Nah 3:1-4 | TNotes | STEP | 3:1 city of murder: The Assyrians’ graphic cruelty is well documented. Their practices included cutting off external body parts—such as noses, ears, hands, and feet—and execution by impalement on stakes. They heaped up severed heads before the gates of besieged cities. The eyes of victims might also be put out and their skin stripped from their bodies while they were still alive.

dProv 24:12►

eJoel 3:4-8►

fRev 18:6►

‏ Nahum 3:1-4

3:1 ^a city of murder: The Assyrians’ graphic cruelty is well documented. Their practices included cutting off external body parts—such as noses, ears, hands, and feet—and execution by impalement on stakes. They heaped up severed heads before the gates of besieged cities. The eyes of victims might also be put out and their skin stripped from their bodies while they were still alive.
Summary for Nah 3:2-3: 3:2-3 ^b These short, staccato phrases dramatize the effects of seeing and hearing the battle.

• Assyrian chariots and charioteers were feared far and wide.
3:4 ^c mistress of deadly charms: The Assyrians charmed other nations with wealth and promises of safety and prosperity but then victimized them through military might and economic exploitation. Therefore, their punishment was a just recompense for their deeds (see Prov 24:12 ^d; Joel 3:4-8 ^e; Rev 18:6 ^f; 20:12 ^g).