Nahum 2:3
What does Nahum 2:3 mean?
A plain-English look at Nahum 2:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Nahum 2:3 means
Nahum paints the attackers in vivid colors: shields gleam red, warriors wear scarlet, chariots flash with polished metal, and tall spears of cypress whirl in expert hands. It is the day of the invader’s “preparation,” meaning the moment appointed and readied for assault. The imagery conveys discipline, speed, and irresistible power. Everything is set in order; nothing is accidental. The red and the flashing steel foreshadow bloodshed and terror for the besieged. While Nineveh rallies, the aggressor advances with confidence and precision. The prophet wants the reader to feel the shock of a force deliberately equipped to overturn what once seemed unassailable. The tide of history has turned under God’s sovereign timing.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The shield of his mighty men is made red, the valiant men are in scarlet: the chariots flash with steel in the day of his preparation, and the cypress spears are brandished.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The shield of his mighty men is made red, the valiant men are in scarlet: the chariots flash with steel in the day of his preparation, and the cypress spears are brandished.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The body-covers of his fighting men have been made red, the men of war are clothed in bright red: the war-carriages are like flames of fire in the day when he gets ready, the horses are shaking.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862The shield of his mighty ones is become red, Men of might <FI>are in<Fi> scarlet, With fiery torches <FI>is<Fi> the chariot in a day of his preparation, And the firs have been caused to tremble.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The shield of his mighty men is like fire, the men of the army are clad in scarlet, the reins of the chariot are flaming in the day of his preparation, and the drivers are stupefied.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The shield of his mighty men is made red, the valiant men are in scarlet: the chariots [glitter] with the sheen of steel, in the day of his preparation, and the spears are brandished.
Context
After explaining God’s purpose in verse 2, the scene zooms in on the visual might of the attackers. The bright, rushing war machine confronts Nineveh’s defenses. This builds momentum toward verses 4–6, where chaos overtakes the city and crucial breaches occur. The emphasis remains that the invader’s readiness is no accident but part of the ordained “day” now arriving for Nineveh’s judgment.
v.2For Jehovah restoreth the excellency of Jacob, as the excellency of Israel; for the emptiers have emptied them out, and destroyed their vine-branches.
v.3This passage
v.4The chariots rage in the streets; they rush to and fro in the broad ways: the appearance of them is like torches; they run like the lightnings.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Zechariah 6:2
In the first chariot were red horses; and in the second chariot black horses;
- Ezekiel 23:14
And she increased her whoredoms; for she saw men portrayed upon the wall, the images of the Chaldeans portrayed with vermilion,
- Zechariah 1:8
I saw in the night, and, behold, a man riding upon a red horse, and he stood among the myrtle-trees that were in the bottom; and behind him there were horses, red, sorrel, and white.
- Isaiah 14:8
Yea, the fir-trees rejoice at thee, and the cedars of Lebanon, saying, Since thou art laid low, no hewer is come up against us.
- Zechariah 11:2
Wail, O fir-tree, for the cedar is fallen, because the goodly ones are destroyed: wail, O ye oaks of Bashan, for the strong forest is come down.
- Revelation 6:4
And anotherhorsecame forth, a red horse: and to him that sat thereon it was given to take peace from the earth, and that they should slay one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Nahum 2
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Nahum 2.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About God as Refuge
The Bible uses the powerful imagery of refuge to describe God as our ultimate protector and safe haven in times of trouble.
Topic
Bible Verses About the Goodness of God
God’s goodness is a foundational truth of faith, revealing His benevolent nature and faithful provision for all creation.
Topic
Bible Verses About the Wrath of God
God's wrath is a profound aspect of His holiness and justice, revealed against sin and rebellion throughout scripture.