Nahum 3:15 Commentary

Verse: Nahum 3:15 - "There shall the fire devour thee; the sword shall cut thee off; it shall eat thee up like the cankerworm: make thyself many as the cankerworm, make thyself many as the locusts."

Introduction

The book of Nahum is a prophetic text characterized by its fierce pronouncements against Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire. Nahum’s prophecy serves as a warning of impending judgment, marking a critical moment in the history of Israel as they awaited liberation from oppression. This commentary will focus on Nahum 3:15 and extract insights from various public domain commentaries to provide a nuanced understanding of the text.

Contextual Analysis

A thorough understanding of Nahum 3:15 demands recognition of its immediate context and the thematic elements of the entire book. The surrounding verses in Chapter 3 describe the impending doom of Nineveh, filled with vivid imagery conveying destruction and desolation.

Historical Significance

This verse articulates the certainty of Nineveh's destruction, reflecting the Assyrian Empire's moral decay and the prophet's role as a mouthpiece of divine judgment.

Verse Breakdown

• "There shall the fire devour thee;" This establishes a vivid image of fire, symbolizing God's judgment. Fire is often associated with purification but here signifies annihilation.
• "the sword shall cut thee off;" The imagery of the sword indicates warfare and violent destruction, reflecting God's authoritative power against those who oppose Him.
• "it shall eat thee up like the cankerworm:" The cankerworm metaphor emphasizes the destructive nature of these judgments—much like an invading pest consumes vegetation, so too will Nineveh face complete ruin.
• "make thyself many as the cankerworm, make thyself many as the locusts." This line underscores the folly of relying on sheer numbers in the face of divine judgment. Even if Nineveh multiplies its strength, it will not avert the coming destruction.

Theological Reflections

Nahum’s prophecy raises profound theological implications regarding divine justice and judgment. The repeated references to destruction indicate not merely an act of wrath but also God's faithful response to Israel's suffering under Assyrian dominance.

Divine Judgment

Albert Barnes notes that the judgment against Nineveh was a direct response to their sins, including violence, idolatry, and pride. The Assyrians believed themselves invincible; however, this prophecy serves as a warning that no earthly power can stand against God’s will.

Human Folly

Matthew Henry emphasizes the ridiculousness of Nineveh's attempts to bolster its defenses. The appeal to numbers and might reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of divine sovereignty. Relying on human strength is ultimately futile when faced with God's purposes.

Practical Applications

For contemporary readers, Nahum 3:15 invites reflection on several key themes:

• Understanding God's Justice: It challenges readers to consider the nature of God’s justice and the certainty of divine retribution against injustice.
• Re-evaluating Human Strength: It serves as a reminder of the transient nature of worldly power and the importance of reliance on God rather than human ingenuity.
• Calling for Repentance: Just as Nahum calls Nineveh to confront its impending doom, today’s believers are urged to repentance and humility before God.

Conclusion

Nahum 3:15 delivers a profound message about the sovereignty of God over nations and His righteous judgment. The verse encapsulates the dire consequences of sin and the futility of human pride. For pastors, students, theologians, and scholars, this passage offers rich material for theological exploration, emphasizing the need for humility and reliance upon divine grace rather than human strength.