Nahum 2:7

It is decreed that the city be exiled and carried away; her maidservants moan like doves, and beat upon their breasts.

Study Bible

It is decreed that the city be exiled and carried away;
This phrase indicates a divine judgment pronounced upon Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. The decree suggests an irreversible decision by God, reflecting the prophetic nature of Nahum's message. Historically, Nineveh was a powerful city, known for its military might and cruelty. The prophecy of its downfall would have seemed unlikely at the time, yet it aligns with God's justice against nations that oppose Him. The exile and carrying away symbolize total defeat and humiliation, common consequences for conquered cities in the ancient Near East. This echoes the fate of Israel and Judah when they faced similar judgments due to their disobedience (2 Kings 17:6, 2 Kings 25:21).

her maidservants moan like doves,
The imagery of maidservants moaning like doves conveys deep sorrow and lamentation. Doves are often associated with mourning in biblical literature (Isaiah 38:14, Ezekiel 7:16). The maidservants represent the vulnerable and defenseless within the city, highlighting the complete desolation and despair that follows the city's fall. This mourning is not just personal but communal, reflecting the widespread impact of the city's destruction. The use of "maidservants" may also imply the loss of protection and provision, as they would have been dependent on the city's stability.

and beat upon their breasts.
Beating upon the breasts is a traditional expression of intense grief and anguish in ancient cultures, including those in the biblical world (Luke 23:48). This physical act underscores the depth of the emotional response to the calamity that has befallen Nineveh. It signifies repentance and sorrow, though in this context, it is more about the realization of inevitable doom rather than a turning back to God. The vividness of this imagery serves to emphasize the totality of Nineveh's downfall, fulfilling the prophetic word and demonstrating the seriousness of divine judgment.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Assyrian Empire
A dominant empire in the ancient Near East, known for its military prowess and harsh treatment of conquered peoples. The prophecy foretells its decline.

3. Maidservants
Representing the people of Nineveh, particularly the women who will mourn the city's destruction and their own captivity.

4. Prophet Nahum
The author of the book, Nahum is a prophet who delivers God's message of judgment against Nineveh.

5. Exile and Captivity
The fate decreed for Nineveh, symbolizing the complete overthrow and humiliation of the city and its people.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
God is in control of the rise and fall of nations. His decrees are certain and will come to pass.

The Consequences of Wickedness
Nineveh's downfall serves as a warning against pride, cruelty, and sin. God's justice will prevail.

The Reality of Mourning and Loss
The imagery of maidservants mourning highlights the personal and communal impact of sin and judgment.

Hope in God's Justice
While judgment is severe, it is also a reminder of God's righteousness and the hope for restoration for those who turn to Him.

Reflecting on Our Own Lives
Consider areas where we may be prideful or unjust, and seek repentance and alignment with God's will.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the prophecy against Nineveh in Nahum 2:7 reflect God's character and His view of justice?

2. In what ways can the downfall of Nineveh serve as a warning to modern societies or individuals?

3. How do the themes of mourning and loss in Nahum 2:7 relate to other biblical accounts of judgment, such as in Isaiah or Revelation?

4. What personal lessons can we learn from the maidservants' response to Nineveh's destruction, and how can we apply these lessons in our own lives?

5. How can we find hope and assurance in God's justice, even when facing difficult or challenging circumstances?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 13
Similar themes of judgment against a powerful city (Babylon) and the mourning of its people.

Zephaniah 2
Prophecies against nations, including Assyria, highlighting God's sovereignty over all nations.

Revelation 18
The fall of Babylon the Great, echoing the themes of judgment and mourning found in Nahum.