Nahum 2:4

Authorized King James Version

The chariots shall rage in the streets, they shall justle one against another in the broad ways: they shall seem like torches, they shall run like the lightnings.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בַּֽחוּצוֹת֙
in the streets
properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors
#2
יִתְהוֹלְל֣וּ
shall rage
to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ
#3
הָרֶ֔כֶב
The chariots
a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone
#4
יִֽשְׁתַּקְשְׁק֖וּן
they shall justle one against another
to course (like a beast of prey); by implication, to seek greedily
#5
בָּרְחֹב֑וֹת
in the broad ways
a width, i.e., (concretely) avenue or area
#6
מַרְאֵיהֶן֙
they shall seem
a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),
#7
כַּלַּפִּידִ֔ים
like torches
a flambeau, lamp or flame
#8
כַּבְּרָקִ֖ים
like the lightnings
lightning; by analogy, a gleam; concretely, a flashing sword
#9
יְרוֹצֵֽצוּ׃
they shall run
to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)

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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection