Nahum 2:1-9

Nineveh to Fall 1In Hebrew texts 2:1-13 is numbered 2:2-14. An attacker advances against you, Nineveh. Guard the fortress, watch the road, brace yourselves, marshal all your strength!

2The LORD will restore the splendor of Jacob like the splendor of Israel, though destroyers have laid them waste and have ruined their vines.

3The shields of the soldiers are red; the warriors are clad in scarlet. The metal on the chariots flashes on the day they are made ready; the spears of juniper are brandished. Hebrew; Septuagint and Syriac ready; / the horsemen rush to and fro.

4The chariots storm through the streets, rushing back and forth through the squares. They look like flaming torches; they dart about like lightning.

5Nineveh summons her picked troops, yet they stumble on their way. They dash to the city wall; the protective shield is put in place.

6The river gates are thrown open and the palace collapses.

7It is decreed The meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain. that Nineveh be exiled and carried away. Her female slaves moan like doves and beat on their breasts.

8Nineveh is like a pool whose water is draining away. “Stop! Stop!” they cry, but no one turns back.

9Plunder the silver! Plunder the gold! The supply is endless, the wealth from all its treasures!