheless be shearedYahweh speaks of destroying the people of Nineveh as if the were sheep that he will shear. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I will nevertheless shear them” or “I will nevertheless destroy them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
42NAM113qfl7figs-metaphor0Now will I break that peoples yoke from off you; I will break your chainsYahweh speaks of freeing Judah from Assyrian oppression as if he were breaking the yoke and chains that the Assyrians had placed on them. Alternate translation: “Now I will free you from that people and they will no longer oppress you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
43NAM114en7tfigs-metaphor0I will cut off the carved figures and the cast metal figures from the houses of your godsYahweh speaks of destroying the Assyrian idols as if he were cutting them off, like a person would cut a branch from a tree. The word “house” is a metonym for the temples in which the people worshiped these idols. Alternate translation: “I will destroy the carved figures and the cast metal figures that are in the temples of your gods” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
44NAM114s2bhfigs-explicit0I will dig your gravesIt is implied that Yahweh will also bury them in the graves that he digs for them. Alternate translation: “I will dig your graves and bury you in them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
45NAM115n617figs-synecdoche0on the mountains there are the feet of someone who is bringing good newsHere the word “feet” represent the person who is running in order to declare a message. Alternate translation: “on the mountains there is someone who is bringing good news” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
46NAM115l31d0wicked one ... heNahum refers to the people of Nineveh as though they were one person.
47NAM115ink2figs-metaphor0he is completely cut offNahum speaks of the people of Nineveh being completely destroyed as if they had been cut off, like a person would cut a branch from a tree. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “he is completely destroyed” or “Yahweh has completely destroyed him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
48NAM2introm3yl0# Nahum 02 General Notes<br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>Some translations prefer to set apart extended quotations, prayers and songs. The ULT and many other English translations set the lines of the entire book (except for verse 1 of chapter 1) farther to the right on the page than regular text because they are poetic prophecy. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]])<br><br>Despite being divided into three chapters, this book contains one long prophecy.<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Complete destruction<br>At that time, Assyria controlled almost the entire Near East. Nahum prophesied that the Assyrians would be so completely destroyed as a nation that they would no longer even be a people group. This prophecy came true and did so very suddenly. At times, this chapter is very violent in describing the destruction of Assyria, and this violence should not be toned down through the use of euphemism.<br>
49NAM21c5dgwriting-poetry0General Information:Nahum often wrote prophecy in the form of poetry. Hebrew poetry uses different kinds of parallelism. Here he begins to describe the destruction of Nineveh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
50NAM21xj69figs-metaphor0The one who will dash you to piecesThe word “you” refers to Nineveh. Nahum speaks of an army or military leader destroying Nineveh as if he were to shatter Nineveh like one would shatter a clay pot. Alternate translation: “The one who will destroy you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
51NAM21m6by0The one who will dash youThe person who is “the one” is not clear, so translate using a general term. Alternate translation: “Someone who will break you”
52NAM21ahz9figs-idiom0is coming up against youThe idiom to “come against” means to attack. Alternate translation: “is preparing to attack you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
53NAM21v7eifigs-irony0Man the city walls, guard the roads, make yourselves strong, assemble your armiesNahum speaks to the people of Nineveh. He tells them to prepare for battle, although he knows that the enemy will destroy the city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
54NAM21cpd7figs-explicit0Man the city wallsNineveh had a large, thick wall surrounding it. This refers to placing soldiers on the top of the wall in order to fight off attackers. This can be translated with a more general phrase if necessary. Alternate translation: “Man the fortifications” or “Prepare the defenses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
55NAM21zt4z0guard the roadsThis refers to having soldiers watch the roads leading to the city so that they can keep track of the enemys approach.
