Nahum 2:7

Authorized King James Version

And Huzzab shall be led away captive, she shall be brought up, and her maids shall lead her as with the voice of doves, tabering upon their breasts.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהֻצַּ֖ב
And Huzzab
to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)
#2
גֻּלְּתָ֣ה
shall be led away captive
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
#3
הֹֽעֲלָ֑תָה
she shall be brought up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#4
וְאַמְהֹתֶ֗יהָ
and her maids
a maid-servant or female slave
#5
מְנַֽהֲגוֹת֙
shall lead
to drive forth (a person, an animal or chariot), also (from the panting induced by effort), to sigh
#6
כְּק֣וֹל
her as with the voice
a voice or sound
#7
יוֹנִ֔ים
of doves
a dove (apparently from the warmth of their mating)
#8
מְתֹפְפֹ֖ת
tabering
to drum, i.e., play (as) on the tambourine
#9
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
לִבְבֵהֶֽן׃
upon their breasts
the heart (as the most interior organ)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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