Nahum 3:12
All thy strong holds shall be like fig trees with the firstripe figs: if they be shaken, they shall even fall into the mouth of the eater.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Nineveh's fortifications were legendary—walls reportedly 50 feet thick and 100 feet high, protecting about 1,800 acres. The city seemed impregnable. Yet Nahum prophesied these defenses would prove useless, falling easily like ripe figs. In 612 BC, after a three-month siege, Nineveh fell to Babylon and Media. Ancient sources suggest flooding weakened the walls, making breach easier than expected. What seemed like the ancient world's strongest fortress fell relatively quickly once attacked. The fig tree imagery proved accurate—when shaken by divine judgment, Nineveh's fortifications provided no protection. Archaeological evidence reveals the violence and completeness of the city's destruction.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the image of fortifications as ripe figs ready to fall demonstrate the futility of trusting in military defenses apart from God?
- What does this verse teach about the ease with which God can overthrow seemingly impregnable human powers?
- How should believers maintain perspective on apparently overwhelming obstacles or powerful opponents in light of God's sovereignty?
Analysis & Commentary
All thy strong holds shall be like fig trees with the firstripe figs (kol-mibtzerekha te'enim im-bikkurim, כָּל־מִבְצָרֶיךָ תְּאֵנִים עִם־בִּכּוּרִים)—Nineveh's fortifications (mivtzar, מִבְצָר, strongholds) are compared to fig trees (te'en, תְּאֵן) with early ripe figs (bikkur, בִּכּוּר). First-ripe figs were delicacies, eagerly anticipated because they ripened before the main crop.
If they be shaken, they shall even fall into the mouth of the eater (im-yinnoa'u venaphlu al-pi okhel)—when shaken (nua, נוּעַ), they fall directly into the eater's mouth. The image depicts effortless conquest: Nineveh's supposedly impregnable defenses will fall as easily as ripe figs drop when the tree is shaken. No struggle, no prolonged siege—just easy plucking. This mocks Nineveh's confidence in fortifications. What seemed strong and secure is actually ripe for picking, ready to fall at the slightest shake.