56NAM21l226figs-idiom0make yourselves strongThis is an idiom that means to prepare oneself for action. Here it applies to military action. Alternate translation: “prepare yourselves for battle” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
57NAM22u4fbfigs-metonymy0For Yahweh is restoring the majesty of Jacob, like the majesty of IsraelThe words “Jacob” and “Israel” are metonyms for the people who are descended from Jacob. Possible meanings are 1) the word “Jacob” refers to the southern kingdom and the word “Israel” refers to the northern kingdom. Alternate translation: “For Yahweh is restoring the majesty of Judah, as he promised to restore the majesty of Israel” or 2) both “Jacob” and “Israel” refer to the nation as a whole, included both northern and southern kingdoms and the two lines are parallel. Alternate translation: “For Yahweh is restoring the majesty of all Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
58NAM22wmm60the plundererspeople who steal things by force, usually in war
59NAM22i6w3figs-metaphor0destroyed their vine branchesPossible meanings are 1) this is a metaphor in which the Assyrians taking away Israels possessions by force is spoken of as if Israel were a vine whose branches the Assyrians had stripped bare. Alternate translation: “robbed them of all of their possession, like one would strip bare vine branches” or 2) the words “vine branches” are a synecdoche for the agricultural fields throughout the nation. Alternate translation: “destroyed their fields of crops” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
60NAM23sal20The shields of his mighty men are redPossible meanings are 1) the shields appear red as the light from the sun reflects upon their metal surfaces or 2) the shields are covered with leather that has been dyed red.
61NAM23tt350his mighty menthe soldiers of the one “who will dash” Nineveh “to pieces” ([Nahum 2:1](../02/01.md)).
62NAM23shs80the chariots flash with their metalThis likely refers to the light from the sun reflecting upon the metal chariots.
63NAM23i6a3figs-activepassive0on the day that they are made readyThis can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “when the soldiers have made them ready” or “when the soldiers have prepared them to attack” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
64NAM23jtg2figs-activepassive0the cypress spears are waved in the airThis can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the soldiers wave their cypress spears in the air” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
65NAM23b24stranslate-unknown0cypressa type of tree whose wood is good for weapons (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
66NAM24l7yi0The chariots speed through the streets“The soldiers drive the chariots wildly through the streets”
67NAM24m4y1figs-simile0They look like torchesNahum compares the way that the light from the sun reflects upon the chariots with torches whose fire gives light. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
68NAM24vee1figs-simile0they run like lightningNahum compares the way that the light from the sun reflects upon the chariots, and the quickness with which the chariots move, with lightning that flashes quickly in the sky. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
69NAM25c6g1figs-metaphor0The one who will dash you to piecesThe word “you” refers to Nineveh. Nahum speaks of an army or military leader destroying Nineveh as if he were to shatter Nineveh like one would shatter a clay pot. See how you translated this in [Nahum 2:1](../02/01.md). Alternate translation: “The one who will destroy you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
70NAM25frd3figs-abstractnouns0in their marchThe word “march” can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: “as they march” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
71NAM25s3zwfigs-activepassive0The large shield is made ready to protect these attackersThis can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The attackers make ready the large shield to protect themselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
72NAM25t8340The large shieldThis refers to a large cover that those who besieged a city would set up over themselves and their battering rams to protect themselves against the arrows and other projectiles with which the people in the city would attack them.
73NAM26l4xlfigs-activepassive0The gates at the rivers are forced openThis can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The enemy forces open the gates at the rivers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
74NAM26bi3c0The gates at the riversThis refers to the gates that controlled the flow and direction of the river.
75NAM27v7esfigs-activepassive0Huzzab is stripped of her clothes and is taken awayThis can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The enemy strips Huzzab of her clothes and takes her away” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
76NAM27x5zytranslate-unknown0Huzzab is stripped of her clothes and is taken awayThe exact meaning of the word “Huzzab” is uncertain. Two possible meanings are 1) it is the name of a queen in Nineveh and the sentence means that the attacking soldiers have stripped her of her clothes in order to humiliate her and then have carried her off into captivity or 2) it is the name of an idol and the sentence means that the attackers have stripped the gold and silver off the idol and have carried it away. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
77NAM27wzf80her female servants moan like dovesThe moaning sounds that the female servants make sound like the sounds that doves make.
78NAM27c3va0her female servantsIf the word “Huzzab” refers to a queen, then this phrase refers to the young women who attended her. If the word “Huzzab” refers to an idol, then this phrase refers to the young women who worked as temple prostitutes.
