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!
This phrase refers to the city of Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire. Historically, Nineveh was a powerful and wealthy city, known for its grandeur and military might. The prophecy of its destruction highlights the complete reversal of its fortunes. The term "emptied" signifies the total plundering and loss of its wealth and resources, as prophesied by Nahum. This aligns with the historical accounts of Nineveh's fall in 612 BC, when it was sacked by the Medes and Babylonians.

Yes, she is desolate and laid waste!
The repetition emphasizes the certainty and totality of Nineveh's destruction. "Desolate" and "laid waste" indicate not only physical ruin but also the end of its influence and power. This fulfills earlier prophecies against Assyria, such as those found in Isaiah 10:12-19, where God promises to punish the arrogance of the Assyrian king. The desolation serves as a divine judgment against the city's idolatry and cruelty.

Hearts melt, knees knock, bodies tremble,
These vivid descriptions of fear and panic reflect the psychological impact of Nineveh's downfall on its inhabitants. The imagery of melting hearts and knocking knees is used elsewhere in Scripture to depict overwhelming fear and helplessness, such as in Joshua 2:11 and Ezekiel 21:7. This reaction underscores the terror and chaos experienced during the city's siege and destruction.

and every face grows pale!
Paleness of face is a common biblical expression for fear and distress, as seen in Jeremiah 30:6. It signifies the loss of hope and the realization of impending doom. This phrase captures the universal dread among Nineveh's people as they face the fulfillment of Nahum's prophecy. The paleness also symbolizes the stripping away of pride and arrogance, leaving only vulnerability and despair.

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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