Nahum 2:13

Authorized King James Version

Behold, I am against thee, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will burn her chariots in the smoke, and the sword shall devour thy young lions: and I will cut off thy prey from the earth, and the voice of thy messengers shall no more be heard.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הִנְנִ֣י

H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

אֵלַ֗יִךְ

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

נְאֻם֙

H5002

Behold I am against thee saith

an oracle

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

צְבָא֔וֹת

H6635

of hosts

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

וְהִבְעַרְתִּ֤י

H1197

and I will burn

to be(-come) brutish

בֶֽעָשָׁן֙

H6227

in the smoke

smoke, literally or figuratively (vapor, dust, anger)

רִכְבָּ֔הּ

H7393

her chariots

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

וּכְפִירַ֖יִךְ

H3715

thy young lions

a village (as covered in by walls); also a young lion (perhaps as covered with a mane)

#10

תֹּ֣אכַל

H398

shall devour

to eat (literally or figuratively)

#11

חָ֑רֶב

H2719

and the sword

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

#12

וְהִכְרַתִּ֤י

H3772

and I will cut off

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

#13

מֵאֶ֙רֶץ֙

H776

from the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#14

טַרְפֵּ֔ךְ

H2964

thy prey

something torn, i.e., a fragment, e.g., a fresh leaf, prey, food

#15

וְלֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#16

יִשָּׁמַ֥ע

H8085

shall no more be heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

#17

ע֖וֹד

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

#18

ק֥וֹל

H6963

and the voice

a voice or sound

#19

מַלְאָכֵֽכֵה׃

H4397

of thy messengers

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Nahum. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Nahum Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Nahum chapter 2 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?