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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Nahum 2:4 The chariots dash through the streets; they rush around the plazas, appearing like torches, darting about like lightning.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/nahum/2-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/34_Nam_02_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Nahum 2:4 - The Overthrow of Nineveh" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The chariots dash through the streets; they rush around the plazas, appearing like torches, darting about like lightning." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/nahum/2-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/nahum/2-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/nahum/">Nahum</a> > <a href="/nahum/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/nahum/2-3.htm" title="Nahum 2:3">◄</a> Nahum 2:4 <a href="/nahum/2-5.htm" title="Nahum 2:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/nahum/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/nahum/2.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The chariots storm through the streets, rushing back and forth through the squares. They look like flaming torches; they dart about like lightning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/nahum/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The chariots race recklessly along the streets and rush wildly through the squares. They flash like firelight and move as swiftly as lightning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/nahum/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The chariots race madly through the streets; they rush to and fro through the squares; they gleam like torches; they dart like lightning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/nahum/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The chariots dash through the streets; they rush around the plazas, appearing like torches, darting about like lightning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/nahum/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/nahum/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The chariots rage in the streets, They jostle one another in the broad roads; They seem like torches, They run like lightning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/nahum/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The chariots drive wildly in the streets, They rush around in the public squares; Their appearance is like torches, They drive back and forth like lightning flashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/nahum/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The chariots race madly in the streets, They rush wildly in the squares, Their appearance is like torches, They dash to and fro like lightning flashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/nahum/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The chariots race madly in the streets, They rush wildly in the squares, Their appearance is like torches, They dash to and fro like lightning flashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/nahum/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The chariots race madly in the streets; They rush wildly in the squares; Their appearance is like torches; They dash to and fro like lightning flashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/nahum/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The chariots race madly in the streets; They rush wildly in the broad plazas. Their appearance is like torches; They rush in various directions like forked lightning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/nahum/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The chariots dash madly through the streets; they rush around in the plazas. They look like torches; they dart back and forth like lightning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/nahum/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The chariots dash madly through the streets; they rush around in the plazas. They look like torches; they dart back and forth like lightning. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/nahum/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/nahum/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Their horses prance, and their armored chariots dart around like lightning or flaming torches. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/nahum/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The chariots rage in the streets, they justle one against another in the broad ways: the appearance of them is like torches, they run like the lightnings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/nahum/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Chariots are racing madly through the streets, rushing this way and that in the city squares. They look like torches, like lightning, as they dart about.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/nahum/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Chariots dash wildly through the streets, rushing back and forth in the city squares. They flash like torches and dart about like lightning. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/nahum/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Their chariots storm through the streets, jostling each other along broad avenues. They look like torches, as they dart around like lightning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/nahum/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The chariots dash through the streets; they rush around the plazas, appearing like torches, darting about like lightning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/nahum/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The chariots race madly through the streets, they rush back and forth in the broad plazas; they look like lightning bolts, they dash here and there like flashes of lightning. