Nahum 3:1-7
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).
3:5 h Twice God tells Nineveh, I am your enemy (also 2:13 i). Nineveh’s judgment stands as a historical reminder that the Lord abhors sin and will deal with people and nations according to their deeds (Pss 9:7-8 j; 62:12 k; Jer 46:28 l; Acts 17:31 m). One day, God’s justice will fall worldwide on those who have rebelled against him (Rev 17–19 n).
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