Nahum 3:16

Authorized King James Version

Thou hast multiplied thy merchants above the stars of heaven: the cankerworm spoileth, and flieth away.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הִרְבֵּית֙

H7235

Thou hast multiplied

to increase (in whatever respect)

רֹֽכְלַ֔יִךְ

H7402

thy merchants

to travel for trading

מִכּוֹכְבֵ֖י

H3556

above the stars

a star (as round or as shining); figuratively, a prince

הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם

H8064

of heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

יֶ֥לֶק

H3218

the cankerworm

a devourer; specifically, the young locust

פָּשַׁ֖ט

H6584

spoileth

to spread out (i.e., deploy in hostile array); by analogy, to strip (i.e., unclothe, plunder, flay, etc.)

וַיָּעֹֽף׃

H5774

and flieth away

to fly; also (by implication of dimness) to faint (from the darkness of swooning)

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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation 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 might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?