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/nahum/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The chariots rage in the streets. They rush back and forth in the broad ways. Their appearance is like torches. They run like the lightnings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/nahum/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The chariots shall rage in the streets, they shall jostle one against another in the broad ways: they shall seem like torches, they shall run like the lightnings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/nahum/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The chariots rage in the streets. They rush back and forth in the wide ways. Their appearance is like torches. They run like the lightnings. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/nahum/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />In out-places the chariots shine, "" They go to and fro in broad places, "" Their appearances [are] like torches, "" As lightnings they run.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/nahum/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> In out-places shine do the chariots, They go to and fro in broad places, Their appearances are like torches, As lightnings they run.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/nahum/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The chariots shall be mad in the streets, they shall run up and down in the broad places: their appearance as flames; as lightnings shall they run.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/nahum/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />They are in confusion in the ways, the chariots jostle one against another in the streets: their looks are like torches, like lightning running to and fro. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/nahum/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />They have become confused on their journey. The four-horse chariots have collided in the streets. Their appearance is like torches, like lightning dashing around.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/nahum/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The chariots dash madly through the streets and wheel in the squares, Looking like torches, bolting like lightning. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/nahum/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The chariots race madly through the streets, they rush to and fro through the squares; their appearance is like torches, they dart like lightning.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/nahum/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />In the streets they sing praises and glory in their chariots, their appearance is like torches; they run like lightning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/nahum/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And in the streets they sing in their chariots and they are boasting, and their appearance is like lamps and they run like lightning<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/nahum/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The chariots rush madly in the streets, They jostle one against another in the broad places; The appearance of them is like torches, They run to and fro like the lightnings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/nahum/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />in the ways, and the chariots shall clash together, and shall be entangled in each other in the broad ways: their appearance is as lamps of fire, and as gleaming lightnings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/nahum/2-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1vC_xxtlDxA?start=207" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/nahum/2.htm">The Overthrow of Nineveh</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>The shields of his mighty men are red; the valiant warriors are dressed in scarlet. The fittings of the chariots flash like fire on the day they are prepared, and the spears of cypress have been brandished. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7393.htm" title="7393: hā·re·ḵeḇ (Art:: N-ms) -- From rakab; a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e. The upper millstone.">The chariots</a> <a href="/hebrew/1984.htm" title="1984: yiṯ·hō·wl·lū (V-Hitpael-Imperf-3mp) -- To shine.">dash</a> <a href="/hebrew/2351.htm" title="2351: ba·ḥū·ṣō·wṯ (Prep-b, Art:: N-mp) -- The outside, a street. Or chuts; from an unused root meaning to sever; properly, separate by a wall, i.e. Outside, outdoors.">through the streets;</a> <a href="/hebrew/8264.htm" title="8264: yiš·taq·šə·qūn (V-Hitpael-Imperf-3mp:: Pn) -- To run, run about, rush. A primitive root; to course; by implication, to seek greedily.">they rush around</a> <a href="/hebrew/7339.htm" title="7339: bā·rə·ḥō·ḇō·wṯ (Prep-b, Art:: N-mp) -- A broad open place, plaza. Or rchowb; from rachab; a width, i.e. avenue or area.">the plazas,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4758.htm" title="4758: mar·’ê·hen (N-mpc:: 3fp) -- Sight, appearance, vision. From ra'ah; a view; also an appearance, whether a shape, or a vision.">appearing</a> <a href="/hebrew/3940.htm" title="3940: kal·lap·pî·ḏim (Prep-k, Art:: N-mp) -- A torch. Or lappid; from an unused root probably meaning to shine; a flambeau, lamp or flame.">like torches,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7323.htm" title="7323: yə·rō·w·ṣê·ṣū (V-Piel-Imperf-3mp) -- To run. A primitive root; to run.">darting about</a> <a href="/hebrew/1300.htm" title="1300: kab·bə·rā·qîm (Prep-k, Art:: N-mp) -- Lightning. From baraq; lightning; by analogy, a gleam; concretely, a flashing sword.">like lightning.</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>He summons his nobles; they stumble as they advance. They race to its wall; the protective shield is set in place.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joel/2-4.htm">Joel 2:4-5</a></span><br />Their appearance is like that of horses, and they gallop like swift steeds. / With a sound like that of chariots they bound over the mountaintops, like the crackling of fire consuming stubble, like a mighty army deployed for battle.