79NAM27ya8wtranslate-symaction0beating on their breastsBeating ones breast was a gesture used to express great mourning. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
80NAM28awl5figs-simile0Nineveh is like a leaking pool of water, with its people fleeing away like rushing waterNahum compares the way that the people flee from the city of Nineveh with the way that water gushes from a reservoir of water when the dam has been broken. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
81NAM29e4pvfigs-apostrophe0Take the silver plunder ... Ninevehs beautiful thingsIt is not clear who is speaking here. This may be an apostrophe in which Nahum gives directions to the attackers, or the attackers may be speaking and giving directions to one another. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe]])
82NAM29t4z80Take the silver plunder, take the gold plunderThe word “plunder” means things stolen by force, usually in war. Alternate translation: “Take the silver as plunder, take the gold as plunder” or “Take the silver, take the gold”
83NAM29tli3figs-hyperbole0there is no end to itThe words “no end” are an exaggeration to express that there is a great amount of something. Alternate translation: “there is so much of it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
84NAM29sn5kfigs-ellipsis0to the splendor of all Ninevehs beautiful thingsThis phrase refers to the silver, gold, and other treasures in Nineveh. The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “there is no end to the splendor of all Ninevehs beautiful treasures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
85NAM210dib5figs-metaphor0Everyones heart meltsNahum speaks of the people losing courage as if their hearts melt like wax. Alternate translation: “Everyone loses courage” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
86NAM210haf90everyones knees strike togetherThis describes a physical response to great fear. The peoples legs shake so badly that their knees knock together and they are unable to walk or run.
87NAM211as2efigs-metaphor0General Information:In these verses, Nahum speaks of the people of Nineveh as if they were a group of lions, and of the city Nineveh as if it were their den. The metaphor speaks of the way in which the Assyrians would conquer other people and take their possessions as their own as if they were lions hunting prey and bringing the dead animals back to their den. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
88NAM211n3kifigs-rquestion0Where now is the lions den ... afraid of nothing?Nahum uses this rhetorical question to mock Nineveh, which has been destroyed. Alternate translation: “The lions den is nowhere to be found ... afraid of nothing.” or “Look at what has become of the lions den ... afraid of nothing!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
89NAM212f91dfigs-explicit0he strangled victims“he choked victims.” This is probably a reference to the way that lions usually kill their prey, by biting its throat. Alternate translation: “he killed his victims” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
90NAM212f3cwfigs-parallelism0filled his cave with victims, his dens with torn carcassesThese two phrases are saying the same thing in different ways. The verb may be supplied for the second phrase. Alternate translation: “filled his cave with victims, and filled his dens with torn carcasses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
91NAM213hg330See“Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you.”
92NAM213mzs1figs-metonymy0the sword will devour your young lionsHere the word “sword” is a metonym for soldiers who attack with swords and is spoken of as if it were a person who eats its victims. Nahum also continues to speak to the people of Nineveh as if they were lions. Alternate translation: “attackers will kill your people with swords” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
93NAM213qg4yfigs-metaphor0I will cut off your prey from your landYahweh speaks of the people of Nineveh as if they were lions who preyed upon the nations. Possible meanings are 1) the word “prey” is a metonym for the things that they have taken from those upon whom they preyed, and Yahweh speaks of taking those things away from them as if it were cutting off their prey. Alternate translation: “I will take away from your land all the things that you took from others” or 2) Yahweh speaks of the nations whom the people of Nineveh had plundered as if they were Ninevehs prey, and preventing Nineveh from plundering any more nations as if he were cutting off their prey. Alternate translation: “I will stop you from preying upon any other nation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
94NAM213vf1sfigs-activepassive0the voices of your messengers will be heard no moreThis likely refers to the messengers that the Assyrians sent out to other nations to demand surrender or payment of tribute. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “no one will ever hear the voices of your messengers again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
95NAM3introk8ee0# Nahum 03 General Notes<br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>Some translations prefer to set apart extended quotations, prayers and songs. The ULT and many other English translations set the lines of the entire book (except for verse 1 of chapter 1) farther to the right on the page than regular text because they are poetic prophecy. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]])<br><br>Despite being divided into three chapters, the book contains one long prophecy.<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Euphemism<br>This chapter speaks about the evils of the Assyrians in violent ways. It is important to avoiding toning down this language through the use of euphemism, if at all possible. Although there is some hyperbole, the reader should not assume that the author intends this writing to be taken as completely hyperbolic. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/evil]])<br>
96NAM31kar1writing-poetry0General Information:Nahum often wrote prophecy in the form of poetry. Hebrew poetry uses different kinds of parallelism. Here he continues to describe the destruction of Nineveh. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
97NAM31ki6nfigs-metonymy0the city full of bloodHere the word “blood” represents bloodshed and refers to the people who have committed murder. Alternate translation: “the city full of murderers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
98NAM31b6safigs-metonymy0It is all full of liesHere the word “lies” is a metonym for those who tell lies. Alternate translation: “It is full of liars” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
99NAM32n52r0the noise of whips and the sound of rattling wheels, prancing horses, and bounding chariotsThese phrases describe the sound of chariots rushing through the streets as their drivers use their whips on the horses.
