Nahum 2:13
"Behold, I am against you," declares the LORD of Hosts. "I will send your chariots up in smoke, and the sword will devour your young lions. I will cut off your prey from the earth, and the voices of your messengers will no longer be heard."
“Behold, I am against you,” declares the LORD of Hosts.
This phrase emphasizes the divine opposition to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. The LORD of Hosts, a title that underscores God's supreme authority over heavenly armies, signifies His power and sovereignty. This declaration is a direct confrontation, indicating that God Himself is the adversary of Nineveh. Historically, Assyria was known for its military might and cruelty, often seen as an oppressor of Israel and Judah. This phrase echoes similar declarations found in other prophetic books, such as Isaiah 13:11 and Jeremiah 50:31, where God stands against nations that embody pride and wickedness.

“I will reduce your chariots to cinders,
Chariots were a symbol of military strength and technological advancement in ancient warfare. Assyria's reliance on chariots was part of their strategy for conquest and domination. The imagery of chariots being reduced to cinders signifies total destruction and the futility of relying on military power against divine judgment. This echoes the fate of Pharaoh's chariots in Exodus 14:28, where human strength is rendered powerless before God.

and the sword will devour your young lions.
The "young lions" metaphorically represent the Assyrian warriors, known for their ferocity and strength. The sword devouring them indicates a complete and violent end to their power. This imagery is consistent with other biblical passages where lions symbolize strength and dominance, such as in Ezekiel 19:2-9. The prophecy foretells the downfall of Assyria's military elite, highlighting the inevitability of divine justice.

I will cut off your prey from the earth,
Assyria was notorious for its conquests and the plundering of other nations, often described as a predator devouring its prey. This phrase signifies the end of Assyria's ability to conquer and exploit other nations. The cutting off of prey indicates a cessation of their imperial expansion and dominance. This is reminiscent of God's promise to protect His people and bring justice, as seen in Isaiah 49:25-26.

and the voices of your messengers will no longer be heard.”
Messengers in the ancient world were crucial for communication, especially for delivering royal decrees and military orders. The silencing of Assyria's messengers symbolizes the end of their influence and authority. This phrase suggests a complete dismantling of their political and military infrastructure. It parallels the silencing of Babylon's voice in Jeremiah 51:55, where God promises to bring an end to oppressive empires.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD of Hosts
This title emphasizes God's supreme authority and power over all heavenly and earthly armies. It underscores His ability to execute judgment.

2. Nineveh
The capital of the Assyrian Empire, known for its great power and cruelty. It is the primary subject of God's judgment in the book of Nahum.

3. Chariots
Symbolic of military strength and power. In ancient times, chariots were a significant part of an army's might.

4. Young Lions
Representing the strength and ferocity of the Assyrian warriors or leaders.

5. Messengers
Those who would carry messages of power and intimidation from Nineveh to other nations.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Nations
God is in control of all nations and their destinies. No empire, regardless of its power, can withstand His judgment.

The Consequences of Pride and Cruelty
Nineveh's downfall serves as a warning against pride and cruelty. Nations and individuals alike must humble themselves before God.

The Inevitability of Divine Justice
God's justice may seem delayed, but it is certain. Believers can trust that God will ultimately right all wrongs.

The Futility of Earthly Power
Earthly power and military might are futile against the will of God. True security is found in Him alone.

The Silence of the Wicked
The silencing of Nineveh's messengers symbolizes the end of their influence and intimidation. God will silence those who oppose Him.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the title "LORD of Hosts" enhance our understanding of God's power and authority in Nahum 2:13?

2. In what ways does the downfall of Nineveh serve as a warning to modern nations and leaders?

3. How can believers find comfort in the certainty of God's justice, as seen in Nahum 2:13?

4. What are some areas in our lives where we might be relying on "chariots" or earthly power instead of trusting in God?

5. How does the silencing of Nineveh's messengers encourage us to trust in God's ultimate victory over evil?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 31:8-9
This passage also speaks of God's power to defeat the Assyrians, emphasizing that their strength and military might cannot stand against the LORD.

Zephaniah 2:13-15
Similar to Nahum, this passage prophesies the downfall of Nineveh, highlighting God's judgment against pride and wickedness.

Psalm 46:9
This verse speaks of God making wars cease and breaking the bow, which parallels His ability to destroy the military power of nations like Assyria.
Man Incuring the Divine DispleasureS.D. Hilman Nahum 2:13
Man Incurring the Divine DispleasureDe Wette's IntroductionNahum 2:13
The Messengers of Nineveh and the Messengers of ZionDe Wette's IntroductionNahum 2:13
The Messengers of Nineveh and the Messengers of Zion: a ComparisonS.D. Hilman Nahum 2:13
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
Affirmation, Almighty, Armies, Behold, Burn, Burned, Chariot, Chariots, Consume, Cut, Declares, Devour, Force, Hosts, Leave, Lions, Longer, Messengers, Prey, Says, She-lions, Smoke, Stopped, Sword, Voice, Voices, War-carriages
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Nahum 2:13

     4848   smoke
     5252   chariots

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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