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/66-15.htm">Isaiah 66:15</a></span><br />For behold, the LORD will come with fire—His chariots are like a whirlwind—to execute His anger with fury and His rebuke with flames of fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/4-13.htm">Jeremiah 4:13</a></span><br />Behold, he advances like the clouds, his chariots like the whirlwind. His horses are swifter than eagles. Woe to us, for we are ruined!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/26-10.htm">Ezekiel 26:10-11</a></span><br />His multitude of horses will cover you in their dust. When he enters your gates as an army entering a breached city, your walls will shake from the noise of cavalry, wagons, and chariots. / The hooves of his horses will trample all your streets. He will slaughter your people with the sword, and your mighty pillars will fall to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/habakkuk/1-8.htm">Habakkuk 1:8-9</a></span><br />Their horses are swifter than leopards, fiercer than wolves of the night. Their horsemen charge ahead, and their cavalry comes from afar. They fly like a vulture, swooping down to devour. / All of them come bent on violence; their hordes advance like the east wind; they gather prisoners like sand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/5-28.htm">Isaiah 5:28</a></span><br />Their arrows are sharpened, and all their bows are strung. The hooves of their horses are like flint; their chariot wheels are like a whirlwind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/47-3.htm">Jeremiah 47:3</a></span><br />at the sound of the galloping hooves of stallions, the rumbling of chariots, and the clatter of their wheels. The fathers will not turn back for their sons; their hands will hang limp.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/22-7.htm">Isaiah 22:7</a></span><br />Your choicest valleys are full of chariots, and horsemen are posted at the gates.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/6-1.htm">Zechariah 6:1-8</a></span><br />And again I lifted up my eyes and saw four chariots coming out from between two mountains—mountains of bronze. / The first chariot had red horses, the second black horses, / the third white horses, and the fourth dappled horses—all of them strong. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/11-40.htm">Daniel 11:40</a></span><br />At the time of the end, the king of the South will engage him in battle, but the king of the North will storm out against him with chariots, horsemen, and many ships, invading many countries and sweeping through them like a flood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/9-9.htm">Revelation 9:9</a></span><br />They also had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the roar of many horses and chariots rushing into battle.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/9-17.htm">Revelation 9:17</a></span><br />Now the horses and riders in my vision looked like this: The riders had breastplates the colors of fire, sapphire, and sulfur. The heads of the horses were like the heads of lions, and out of their mouths proceeded fire, smoke, and sulfur.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/18-10.htm">Revelation 18:10</a></span><br />In fear of her torment, they will stand at a distance and cry out: “Woe, woe to the great city, the mighty city of Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/18-17.htm">Revelation 18:17-19</a></span><br />For in a single hour such fabulous wealth has been destroyed!” Every shipmaster, passenger, and sailor, and all who make their living from the sea, will stand at a distance / and cry out at the sight of the smoke rising from the fire that consumes her. “What city was ever like this great city?” they will exclaim. / Then they will throw dust on their heads as they weep and mourn and cry out: “Woe, woe to the great city, where all who had ships on the sea were enriched by her wealth! For in a single hour she has been destroyed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/24-27.htm">Matthew 24:27</a></span><br />For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The chariots shall rage in the streets, they shall jostle one against another in the broad ways: they shall seem like torches, they shall run like the lightning.</p><p class="hdg">chariots.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nahum/3-2.htm">Nahum 3:2,3</a></b></br> The noise of a whip, and the noise of the rattling of the wheels, and of the pransing horses, and of the jumping chariots… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/37-24.htm">Isaiah 37:24</a></b></br> By thy servants hast thou reproached the Lord, and hast said, By the multitude of my chariots am I come up to the height of the mountains, to the sides of Lebanon; and I will cut down the tall cedars thereof, <i>and</i> the choice fir trees thereof: and I will enter into the height of his border, <i>and</i> the forest of his Carmel.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/66-15.htm">Isaiah 66:15</a></b></br> For, behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire.</p><p class="hdg">they shall seem.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/joel/2-4.htm">Appearance</a> <a href="/ezekiel/43-3.htm">Appearances</a> <a href="/amos/8-9.htm">Broad</a> <a href="/nahum/1-6.htm">Burning</a> <a href="/nahum/2-3.htm">Chariots</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-23.htm">Dart</a> <a href="/ezekiel/43-18.htm">Dash</a> <a href="/nahum/1-11.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/amos/8-12.htm">Fro</a> <a href="/daniel/10-6.htm">Gleam</a> <a href="/joel/2-8.htm">Jostle</a> <a href="/jeremiah/10-13.htm">Lightnings</a> <a href="/jeremiah/46-9.htm">Madly</a> <a href="/micah/7-10.htm">Out-Places</a> <a href="/micah/7-17.htm">Places</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-11.htm">Race</a> <a href="/hosea/11-6.htm">Rage</a> <a href="/nahum/1-4.htm">Run</a> <a href="/jonah/1-10.htm">Running</a> <a href="/joel/2-9.htm">Rush</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-23.htm">Seem</a> <a href="/ezekiel/43-17.htm">Squares</a> <a href="/micah/7-10.htm">Streets</a> <a href="/jeremiah/10-13.htm">Thunder-Flames</a> <a href="/nahum/2-3.htm">Torches</a> <a href="/micah/5-10.htm">War-Carriages</a> <a href="/micah/4-2.htm">Ways</a> <a href="/micah/7-11.htm">Wide</a> <a href="/jeremiah/4-19.htm">Wildly</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/zechariah/5-6.htm">Appearance</a> <a href="/malachi/1-9.htm">Appearances</a> <a href="/zechariah/8-4.htm">Broad</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-16.htm">Burning</a> <a href="/nahum/2-13.htm">Chariots</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-20.htm">Dart</a> <a href="/nahum/2-5.htm">Dash</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-4.