100NAM33isx6figs-parallelism0heaps of corpses, great piles of bodiesThese two phrases mean basically the same thing and indicate that there were so many dead bodies that the attackers piled them in heaps. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
101NAM33xle90corpsesbodies of people who have died
102NAM33k9umfigs-hyperbole0There is no end to the bodiesThe words “no end” are an exaggeration for the great number of bodies that the attackers piled into heaps. Alternate translation: “There are too many bodies to count” or “There are a great number of bodies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
103NAM34x2ucfigs-metaphor0the lustful actions of the beautiful prostituteNahum speaks of Nineveh causing other nations to be subject to her as if the city were a prostitute who seduces men with her beauty. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
104NAM34zv4sfigs-metaphor0the expert in witchcraftNahum speaks of Nineveh causing other nations to be subject to her as if the city were a witch who casts a spells on others. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
105NAM34b3x1figs-explicit0who sells nations through her prostitution, and peoples through her acts of witchcraftHere the word “sells” implies that the people of Nineveh cause other nations and peoples to become slaves. Nineveh uses her beauty, power, and influence to make others her slaves. Alternate translation: “who by her prostitution and witchcraft causes the people of other nations to become her slaves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
106NAM35u83r0See“Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”
107NAM35x2lmfigs-metaphor0I will raise up your skirt over your face and show your private parts to the nationsThis refers to the practice of publicly humiliating prostitutes by stripping them naked in front of the community. This continues the metaphor of Yahweh speaking of the city of Nineveh as if it were a prostitute. Alternate translation: “I will publicly humiliate you, as one would humiliate a prostitute by raising up her skirt over her face and showing her private parts to all the people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
108NAM35qx5dfigs-ellipsis0your shame to the kingdomsThis phrase explains the purpose of lifting up Ninevehs skirt. The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “I will show your shame to the kingdoms” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
109NAM36s894translate-symaction0I will throw disgusting filth on youThe words “disgusting filth” refer to all kinds of garbage. Throwing garbage at a person was a sign of strong contempt. Alternate translation: “I will show my contempt for you, like a person would throw disgusting filth at another” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
110NAM37wgg3figs-rquestion0who will weep for her?The people ask this rhetorical question to emphasize the negative answer. Alternate translation: “no one will weep for her.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
111NAM37ysl2figs-rquestion0Where can I find anyone to comfort you?Yahweh uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that there will be no one who will be able to comfort Nineveh. Alternate translation: “There will be no one to comfort you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
112NAM38v76ufigs-metonymy0General Information:Nahum speaks to the people of Nineveh as though they were the city itself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
113NAM38ii6kfigs-rquestion0are you better than Thebes ... itself?Nahum asks this rhetorical question to emphasize the negative answer that it anticipates. Alternate translation: “you are not better than Thebes ... itself.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
114NAM38c7qrtranslate-names0ThebesThis was the former capital of Egypt, which the Assyrians had conquered. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
115NAM38w92b0that was built on the Nile River“that was situated by the Nile River”
116NAM38a2y2figs-metaphor0whose defense was the ocean, whose wall was the sea itselfThese two phrases share similar meanings. The words “ocean” and “sea” both refer to the Nile River, which ran near the city. Nahum speaks of the Nile as if it were the wall that protected the city. Alternate translation: “which had the Nile river as its defenses, as some cities have a wall for theirs” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
117NAM39ega50Cush and Egypt were her strength“Ethiopia and Egypt strengthened her” or “Cush and Egypt were her allies”
118NAM39knv4figs-hyperbole0there was no end to itThe word “it” refers to the “strength” that Cush and Egypt gave to Thebes. That there was no end to it is a hyperbole that expresses the great amount of strength. Alternate translation: “their strength was very great” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
119NAM39c9ndtranslate-names0Put and LibyaThese are the names of places in northern Africa that were close to Thebes. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
120NAM310h5f5figs-metonymy0General Information:Nahum continues to speak to the people of Nineveh as though they were the city itself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
121NAM310jt2afigs-metonymy0Yet Thebes was carried awayThe word “Thebes” represents the people who lived in Thebes. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Yet those who attacked Thebes carried the people away” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
122NAM310h6s7figs-metonymy0she went into captivityThe word “she” refers to Thebes and represents the people who lived there. Alternate translation: “they went into captivity” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
123NAM310jht3figs-activepassive0her young children were dashed in piecesThis is a brutal description of the soldiers killing children. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “enemy soldiers dashed her young children to pieces” or “enemy soldiers beat her young children to death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
