Nahum 2:3

Authorized King James Version

The shield of his mighty men is made red, the valiant men are in scarlet: the chariots shall be with flaming torches in the day of his preparation, and the fir trees shall be terribly shaken.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מָגֵ֨ן
The shield
a shield (i.e., the small one or buckler); figuratively, a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile
#2
גִּבֹּרֵ֜יהוּ
of his mighty men
powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant
#3
מְאָדָּ֗ם
is made red
to show blood (in the face), i.e., flush or turn rosy
#4
אַנְשֵׁי
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#5
חַ֙יִל֙
the valiant
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
#6
מְתֻלָּעִ֔ים
are in scarlet
to crimson, i.e., dye that color
#7
בְּאֵשׁ
shall be with flaming
fire (literally or figuratively)
#8
פְּלָדֹ֥ת
torches
a cleaver, i.e., iron armature (of a chariot)
#9
הָרֶ֖כֶב
the chariots
a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone
#10
בְּי֣וֹם
in the day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#11
הֲכִינ֑וֹ
of his preparation
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
#12
וְהַבְּרֹשִׁ֖ים
and the fir trees
a cypress (?) tree; hence, a lance or a musical instrument (as made of that wood)
#13
הָרְעָֽלוּ׃
shall be terribly shaken
to reel, i.e., (figuratively) to brandish

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection