Nahum 2:1–8

ATTACK AGAINST NINEVEH

2 One who scatters is coming up against you.v

Man the fortifications!

Watch the road!

BraceC yourself!

Summon all your strength!a

2 For the Lord will restore the majesty of Jacob,b

yes,D the majesty of Israel,

though ravagers have ravaged themc

and ruined their vine branches.d

3 The shields of hisE warriors are dyed red;

the valiant men are dressed in scarlet.e

The fittings of the chariot flash like firef

on the day of its battle preparations,

and the spears are brandished.

4 The chariots dash madly through the streets;

they rush around in the plazas.

They look like torches;

they dart back and forth like lightning.

5 He gives orders to his officers;

they stumble as they advance.

They race to its wall;

the protective shield is set in place.

6 The river gates are opened,

and the palace erodes away.g

7 BeautyF is stripped;G

she is carried away;

her ladies-in-waiting moan

like the sound of dovesh

and beat their breasts.i

8 Nineveh has been like a pool of water

from her first days,G

but they are fleeing.

“Stop! Stop!” they cry,

but no one turns back.