124NAM310h7t9figs-metaphor0at the head of every streetThe beginning of a street is spoken of as if it were the head. Also, “every” is a generalization that means many places all over the city. Alternate translation: “on every street corner” or “in the streets all over the city” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
125NAM310hyc8figs-activepassive0all her great men were bound in chainsThis can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “they bound all her great men in chains” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
126NAM311esd7figs-metaphor0You also will become drunkHere the word “You” refers to Nineveh. Nahum speaks of the people of Nineveh suffering and dying in battle as if they had become drunk from drinking too much wine. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
127NAM312kbf7figs-metonymy0General Information:Nahum continues to speak to the people of Nineveh as though they were the city itself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
128NAM312lb3tfigs-explicit0All your fortressesPossible meanings for the word “fortresses” are 1) it refers to Ninevehs fortifications, such as the wall that surrounded the city Alternate translation: “All of your fortifications” or “All of your defenses” or 2) it refers to the fortified cities that were situated along Assyrias borders and prevented enemy armies from attacking Nineveh. Alternate translation: “All of your fortified cities” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
129NAM312uf4qfigs-simile0All your fortresses will be like fig trees with the earliest ripe figs: if they are shaken, they fall into the mouth of the eaterNahum compares the ease with which the attackers will conquer Nineveh with the ease with which a person can cause ripe figs to fall from a tree. Alternate translation: “Your enemies will destroy your fortresses as easily as a person can shake a fig tree and eat the first ripe figs that fall” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
130NAM312c8ttfigs-explicit0the earliest ripe figsThis refers to the figs that would ripen first on the tree. These figs fell from the tree easily, so that a person only had to shake the tree to make them fall. Figs that ripened later would require a person to climb the tree and pick them by hand. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
131NAM312w2unfigs-activepassive0if they are shaken“if the trees are shaken.” This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “if a person shakes the trees” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
132NAM312k7ymfigs-hyperbole0they fall into the mouth of the eater“the figs fall into the mouth of the eater.” This is an exaggeration. By saying that the figs fall from the tree into the mouth of the one who eats it, Nahum emphasizes that the figs are ready to eat immediately. Alternate translation: “a person can eat the fig immediately” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
133NAM313le29figs-metaphor0the people among you are womenIn this ancient culture, women were not warriors for a number of reasons, including their being generally weaker physically than men. Here Nahum speaks of Ninevehs warriors losing their strength and courage to fight as if the people in the city were all women. Alternate translation: “your people are all like women who are weak and cannot defend themselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
134NAM313cv1afigs-activepassive0the gates of your land have been opened wide to your enemiesThis can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the gates of your land are wide open to your enemies” or “someone has opened wide to your enemies the gates of your land” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
135NAM313sc8sfigs-metaphor0the gates of your land have been opened wide to your enemiesPossible meanings are 1) if “fortresses” in v. 12 refers to the Ninevehs defenses, then “the gates of your land” refers to the gates in the walls around Nineveh. Alternate translation: “the gates of your city are wide open for your enemies to attack” or 2) if “fortresses” in v. 12 refers to the fortified cities that were situated along Assyrias borders, then “the gates of your land” is a metaphor in which those cities are spoken of as if they were gates that prevented enemy armies from entering the land. Alternate translation: “your land is defenseless before your enemies because they have destroyed the cities that protected your borders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
136NAM313ea7ifigs-metaphor0fire has devoured their barsPossible meanings are 1) if “fortresses” in v. 12 refers to the Ninevehs defenses, then “their bars” refers to the bars that locked the gates in the walls around Nineveh. Alternate translation: “fire has destroyed the bars that lock your city gates” or 2) if “fortresses” in v. 12 refers to the fortified cities that were situated along Assyrias borders, then “their bars” is a metaphor in which those cities are spoken of as if they were locked gates that prevented enemy armies from entering the land. Alternate translation: “the cities on your borders can no longer protect you, just as gates can no longer protect a city when fire has destroyed their bars” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
137NAM313i4p2figs-metaphor0fire has devouredNahum speaks of fire burning up and destroying as if fire were eating. Alternate translation: “fire has destroyed” or “fire has burned up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
138NAM314g9i1figs-metonymy0General Information:Nahum continues to speak to the people of Nineveh as though they were the city itself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
139NAM314w932figs-irony0Go draw water for the siege ... pick up the molds for the bricksNahum speaks to the people of Nineveh. He tells them to prepare for battle and to repair the walls, although he knows that the enemy will destroy the city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])
140NAM314d5xh0strengthen your fortresses“repair the fortifications”
141NAM314tja50go into the clay and tread the mortar; pick up the molds for the bricksThese phrases refer to making mud bricks that they will use to repair the citys wall.