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/zechariah/1-10.htm">Fro</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-18.htm">Gleam</a> <a href="/luke/8-45.htm">Jostle</a> <a href="/revelation/4-5.htm">Lightnings</a> <a href="/jeremiah/46-9.htm">Madly</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-3.htm">Out-Places</a> <a href="/nahum/3-12.htm">Places</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-6.htm">Race</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-8.htm">Rage</a> <a href="/nahum/2-8.htm">Run</a> <a href="/matthew/27-48.htm">Running</a> <a href="/matthew/7-25.htm">Rush</a> <a href="/haggai/2-3.htm">Seem</a> <a href="/mark/6-40.htm">Squares</a> <a href="/nahum/3-10.htm">Streets</a> <a href="/job/28-26.htm">Thunder-Flames</a> <a href="/matthew/25-1.htm">Torches</a> <a href="/nahum/3-2.htm">War-Carriages</a> <a href="/nahum/3-4.htm">Ways</a> <a href="/nahum/3-13.htm">Wide</a> <a href="/jeremiah/4-19.htm">Wildly</a><div class="vheading2">Nahum 2</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/nahum/2-1.htm">The fearful and victorious armies of God against Nineveh.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/nahum/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/nahum/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/nahum/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>The chariots dash through the streets;</b><br>This phrase vividly depicts the chaos and speed of the Assyrian chariots as they move through the streets of Nineveh. Chariots were a symbol of military power and technological advancement in ancient warfare, often used by the Assyrians to instill fear and assert dominance. The imagery here suggests a scene of impending destruction and panic. Historically, Nineveh was a well-fortified city, and the presence of chariots within its streets indicates a breach of its defenses, fulfilling Nahum's prophecy of its downfall.<p><b>they rush around the plazas,</b><br>The plazas, or open squares, were central areas in ancient cities used for gatherings and markets. The rushing of chariots through these spaces signifies the complete invasion and disruption of daily life in Nineveh. This imagery underscores the totality of the city's collapse, as even its public and communal spaces are overtaken by the invading forces. The scene reflects the fulfillment of divine judgment against Nineveh, as prophesied by Nahum.<p><b>appearing like torches,</b><br>The comparison to torches suggests both the speed and the destructive nature of the chariots. Torches provide light but also have the potential to ignite and destroy. This duality symbolizes the illuminating revelation of God's judgment and the consuming fire of His wrath. The imagery of fire is often associated with divine judgment in the Bible, as seen in passages like <a href="/isaiah/66-15.htm">Isaiah 66:15-16</a>, where God's judgment is described as coming with fire.<p><b>darting about like lightning.</b><br>Lightning is a common biblical metaphor for suddenness and overwhelming power. The chariots' movement is likened to lightning, emphasizing the swift and unstoppable nature of the attack on Nineveh. This imagery conveys the idea that the judgment of God, once set in motion, is both inevitable and inescapable. The use of lightning also connects to other scriptural references where God's power and presence are depicted with similar imagery, such as in <a href="/ezekiel/1-14.htm">Ezekiel 1:14</a> and <a href="/matthew/24-27.htm">Matthew 24:27</a>, where lightning signifies the coming of the Son of Man.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/n/nineveh.htm">Nineveh</a></b><br>The capital of the Assyrian Empire, known for its great power and eventual downfall as prophesied by Nahum.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/c/chariots.htm">Chariots</a></b><br>Symbolic of military power and speed, representing the invading forces that would bring destruction to Nineveh.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/streets_and_plazas.htm">Streets and Plazas</a></b><br>The public areas of Nineveh, indicating the widespread chaos and turmoil during the invasion.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/prophet_nahum.htm">Prophet Nahum</a></b><br>The author of the book, who prophesied the destruction of Nineveh as a message of God's judgment.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/a/assyrian_empire.htm">Assyrian Empire</a></b><br>A dominant power in the ancient Near East, known for its cruelty and oppression, which faced divine retribution.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_judgment.htm">God's Sovereignty in Judgment</a></b><br>The vivid imagery of chariots and lightning underscores God's control over historical events and His ability to bring about justice swiftly and decisively.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_certainty_of_divine_justice.htm">The Certainty of Divine Justice</a></b><br>Just as Nineveh's downfall was certain, so is the eventual judgment of all evil. Believers can trust in God's righteous timing and justice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_transience_of_earthly_power.htm">The Transience of Earthly Power</a></b><br>The once-mighty Assyrian Empire fell despite its strength, reminding us that no earthly power can withstand God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_urgency_of_repentance.htm">The Urgency of Repentance</a></b><br>The suddenness of the invasion serves as a warning to turn from sin and seek God's mercy before it's too late.