Nahum 3:5
Behold, I am against thee, saith the LORD of hosts; and I will discover thy skirts upon thy face, and I will shew the nations thy nakedness, and the kingdoms thy shame.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Nahum prophesied between 663 BC (after Assyria's conquest of Thebes, mentioned in 3:8) and 612 BC (before Nineveh's fall). For over a century, Assyria had terrorized the ancient Near East with brutal military campaigns. They destroyed Israel's northern kingdom (722 BC) and nearly conquered Judah during Hezekiah's reign (701 BC). Assyrian inscriptions boast of horrific atrocities—impaling victims, burning cities, deporting entire populations. Nahum announces God's judgment against Nineveh for their violence and cruelty. Unlike Jonah's earlier message that brought Nineveh to temporary repentance (c. 760 BC), Nahum declares judgment is now irreversible. The prophecy was precisely fulfilled in 612 BC when Babylon and Media destroyed Nineveh so completely that its location was lost for over 2,000 years.
Nahum demonstrates God's sovereign justice over nations—He judged Israel for covenant unfaithfulness through Assyria, then judged Assyria for exceeding their mandate with excessive cruelty. The book assures God's people that He sees oppression and will vindicate them. While fierce in judgment against the wicked, God remains 'a stronghold in the day of trouble' for those who trust Him (1:7).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Nahum 3:5 deepen your understanding of God's character, particularly His holiness, justice, and mercy?
- What specific attitudes, thought patterns, or behaviors does this verse call you to examine and change in light of the gospel?
- How does this passage point forward to Christ and His redemptive work, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
Analysis & Commentary
God threatens Nineveh with humiliation: "Behold, I am against thee, saith the LORD of hosts; and I will discover thy skirts upon thy face, and I will shew the nations thy nakedness, and the kingdoms thy shame." The Hebrew hineni eleyka ne'um YHWH tzeva'ot vegilleiti shulayikh al-panayikh veher'eti goyim ma'arekh umamlarekh qalonekh (הִנְנִי אֵלַיִךְ נְאֻם יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת וְגִלֵּיתִי שׁוּלַיִךְ עַל־פָּנָיִךְ וְהַרְאֵיתִי גוֹיִם מַעֲרֵךְ וּמַמְלָכוֹת קְלוֹנֵךְ) uses sexual imagery to describe utter disgrace.
"I will discover thy skirts upon thy face" (vegilleiti shulayikh al-panayikh) describes stripping a prostitute and exposing her nakedness publicly—ancient punishment for harlotry. The verb galah (גָּלָה) means to uncover, reveal, or expose. Lifting skirts over the face both exposes nakedness and blinds the victim, maximizing shame. This isn't literal sexual assault but metaphorical language for complete humiliation—what seemed glorious (Nineveh's power) will be revealed as shameful.
"I will shew the nations thy nakedness" (veher'eti goyim ma'arekh) promises public exposure. Ma'ar (מַעַר) means nakedness or private parts—what should remain hidden. The prostitution metaphor (begun in verse 4) continues: Nineveh used seduction, deception, and betrayal to dominate nations, like a prostitute using attraction to exploit victims. Now God will expose her corruption to all. "The kingdoms thy shame" (umamlarekh qalonekh) uses qalon (קָלוֹן), meaning disgrace, ignominy, or dishonor.
This imagery, while jarring to modern readers, communicates the depth of Nineveh's coming humiliation. The city that terrorized nations, that seemed invincible, that inspired fear worldwide—will be utterly disgraced. When Babylon destroyed Nineveh in 612 BC, the prophecy was fulfilled. No nation mourned; instead, conquered peoples rejoiced (verse 19). This demonstrates divine justice: those who humiliate others will themselves be humiliated; those who destroy will be destroyed.