142NAM315x9p7figs-metaphor0Fire will devour you thereNahum speaks of fire burning and destroying as if it were eating. Alternate translation: “Fire will destroy you there” or “Your enemies will burn you with fire there” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
143NAM315f3iufigs-metonymy0the sword will destroy youHere the word “sword” is a metonym for the enemies who will attack with swords. Alternate translation: “your enemies will kill you with their swords” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
144NAM315cwk4figs-personification0It will devour you as young locusts devour everythingThe word “It” refers to the “sword,” which is personified as eating those whom it kills. The soldiers using their swords to kill everyone in Nineveh is compared with the way that a swarm of locusts eats every plant in its path. Alternate translation: “Your enemies swords will kill all of you, just as easily as a swarm of locusts devours everything in its path” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
145NAM315mx6w0Make yourselves as many as the young locusts, as many as the full-grown locustsThese words begin a new paragraph where Nahum compares the number of people in Nineveh with the large number of locusts in a swarm.
146NAM316h3mkfigs-metonymy0General Information:Nahum speaks to the people of Nineveh as though they were the city itself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
147NAM316f5mlfigs-hyperbole0You have multiplied your merchants more than the stars in the heavensThis exaggeration emphasizes the great number of merchants who lived and worked in Nineveh. Alternate translation: “It is as if you have more merchants than there are stars in the sky” or “You have more merchants than anyone could count” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
148NAM316jax3figs-simile0they are like young locusts: they plunder the land and then fly awayNahum compares the way that these merchants, who have made their profit by selling their goods in Nineveh, will flee from the city when the battle begins with the way that locusts fly away after they have eaten all of the plants in their path. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
149NAM317g39bfigs-simile0your generals are like swarms of them that camp in the walls on a cold day. But when the sun rises they fly awayNahum compares the way that the officials in Nineveh will flee when the battle starts with the way that locusts will remain still while it is cold, but will fly away when the sun rises and the air becomes warm. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
150NAM317t77f0to no one knows where“and no one knows where they have gone”
151NAM318mzz1figs-parallelism0your shepherds are asleep; your rulers are lying down restingThese two lines share similar meanings. Nahum speaks of the leaders of Assyria as if they were shepherd who are to care for their sheep. He speaks of the shepherds and rulers dying as if they had fallen asleep. Alternate translation: “your leaders who are like shepherds are dead; your rulers are all dead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
152NAM318r6bifigs-metaphor0Your people are scattered on the mountainsNahum speaks of the people of Nineveh as if they were sheep that scatter after the shepherds have died. Alternate translation: “Your people are scattered like sheep on the mountains” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
153NAM319ik24figs-metaphor0No healing is possible for your wounds. Your wounds are severeNahum speaks of the certainty of the destruction of Nineveh and the defeat of its king as if the king had suffered an incurable wound. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
154NAM319eje9figs-abstractnouns0No healing is possible for your woundsThe word “healing” can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “No one is able to heal your wounds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
155NAM319ac74figs-rquestion0Who has escaped your constant wickedness?This rhetorical question emphasizes the negative answer that it anticipates. All of the nations that were near Assyria had suffered because of Assyrias constant wickedness. Alternate translation: “No one has escaped your constant wickedness.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])