Nahum 2 Commentary

Nahum 2 describes God's judgment on the Assyrian city of Nineveh. The prophecy begins with a summons to the city to stand on guard and be ready for battle. Then, it describes the capture of the city and the aftermath. The prophecy ends with a taunt describing Nineveh as a group of lions without a den, unable to satisfy their desire for prey. The chapter's outline is as follows:

1. Nahum urges the city of Nineveh to be on guard and be ready for battle because the enemy is approaching (vv. 1–2).
2. Nahum describes in vivid images the siege and capture of Nineveh. The city will be defeated and carried away (vv. 3–7).
3. Nahum describes the consequences of the scatterer's attack on Nineveh. The city will become desolate, causing the Ninevites to suffer pain and agony (vv. 8–10).
4. Nahum mocks the Ninevites, calling them lions without lairs, unable to satisfy their cravings for prey because the LORD will destroy their power (vv. 11–13).