King James Version

What Does Nahum 2:4 Mean?

Nahum 2:4 in the King James Version says “The chariots shall rage in the streets, they shall justle one against another in the broad ways: they shall seem like to...” — study this verse from Nahum chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Nahum 2:4 · KJV

Context

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

6

The gates of the rivers shall be opened, and the palace shall be dissolved. dissolved: or, molten

Read Nahum 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The chaos of Nineveh's fall continues: 'The chariots shall rage in the streets, they shall jostle one against another in the broad ways' (ba'avaqim yithholelu harekev yishtakkekun barechovoth). Chariots racing madly through city streets, crashing into each other in panicked confusion—this depicts total breakdown of military order. What should be disciplined defense becomes chaotic disaster. 'They shall seem like torches, they shall run like the lightnings' (kelapidim mare'ehen kaberaqim yarotzotzu) uses similes of fire and lightning to capture the speed and terror of the assault. This verse emphasizes the totality of Nineveh's collapse. Despite legendary military might and supposedly impregnable defenses, the city falls into chaos and confusion when God's judgment strikes. No human wisdom or strength can maintain order when God decrees destruction. This serves as warning to all who trust in military might, strategic planning, or human ingenuity apart from God. Only those who trust in the Lord will find true security.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient siege warfare was brutal and terrifying. When walls were breached, attackers poured into the city, meeting desperate defenders in close combat. Nahum prophesies that Nineveh's defenses won't just fail—they'll collapse into chaos. Historical accounts describe exactly this: once the walls were breached (possibly due to flooding weakening foundations), Nineveh's defenses crumbled rapidly. What should have been organized resistance became panicked flight and confusion. The city that had inspired fear throughout the known world fell in disgrace and chaos. This fulfilled Nahum's prophecy precisely and demonstrated that God's word proves true regardless of apparent circumstances.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the contrast between Nineveh's supposed invincibility and its chaotic collapse illustrate the futility of trusting in human strength apart from God?
  2. What modern equivalents of Nineveh's walls and chariots—sources of false security—might believers trust instead of God?
  3. How does this passage encourage believers facing overwhelming opposition to trust in God's power rather than circumstances?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
בַּֽחוּצוֹת֙1 of 9

“in the streets”

H2351

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

יִתְהוֹלְל֣וּ2 of 9

“shall rage”

H1984

to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ

הָרֶ֔כֶב3 of 9

“The chariots”

H7393

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

יִֽשְׁתַּקְשְׁק֖וּן4 of 9

“they shall justle one against another”

H8264

to course (like a beast of prey); by implication, to seek greedily

בָּרְחֹב֑וֹת5 of 9

“in the broad ways”

H7339

a width, i.e., (concretely) avenue or area

מַרְאֵיהֶן֙6 of 9

“they shall seem”

H4758

a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),

כַּלַּפִּידִ֔ים7 of 9

“like torches”

H3940

a flambeau, lamp or flame

כַּבְּרָקִ֖ים8 of 9

“like the lightnings”

H1300

lightning; by analogy, a gleam; concretely, a flashing sword

יְרוֹצֵֽצוּ׃9 of 9

“they shall run”

H7323

to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)

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 2:4 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 2:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 4:13Isaiah 66:15Ezekiel 26:10Nahum 3:2-3Isaiah 37:24Daniel 11:40

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