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The fittings of the chariots flash like fire on the day they are prepared, and the spears of cypress have been brandished.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/nahum/2-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/34_Nam_02_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Nahum 2:3 - The Overthrow of Nineveh" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The shields of his mighty men are red; the valiant warriors are dressed in scarlet. 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The metal on the chariots flashes on the day they are made ready; the spears of juniper are brandished. <a href="/nlt/nahum/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> Shields flash red in the sunlight! See the scarlet uniforms of the valiant troops! Watch as their glittering chariots move into position, with a forest of spears waving above them. <a href="/esv/nahum/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> The shield of his mighty men is red; his soldiers are clothed in scarlet. The chariots come with flashing metal on the day he musters them; the cypress spears are brandished. <a href="/bsb/nahum/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/nahum/2.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/nahum/2.htm">New King James Version</a> The shields of his mighty men are made red, The valiant men are in scarlet. The chariots come with flaming torches In the day of his preparation, And the spears are brandished. <a href="/nasb_/nahum/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> The shields of his warriors are dyed red, The warriors are dressed in scarlet, The chariots are fitted with flashing steel When he is prepared to march, And the juniper spears are brandished. <a href="/nasb/nahum/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> The shields of his mighty men are colored red, The warriors are dressed in scarlet, The chariots are enveloped in flashing steel When he is prepared to march, And the cypress spears are brandished. <a href="/nasb77/nahum/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> The shields of his mighty men are colored red, The warriors are dressed in scarlet, The chariots are enveloped in flashing steel When he is prepared to march, And the cypress spears are brandished. <a href="/lsb/nahum/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> The shields of his mighty men are colored red, The valiant men are dressed in scarlet, The chariots are enveloped in flashing steel When he is set up to march, And the cypress spears are brandished. <a href="/amp/nahum/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> The shields of his soldiers [of Media and Babylon] are colored red; The warriors are dressed in scarlet. The chariots blaze with fire of [flashing] steel When he is prepared to march, And the cypress spears are brandished [for battle]. <a href="/csb/nahum/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The shields of his warriors are dyed red; the valiant men are dressed in scarlet. The fittings of the chariot flash like fire on the day of its battle preparations, and the spears are brandished. <a href="/hcsb/nahum/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The shields of his warriors are dyed red; the valiant men are dressed in scarlet. The fittings of the chariot flash like fire on the day of its battle preparations, and the spears are brandished. <a href="/asv/nahum/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> The 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. <a href="/cev/nahum/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Nineveh, on this day of attack, your enemies' shields are red; their uniforms are crimson. <a href="/erv/nahum/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> The 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 spears are shaken terribly. <a href="/gwt/nahum/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The shields of his warriors are painted red. His soldiers have red uniforms. The metal on his chariots flashes fiery red, so do the spears when they are waved on the day he prepares for battle. <a href="/gnt/nahum/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> The enemy soldiers carry red shields and wear uniforms of red. They are preparing to attack! Their chariots flash like fire! Their horses prance! <a href="/isv/nahum/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> The shields deployed by Israel's elite forces are scarlet, their valiant men are clothed in crimson. When they are prepared, the polished armament on their chariots will shine, and lances will be brandished about ferociously. <a href="/msb/nahum/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/nahum/2.htm">NET Bible</a> The shields of his warriors are dyed red; the mighty soldiers are dressed in scarlet garments. The metal fittings of the chariots shine like fire on the day of battle; the soldiers brandish their spears. <a href="/nheb/nahum/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The 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 pine spears are brandished. <a href="/wbt/nahum/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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. <a href="/web/nahum/2.htm">World English Bible</a> The 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 pine spears are brandished. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/nahum/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> The shield of his mighty ones has become red, "" Men of might [are in] scarlet, "" With fiery torches [is] the chariot in a day of his preparation, "" And the firs have been caused to tremble. <a href="/ylt/nahum/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> The shield of his mighty ones is become red, Men of might are in scarlet, With fiery torches is the chariot in a day of his preparation, And the firs have been caused to tremble. <a href="/slt/nahum/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> The shield of the strong ones being red, the men of strength being clothed in scarlet: with fire of irons the chariots in the day of his preparing, and the cypresses were made to tremble.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/nahum/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> The 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. <a href="/cpdv/nahum/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> The shield of his strong ones is fire, the men of war are in scarlet. The reins of the chariot are fiery in the day of his preparation, and the drivers have been drugged. <a href="/nabre/nahum/2.htm">New American Bible</a> The shields of his warriors are crimsoned, the soldiers clad in scarlet; Like fire are the trappings of the chariots on the day he prepares for war; the cavalry is agitated! <a href="/nrsvce/nahum/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The shields of his warriors are red; his soldiers are clothed in crimson. The metal on the chariots flashes on the day when he musters them; the chargers prance.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/nahum/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> The shields of their mighty men are red, the valiant men parade with flaming torches and in chariots in the day of their preparation, and the horsemen are terrifying. <a href="/hpbt/nahum/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> The shields of their mighty men are stained red and the men mighty men parade with torches of fire and in chariots in the day when they are prepared and the horsemen are encouraged<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/nahum/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> The shield of his mighty men is made red, The valiant men are in scarlet; The chariots are fire of steel in the day of his preparation, And the cypress spears are made to quiver. <a href="/sep/nahum/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> They have destroyed the arms of their power from among men, their mighty men sporting with fire: the reins of their chariots shall be destroyed in the day of his preparation, and the horsemen shall be thrown into confusion <a href="/parallel/nahum/2-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1vC_xxtlDxA?start=191" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/nahum/2.htm">The Overthrow of Nineveh</a> …2For the LORD will restore the splendor of Jacob like the splendor of Israel, though destroyers have laid them waste and ruined the branches of their vine. 3<a href="/hebrew/4043.htm" title="4043: mā·ḡên (N-csc) -- A shield. Also feminine mginnah; from ganan; a shield; figuratively, a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile.">The shields</a> <a href="/hebrew/1368.htm" title="1368: gib·bō·rê·hū (Adj-mpc:: 3ms) -- Strong, mighty. Or gibbor; intensive from the same as geber; powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant.">of his mighty men</a> <a href="/hebrew/119.htm" title="119: mə·’ād·dām (V-Pual-Prtcpl-ms) -- To be red. To show blood, i.e. Flush or turn rosy.">are red;</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’an·šê- (N-mpc) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">the valiant warriors</a> <a href="/hebrew/2428.htm" title="2428: ḥa·yil (N-ms) -- From chuwl; probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8529.htm" title="8529: mə·ṯul·lā·‘îm (V-Pual-Prtcpl-mp) -- To clothe in scarlet. A denominative from towla'; to crimson, i.e. Dye that color.">are dressed in scarlet.</a> <a href="/hebrew/6393.htm" title="6393: pə·lā·ḏō·wṯ (N-fp) -- Probably iron, steel. From an unused root meaning to divide; a cleaver, i.e. Iron armature.">The fittings</a> <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.">of the chariots</a> <a href="/hebrew/784.htm" title="784: bə·’êš- (Prep-b:: N-csc) -- A fire. A primitive word; fire.">flash like fire</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: bə·yō·wm (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">on the day</a> <a href="/hebrew/3559.htm" title="3559: hă·ḵî·nōw (V-Hifil-Inf:: 3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to be erect; hence to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal, or figurative.">they are prepared,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1265.htm" title="1265: wə·hab·bə·rō·šîm (Conj-w, Art:: N-mp) -- Cypress or fir. Of uncertain derivation; a cypress Tree; hence, a lance or a musical instrument.">and the spears of cypress</a> <a href="/hebrew/7477.htm" title="7477: hā·rə·‘ā·lū (V-Hofal-Perf-3cp) -- To quiver, shake, reel. A primitive root; to reel, i.e. to brandish.">have been brandished.