Nahum 3 is the final act in the story of Nineveh; a city once feared by nations and adorned with power, now brought to utter ruin. The prophet’s words echo like a funeral dirge over a fallen empire. Yet this is no mere political collapse; it is divine justice in full display. As Matthew Henry writes, “Those who have been the terror of the mighty shall themselves become a hissing and reproach.”
“Woe to the bloody city, all full of lies and plunder, no end to the prey!”
Nahum begins with a cry of judgment. Nineveh’s streets once rang with the noise of chariots, the clash of swords, and the cries of the slain. It was a city built on bloodshed and sustained by deceit. God calls it what it truly is; a “bloody city,” full of lies and greed.
The vivid imagery, galloping horses, flashing swords, heaps of corpses, reveals the chaos of divine retribution. Matthew Henry observes that “the sins of violence and falsehood, which have been the ruin of many, will be the ruin of all.” The same violence Nineveh used on others now consumes her from within.
“Because of the multitude of the whorings of the well-favored harlot, the mistress of sorceries…”
Nineveh’s sin was not only military cruelty but also moral and spiritual corruption. She seduced nations through wealth, power, and false religion; a “well-favored harlot” that lured others into idolatry.
But now, God declares that He will expose her shame before the nations. “I will lift up your skirts over your face,” says the Lord; a symbol of public disgrace. God unmasks hypocrisy and reveals the true nature of sin; alluring at first, humiliating in the end.
“Are you better than Thebes…? Yet she was carried away; her young children were dashed in pieces…”
God reminds Nineveh of Thebes (No-Amon), a mighty Egyptian city that also fell despite its alliances and riches. The point is clear, if Thebes could not stand, neither can Nineveh.
The Lord is not impressed by military might or worldly connections. Every fortress that stands against His will shall crumble. Those who put their confidence in human strength will find it a fragile defense. The ruin of others should be our warning, that we may prevent our own.
“You also will be drunken; you will go into hiding…”
Here the language turns symbolic, Nineveh will drink from the cup of God’s wrath until she staggers and falls. Her leaders, once fierce warriors, will become weak as women in battle. The gates of her city will burn, and her strength will fail.
God’s justice is not hasty, but it is thorough. The proud will stumble when God’s judgment comes, not because He delights in destruction, but because His holiness demands it. The same God who defends His people must also bring low those who exalt themselves in cruelty and pride.
“Draw water for the siege; strengthen your forts! Go into the clay and tread the mortar!”
God mocks Nineveh’s desperate attempts to defend herself. She is told to make bricks, prepare walls, and store up water, yet it will all be in vain. The fire will consume, the sword will devour, and her leaders will scatter like locusts when the heat rises.
Nineveh’s wealth, armies, and alliances once made her untouchable, but now all her strength melts away. When God comes to contend with sinners, their helpers are helpless.
“Your shepherds are asleep… there is no healing for your wound.”
The chapter closes in somber stillness. The once-proud city lies silent, her leaders gone, her people scattered. There will be no recovery, no rebuilding. All who hear of Nineveh’s fall will clap their hands in awe and relief, for the oppressor’s voice is no more.
Matthew Henry concludes, “Those who have made many to tremble shall themselves be made a gazing-stock.” The terror of the nations becomes a testimony to God’s justice.
Nahum 3 is a sober reminder that God’s justice cannot be mocked or escaped. Pride, cruelty, and deceit always lead to ruin — whether in a nation, a company, or a heart. Yet even here, there is grace in the message: God’s justice means that evil has an end. The blood-stained hands of the oppressor will not hold power forever. For the righteous, this truth is a comfort — our God will make all things right.
When God brings down the proud, He lifts up the oppressed. The fall of Nineveh teaches us to walk humbly, to trust God’s justice, and to remember that no power can stand against His will. His patience is mercy, but His judgment is certain.
Righteous Judge, You reign over all the earth. Thank You that Your justice is perfect and Your mercy sure.
Keep me from pride and the false security of earthly strength. Teach me to trust Your timing, to rest in Your goodness, and to walk humbly before You.
When the world seems ruled by evil, remind me that You are still on the throne.
Amen.