Nahum 3:9
Ethiopia and Egypt were her strength, and it was infinite; Put and Lubim were thy helpers.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
In 663 BC, when Assyria conquered Thebes, Egypt was ruled by the Kushite (Ethiopian) 25th Dynasty. This meant Thebes could call on the combined military resources of Egypt proper and the powerful Kushite kingdom to the south—a formidable alliance. Additionally, Libyan tribes and other North African peoples were allies. Yet Assyrian king Ashurbanipal conquered Thebes despite this coalition, carrying away enormous plunder. Now in Nahum's prophecy, Nineveh faces a similar coalition—Babylon, Media, and Scythia—and will experience the same fate it inflicted on Thebes. History confirms no alliance saved Nineveh in 612 BC; the city fell despite its resources and military might.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Thebes' fall despite powerful allies warn against trusting in political coalitions and military alliances apart from God?
- What does this verse teach about God's sovereignty over nations—orchestrating the rise and fall of empires regardless of human calculations?
- How should believers maintain proper perspective on international relations and geopolitics in light of God's ultimate control over history?
Analysis & Commentary
Ethiopia and Egypt were her strength, and it was infinite (Kush ve'Mitzrayim otzmah ve'eyn qetseh, כּוּשׁ וּמִצְרַיִם עָצְמָה וְאֵין קֵצֶה)—continuing the comparison with Thebes (No-Amon), Nahum lists her allies. Kush (כּוּשׁ, Ethiopia/Nubia) and Mitzrayim (מִצְרַיִם, Egypt) were her might (otzmah, עָצְמָה), endless (eyn qetseh, אֵין קֵצֶה, without limit). During this period, Ethiopia's 25th Dynasty ruled Egypt, uniting the Nile Valley's power.
Put and Lubim were thy helpers (Put veLuvim hayu be'ezrateykh)—Put (פּוּט, possibly Libya or Somalia) and Lubim (לוּבִים, Libyans) were among her helpers (ezrah, עֶזְרָה). Despite these powerful allies and seemingly unlimited resources, Thebes still fell to Assyria in 663 BC. The argument devastates: if Thebes with Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya, and Put couldn't withstand assault, how can Nineveh? Alliances and confederations provide no security against divine judgment. God sovereignly determines which nations rise and fall, regardless of military coalitions.