Nahum 3:17

Your guards are like the swarming locust, and your scribes like clouds of locusts that settle on the walls on a cold day. When the sun rises, they fly away, and no one knows where.

Study Bible

Your guards are like locusts
The imagery of "locusts" in this context is significant. In the ancient Near East, locusts were a symbol of destruction and overwhelming numbers. The Hebrew word for locusts, "arbeh," is often associated with devastation, as seen in the plagues of Egypt (Exodus 10:12-15). Here, the guards of Nineveh are compared to locusts, suggesting their vast numbers and potential for destruction. However, it also implies their fleeting nature and lack of permanence, as locusts come in swarms but do not stay long.

Your officials like swarms of locusts
The phrase "swarms of locusts" emphasizes the multitude and the chaotic nature of the officials. In the historical context of Assyria, officials were numerous and often corrupt, contributing to the empire's eventual downfall. The Hebrew term "gob" for swarms indicates a massing together, which can be seen as a critique of the officials' collective failure to provide stability and leadership.

That settle in the walls on a cold day
The settling of locusts "in the walls on a cold day" suggests a temporary respite or false sense of security. In ancient times, walls were symbols of protection and strength. However, the locusts' presence is only temporary, indicating that the security provided by these officials is unreliable. The cold day represents a time of inactivity or dormancy, but it is not permanent.

When the sun appears, they fly away
The appearance of the sun signifies exposure and the coming of judgment. In biblical literature, light often represents truth and revelation. The officials, like locusts, scatter when exposed to the light, indicating their cowardice and inability to withstand scrutiny. This reflects the transient nature of human power when faced with divine truth.

And no one knows where
The phrase "no one knows where" underscores the unpredictability and elusiveness of the officials. It suggests a lack of accountability and the futility of relying on human leaders who are not grounded in righteousness. Historically, the fall of Nineveh was sudden and complete, leaving its leaders scattered and forgotten, much like the locusts that vanish without a trace.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Guards and Officials
These represent the leaders and protectors of Nineveh, who are compared to locusts in their fleeting presence and unreliability.

2. Locusts
In the ancient Near East, locusts were a symbol of destruction and transience, often used to describe overwhelming and uncontrollable forces.

3. Nineveh
The capital of the Assyrian Empire, known for its power and eventual downfall due to its wickedness and opposition to God.

4. The Sun
Symbolizes exposure and judgment, revealing the true nature of the guards and officials.

5. Walls
Represent the supposed strength and security of Nineveh, which ultimately proves to be inadequate.

Teaching Points

The Fleeting Nature of Earthly Power
Earthly leaders and systems, like locusts, can be unreliable and temporary. True security is found in God alone.

Divine Judgment and Exposure
Just as the sun reveals the true nature of the locusts, God's judgment exposes the reality of our hearts and actions.

The Illusion of Security
Trusting in human strength and fortifications, like the walls of Nineveh, is ultimately futile. Our trust should be in God's eternal power.

The Consequences of Wickedness
Nineveh's downfall serves as a warning of the consequences of living in opposition to God's will.

Repentance and Redemption
While Nahum focuses on judgment, the broader biblical account offers hope through repentance and turning back to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of locusts in Nahum 3:17 challenge our understanding of security and leadership?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our trust is placed in God rather than in human institutions or leaders?

3. How does the theme of divine judgment in Nahum relate to the New Testament teachings on accountability and repentance?

4. What lessons can we learn from Nineveh's downfall about the importance of aligning our lives with God's will?

5. How can we apply the message of Nahum 3:17 to our personal lives and communities today, especially in terms of leadership and integrity?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Joel 2
The imagery of locusts is also used in Joel to describe an invading army, emphasizing the theme of divine judgment.

Exodus 10
The plague of locusts in Egypt serves as a backdrop for understanding the destructive power and divine judgment associated with locusts.

Matthew 3:12
The concept of judgment and separation, where the unworthy are swept away, parallels the imagery of locusts disappearing when exposed.