King James Version

What Does Nahum 2:3 Mean?

Nahum 2:3 in the King James Version says “The shield of his mighty men is made red, the valiant men are in scarlet: the chariots shall be with flaming torches in ...” — study this verse from Nahum chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The shield of his mighty men is made red, the valiant men are in scarlet: the chariots shall be with flaming torches in the day of his preparation, and the fir trees shall be terribly shaken. in scarlet: or, dyed scarlet flaming: or, fiery”

Nahum 2:3 · KJV

Context

1

He that dasheth in pieces is come up before thy face: keep the munition, watch the way, make thy loins strong, fortify thy power mightily. He: or, The disperser, or, hammer

2

For the LORD hath turned away the excellency of Jacob, as the excellency of Israel: for the emptiers have emptied them out, and marred their vine branches. the excellency of Jacob: or, the pride of Jacob as the pride, etc

3

The shield of his mighty men is made red, the valiant men are in scarlet: the chariots shall be with flaming torches in the day of his preparation, and the fir trees shall be terribly shaken. in scarlet: or, dyed scarlet flaming: or, fiery

4

The chariots shall rage in the streets, they shall justle one against another in the broad ways: they shall seem like torches, they shall run like the lightnings. they: Heb. their show

5

He shall recount his worthies: they shall stumble in their walk; they shall make haste to the wall thereof, and the defence shall be prepared. worthies: or, gallants defence: Heb. covering, or, coverer

Read Nahum 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Nahum's vision of Nineveh's attackers is vivid and terrifying: 'The shield of his mighty men is made red, the valiant men are in scarlet' (magen gibborav me'adam anshei chayil metullai'im). Shields painted or covered in red leather, warriors clothed in scarlet—either literal military attire or imagery of bloodshed—create a picture of overwhelming force. 'The chariots shall be with flaming torches' (barishei esh harekev) depicts either literal torches attached to chariots (to terrify defenders) or the gleam of metal in sunlight appearing like fire. The cedar spears 'shall be terribly shaken' (haberoshim horah'alu) suggests cypress or fir wood spears brandished menacingly. This overwhelming military display demonstrates that God uses real human armies, with actual weapons and tactics, to accomplish His purposes. He doesn't need to supernaturally destroy Nineveh; He ordains the Babylonian-Median coalition to be His instrument of judgment. This shows divine sovereignty working through human agency—God's purposes accomplished through historical events and human decisions, yet without compromising human responsibility or freedom.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Historical accounts confirm Nahum's prophetic accuracy. The Babylonian Chronicle describes the coalition forces besieging Nineveh in 612 BC. Archaeological evidence reveals the city's massive destruction—palace complexes burned, walls breached, and evidence of intense combat. The Median cavalry was particularly feared, and Babylonian infantry was renowned for discipline and effectiveness. Together, these forces overwhelmed Nineveh despite its legendary defenses. The prophecy's detailed fulfillment demonstrates God's sovereign control over historical events. What appeared to be merely political-military conflict was actually divine judgment executed through human armies. This pattern appears throughout Scripture and history: God raises up and brings down empires according to His purposes.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's use of human armies to accomplish His purposes demonstrate His sovereignty over history without violating human agency?
  2. What does this passage teach about God's relationship to warfare and violence—using it for His purposes while not approving cruelty or injustice?
  3. How should Christians understand modern geopolitical conflicts in light of God's sovereignty over nations and history?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
מָגֵ֨ן1 of 13

“The shield”

H4043

a shield (i.e., the small one or buckler); figuratively, a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile

גִּבֹּרֵ֜יהוּ2 of 13

“of his mighty men”

H1368

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

מְאָדָּ֗ם3 of 13

“is made red”

H119

to show blood (in the face), i.e., flush or turn rosy

אַנְשֵׁי4 of 13
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

חַ֙יִל֙5 of 13

“the valiant”

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

מְתֻלָּעִ֔ים6 of 13

“are in scarlet”

H8529

to crimson, i.e., dye that color

בְּאֵשׁ7 of 13

“shall be with flaming”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

פְּלָדֹ֥ת8 of 13

“torches”

H6393

a cleaver, i.e., iron armature (of a chariot)

הָרֶ֖כֶב9 of 13

“the chariots”

H7393

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

בְּי֣וֹם10 of 13

“in the day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הֲכִינ֑וֹ11 of 13

“of his preparation”

H3559

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

וְהַבְּרֹשִׁ֖ים12 of 13

“and the fir trees”

H1265

a cypress (?) tree; hence, a lance or a musical instrument (as made of that wood)

הָרְעָֽלוּ׃13 of 13

“shall be terribly shaken”

H7477

to reel, i.e., (figuratively) to brandish

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Nahum. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Nahum 2:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Nahum 2:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 23:14-15Isaiah 63:1-3Zechariah 11:2Revelation 6:4Zechariah 1:8Zechariah 6:2

Test Your Knowledge

Nahum 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNahum Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Nahum 2 with CommentaryAll Nahum ChaptersComplete Nahum QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes