Nahum 2:10
She is emptied! Yes, she is desolate and laid waste! Hearts melt, knees knock, bodies tremble, and every face grows pale!
She is emptied!
The phrase "She is emptied!" refers to the city of Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire. The Hebrew root word for "emptied" is "bûq," which conveys the idea of being thoroughly emptied or drained. Historically, Nineveh was a city of immense wealth and power, but this prophecy foretells its complete desolation. The imagery of being emptied signifies the total loss of resources, people, and power, highlighting the divine judgment against a city that once stood as a symbol of human pride and arrogance.

Yes, she is desolate and laid waste!
The words "desolate and laid waste" further emphasize the total destruction of Nineveh. The Hebrew word for "desolate" is "bûqâh," which is closely related to the word for "emptied," reinforcing the idea of utter ruin. "Laid waste" comes from the Hebrew "mêbûqâh," suggesting a state of devastation and ruin. This reflects the historical reality that Nineveh, once a thriving metropolis, was left in ruins, fulfilling Nahum's prophecy. The repetition of these terms underscores the certainty and completeness of God's judgment.

Hearts melt, knees knock, bodies tremble
This vivid imagery describes the terror and fear that grips the inhabitants of Nineveh. "Hearts melt" uses the Hebrew "māsas," indicating a complete loss of courage and strength. "Knees knock" and "bodies tremble" paint a picture of physical manifestations of fear, suggesting a profound sense of helplessness and panic. This reaction is not only a response to the physical destruction but also to the realization of divine judgment. It serves as a reminder of the power and sovereignty of God over nations and individuals.

and every face grows pale!
The phrase "every face grows pale" captures the universal fear and dread experienced by the people. The Hebrew word "pārûr" for "pale" suggests a loss of color due to fear or shock. This imagery is consistent with other biblical descriptions of fear and judgment, where the physical appearance reflects the inner turmoil and realization of impending doom. It serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the inevitable judgment that follows.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nineveh
The capital of the Assyrian Empire, known for its great power and wealth, but also for its wickedness and cruelty. Nahum prophesies its downfall.

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

3. Prophet Nahum
A minor prophet in the Old Testament who delivered God's message of judgment against Nineveh.

4. The Fall of Nineveh
A historical event prophesied by Nahum, symbolizing God's judgment against sin and oppression.

5. God's Judgment
The overarching theme of Nahum, emphasizing God's sovereignty and justice in dealing with nations.
Teaching Points
The Certainty of God's Judgment
God's judgment is inevitable for those who persist in wickedness and rebellion against Him. Just as Nineveh faced destruction, so will all who oppose God's righteousness.

The Sovereignty of God
God is in control of history and nations. He raises up and brings down kingdoms according to His divine plan and purpose.

The Fear of the Lord
The reaction of fear and trembling in the face of God's judgment should lead us to a reverent fear of the Lord, recognizing His power and holiness.

Repentance and Humility
The desolation of Nineveh serves as a warning to humble ourselves and turn from sin, seeking God's mercy and forgiveness.

Hope in God's Justice
For the oppressed and afflicted, God's judgment against wickedness is a source of hope and assurance that He will ultimately right all wrongs.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the fall of Nineveh demonstrate the certainty of God's judgment against sin?

2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty over nations in today's world?

3. How should the fear and trembling described in Nahum 2:10 influence our relationship with God?

4. What steps can we take to ensure we are living in repentance and humility before God?

5. How can the message of Nahum provide hope and encouragement to those facing injustice or oppression today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 13
Similar themes of judgment against Babylon, another powerful and oppressive empire, highlighting God's control over nations.

Zephaniah 2
Prophecies against various nations, including Assyria, reinforcing the message of divine retribution.

Revelation 18
The fall of Babylon the Great, symbolizing the ultimate defeat of evil and the vindication of God's justice.
The Downfall of NinevehDe Wette's Introduction., De Wette's IntroductionNahum 2:3-13
The Downfall of NinevehS.D. Hilman Nahum 2:3-13
People
Jacob, Nahum
Places
Nineveh
Topics
Anguish, Blackness, Bodies, Body, Colour, Convulsion, Desolate, Desolation, Emptied, Emptiness, Empty, Face, Faces, Faint, Gather, Gathered, Grow, Grown, Grows, Heart, Hearts, Knees, Knock, Knocking, Loins, Melt, Melted, Melteth, Melting, Melts, Nothing, Pain, Pale, Paleness, Plundered, Ruin, Shaking, Smite, Smitten, Stripped, Tremble, Twisted, Void, Waste, Waxed, Writhing, Yea, Yes
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Nahum 2:10

     5136   body
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Library
Conclusion
As we take up our pen to write these closing paragraphs, we do so conscious that we have merely skimmed, here and there, the surface of a vast ocean of truth. Though upwards of five hundred Scriptures have been referred to in these pages, yet, hundreds more could have been cited in support of the positions which we have advanced. An exhaustive classification and examination of all the passages which are connected, directly or indirectly, with the subject of the Redeemer's Return, would necessitate
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

A Living Book
[Illustration: (drop cap T) Symbol of "Asshur", the principal Assyrian idol.] There is only one Book that never grows old. For thousands of years men have been writing books. Most books are forgotten soon after they are written; a few of the best and wisest are remembered for a time. But all at last grow old; new discoveries are made; new ideas arise; the old books are out of date; their usefulness is at an end. Students are the only people who still care to read them. The nations to which the
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making

Parable of the Pharisee and Publican.
^C Luke XVIII. 9-14. ^c 9 And he spake also this parable unto certain who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and set all others at nought [It is commonly said that this parable teaches humility in prayer, but the preface and conclusion (see verse 14) show that it is indeed to set forth generally the difference between self-righteousness and humility, and that an occasion of prayer is chosen because it best illustrates the point which the Lord desired to teach. The parable shows that
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Nahum
Poetically the little book of Nahum is one of the finest in the Old Testament. Its descriptions are vivid and impetuous: they set us before the walls of the beleaguered Nineveh, and show us the war-chariots of her enemies darting to and fro like lightning, ii. 4, the prancing steeds, the flashing swords, the glittering spears, iii. 2,3. The poetry glows with passionate joy as it contemplates the ruin of cruel and victorious Assyria. In the opening chapter, i., ii. 2, Jehovah is represented as coming
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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