This is a prophetic foreview of the overthrow of Nineveh by the Medo-Babylonians. God had used her for the chastisement of his people; now, in turn, she must be cast away for her sins. The attacking soldiers wore crimson tunics, and the chariot wheels were armed with scythes, that flashed as they revolved. The streets might be filled with chariots mustering for defence, but all must be in vain since the sealing-ladders were already against the walls, and the gates of the rivers would soon be opened. Huzzah was Nineveh’s queen, and represents the condition of the city, going into captivity as a slave, with bare face and legs. Note the comparison of Nineveh to a den of lions filled with

bones. Fire and sword completed her ruin. This is the lot of the enemies of God’s people. See Iso. 54:16, 17. But if God is true to his threatenings, how much more is he true to his promises!

Nahum 3. This terrible chapter pictures the doom of Nineveh. She had used infamous methods in bringing surrounding nations under her power, and now her shame was to be discovered and exposed. It seemed incredible that so great a city should become desolate, but she is reminded of the populous Thebes especially dedicated to Ammon, the Egyptian Jupiter. As this great city had been overwhelmed by Assyria, so would Nineveh be by the Chaldeans. In spite of her Nile and her tributary nations, Thebes fell, and Nineveh would drink of the same cup. Her fall would be as easy as the plucking of ripe figs. The centuries that have passed since the prophet spoke only lend emphasis to his words. The silence of death still reigns over the desolate mounds that mark the site of the cherished capital. In Revelation 19: 1-10 the saints and martyrs celebrate the fall of Babylon the Great. Let us see to it that we are heirs of that Kingdom which cannot be shaken, Heb. 12: 28.

(a) What is the theme of this prophecy? (b) To what two nations is it addressed?

(ec) By what prophet had Nineveh been warned at an earlier date?

(d) What was the standing of Nineveh during Nahum’s lifetime?

(Each question applies to the paragraph of corresponding number in the Comments.)