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_for_the_oppressed.htm">Hope for the Oppressed</a></b><br>Nahum's prophecy was a message of hope for those oppressed by Assyria, assuring them that God sees their plight and will act on their behalf.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_nahum_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Nahum 2</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_chariots_move_like_'lightning'.htm">In Nahum 2:3-4, how could chariots move like 'lightning' and 'flaming torches' without exaggeration or myth?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_2_sam_8_4_with_no_evidence.htm">How do we reconcile 2 Samuel 8:4 with the lack of archaeological evidence for such a large-scale chariot force?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_2_chr_9_25_and_1_kgs_4_26_differ.htm">Why do the numbers listed in 2 Chronicles 9:25 about Solomon's horses and chariots differ from related passages like 1 Kings 4:26?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/david's_horsemen_capture__1,700_or_7,000.htm">When David defeated the King of Zobah, how many horsemen did he capture? One thousand and seven hundred (2 Samuel 8:4) Seven thousand (I Chronicles 18:4)</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/nahum/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The chariots shall rage in the streets.</span> The chariots rave, dash madly (<a href="/jeremiah/46-9.htm">Jeremiah 46:9</a>) about the open ways in the suburbs, or in the plains of the country. The description still appertains to the besiegers, who are so numerous that to the Ninevites, looking from their walls, their chariots seem to dash against one another. <span class="cmt_word">They shall seem</span> - their appearance is - <span class="cmt_word">like torches.</span> Thus is described the gleaming of the chariots and the armour (see on ver. 3; 1 Macc. 6:39, "Now when the sun shone upon the shields of gold and brass, the mountains glistered therewith, and shined like lamps of fire"). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/nahum/2-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">The chariots</span><br /><span class="heb">הָרֶ֔כֶב</span> <span class="translit">(hā·re·ḵeḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7393.htm">Strong's 7393: </a> </span><span class="str2">A vehicle, a team, cavalry, a rider, the upper millstone</span><br /><br /><span class="word">dash</span><br /><span class="heb">יִתְהוֹלְל֣וּ</span> <span class="translit">(yiṯ·hō·wl·lū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1984.htm">Strong's 1984: </a> </span><span class="str2">To shine</span><br /><br /><span class="word">through the streets;</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּֽחוּצוֹת֙</span> <span class="translit">(ba·ḥū·ṣō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2351.htm">Strong's 2351: </a> </span><span class="str2">Separate by a, wall, outside, outdoors</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they rush around</span><br /><span class="heb">יִֽשְׁתַּקְשְׁק֖וּן</span> <span class="translit">(yiš·taq·šə·qūn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | Paragogic nun<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8264.htm">Strong's 8264: </a> </span><span class="str2">To course, to seek greedily</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the plazas,</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּרְחֹב֑וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(bā·rə·ḥō·ḇō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7339.htm">Strong's 7339: </a> </span><span class="str2">A broad open place, plaza</span><br /><br /><span class="word">appearing</span><br /><span class="heb">מַרְאֵיהֶן֙</span> <span class="translit">(mar·’ê·hen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4758.htm">Strong's 4758: </a> </span><span class="str2">Sight, appearance, vision</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like torches,</span><br /><span class="heb">כַּלַּפִּידִ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(kal·lap·pî·ḏim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3940.htm">Strong's 3940: </a> </span><span class="str2">A flambeau, lamp, flame</span><br /><br /><span class="word">darting about</span><br /><span class="heb">יְרוֹצֵֽצוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(yə·rō·w·ṣê·ṣū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7323.htm">Strong's 7323: </a> </span><span class="str2">To run</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like lightning.</span><br /><span class="heb">כַּבְּרָקִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(kab·bə·rā·qîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1300.htm">Strong's 1300: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lightning, a gleam, a flashing sword</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/nahum/2-4.htm">Nahum 2:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/nahum/2-4.htm">Nahum 2:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/nahum/2-4.htm">Nahum 2:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/nahum/2-4.htm">Nahum 2:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/nahum/2-4.htm">Nahum 2:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/nahum/2-4.htm">Nahum 2:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/nahum/2-4.htm">Nahum 2:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/nahum/2-4.htm">Nahum 2:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/nahum/2-4.htm">Nahum 2:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/nahum/2-4.htm">Nahum 2:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/nahum/2-4.htm">OT Prophets: Nahum 2:4 The chariots rage in the streets (Nah. Na) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/nahum/2-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Nahum 2:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Nahum 2:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/nahum/2-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Nahum 2:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Nahum 2:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>