Nahum 3:14
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Nahum 3:14
14 Draw thee waters for the siege, fortify thy strong holds: go into clay, and tread the morter, make strong the brickkiln.
Chapter Context
Nahum 3 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of obedience, worship, prayer. Written during shortly before Nineveh's fall (c. 630-610 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Nineveh's anticipated fall would end a century of Assyrian oppression.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-19: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Nahum and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Nahum 3:14
14 Draw thee waters for the siege, fortify thy strong holds: go into clay, and tread the morter, make strong the brickkiln.
Analysis
Draw thee waters for the siege, fortify thy strong holds (mei matzor shi'avi-lak chazzeqi mibtzerayik)—Nahum ironically commands Nineveh to prepare for siege: draw (sha'av, שָׁאַב) water for siege (matzor, מָצוֹר) and strengthen (chazaq, חָזַק) fortifications (mivtzar, מִבְצָר). Sieges required massive water storage since supply lines would be cut. Fortifications needed reinforcement against assault.
Go into clay, and tread the morter, make strong the brickkiln (bo'i vatit verimsi bachomer chazqi malben)—go into clay (tit, טִיט), trample mortar (chomer, חֹמֶר), strengthen the brick-mold (malben, מַלְבֵּן). This describes manufacturing bricks to repair walls—the complete cycle of defensive preparation. But the commands are deeply ironic: do everything possible to defend yourself—it won't help. When God decrees judgment, no human preparation avails. This echoes 2:1 where similar ironic commands appear. The repetition emphasizes futility: prepare all you want; you will still fall.
Historical Context
Ancient siege warfare was war of attrition. Cities needed vast water reserves, strong walls, and ability to manufacture building materials for repairs. Nineveh had sophisticated defenses and supply systems. Yet Nahum prophesies all preparations will prove useless. In 612 BC, despite three years of preparation and three months of resistance, Nineveh fell. The Babylonian Chronicle records the siege and conquest. All the water storage, wall reinforcement, and defensive preparation couldn't prevent God's decreed judgment. The irony proved accurate—Nineveh did everything humanly possible to defend itself, yet fell completely. This demonstrates divine sovereignty: when God purposes to judge, no human effort prevents it.
Reflection
- What does the ironic command to prepare defenses that will fail teach about the limits of human effort when opposed to divine purposes?
- How should believers understand the relationship between human responsibility (proper preparation) and divine sovereignty (ultimate outcomes)?
- In what ways do people today similarly engage in futile 'preparation' and 'fortification' against consequences that God has decreed for unrepented sin?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Nahum 2:1