</a> 4The chariots dash through the streets; they rush around the plazas, appearing like torches, darting about like lightning.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/isaiah/63-1.htm">Isaiah 63:1-6</a> Who is this coming from Edom, from Bozrah with crimson-stained garments? Who is this robed in splendor, marching in the greatness of His strength? “It is I, proclaiming vindication, mighty to save.” / Why are Your clothes red, and Your garments like one who treads the winepress? / “I have trodden the winepress alone, and no one from the nations was with Me. I trampled them in My anger and trod them down in My fury; their blood spattered My garments, and all My clothes were stained. ... <a href="/ezekiel/23-24.htm">Ezekiel 23:24</a> They will come against you with a host of peoples, with weapons, chariots, and wagons. They will array themselves against you on every side with buckler and shield and helmet. I will delegate judgment to them, and they will punish you according to their own standards. <a href="/jeremiah/46-4.htm">Jeremiah 46:4</a> Harness the horses; mount the steeds; take your positions with helmets on! Polish your spears; put on armor! <a href="/isaiah/59-17.htm">Isaiah 59:17</a> He put on righteousness like a breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on His head; He put on garments of vengeance and wrapped Himself in a cloak of zeal. <a href="/joel/2-4.htm">Joel 2:4-5</a> 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. <a href="/isaiah/9-5.htm">Isaiah 9:5</a> For every trampling boot of battle and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. <a href="/revelation/19-13.htm">Revelation 19:13-15</a> He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is The Word of God. / The armies of heaven, dressed in fine linen, white and pure, follow Him on white horses. / And from His mouth proceeds a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. <a href="/isaiah/66-15.htm">Isaiah 66:15-16</a> 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. / For by fire and by His sword, the LORD will execute judgment on all flesh, and many will be slain by the LORD. <a href="/jeremiah/50-9.htm">Jeremiah 50:9</a> For behold, I stir up and bring against Babylon an assembly of great nations from the land of the north. They will line up against her; from the north she will be captured. Their arrows will be like skilled warriors who do not return empty-handed. <a href="/ezekiel/21-9.htm">Ezekiel 21:9-11</a> “Son of man, prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord says: ‘A sword, a sword, sharpened and polished— / it is sharpened for the slaughter, polished to flash like lightning! Should we rejoice in the scepter of My son? The sword despises every such stick. / The sword is appointed to be polished, to be grasped in the hand. It is sharpened and polished, to be placed in the hand of the slayer. <a href="/revelation/9-9.htm">Revelation 9:9</a> 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. <a href="/isaiah/34-6.htm">Isaiah 34:6</a> The sword of the LORD is bathed in blood. It drips with fat—with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams. For the LORD has a sacrifice in Bozrah, a great slaughter in the land of Edom. <a href="/jeremiah/51-11.htm">Jeremiah 51:11</a> Sharpen the arrows! Fill the quivers! The LORD has aroused the spirit of the kings of the Medes, because His plan is aimed at Babylon to destroy her, for it is the vengeance of the LORD—vengeance for His temple. <a href="/zechariah/1-8.htm">Zechariah 1:8</a> I looked out into the night and saw a man riding on a red horse. He was standing among the myrtle trees in the hollow, and behind him were red, sorrel, and white horses. <a href="/revelation/6-4.htm">Revelation 6:4</a> Then another horse went forth. It was bright red, and its rider was granted permission to take away peace from the earth and to make men slay one another. And he was given a great sword.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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.made.<a href="/isaiah/63-1.htm">Isaiah 63:1-3</a> Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save… <a href="/zechariah/1-8.htm">Zechariah 1:8</a> I saw by 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 were there red horses, speckled, and white.<a href="/zechariah/6-2.htm">Zechariah 6:2</a> In the first chariot were red horses; and in the second chariot black horses;in scarlet.<a href="/isaiah/14-8.htm">Isaiah 14:8</a> Yea, the fir trees rejoice at thee, and the cedars of Lebanon, saying, Since thou art laid down, no feller is come up against us.<a href="/zechariah/11-2.htm">Zechariah 11:2</a> Howl, fir tree; for the cedar is fallen; because the mighty are spoiled: howl, O ye oaks of Bashan; for the forest of the vintage is come down.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/joel/2-5.htm">Array</a> <a href="/ezekiel/27-10.htm">Body-Covers</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-32.htm">Brandished</a> <a href="/daniel/2-31.htm">Bright</a> <a href="/ezra/1-9.htm">Chargers</a> <a href="/micah/5-10.htm">Chariots</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-17.htm">Clad</a> <a href="/daniel/12-7.htm">Clothed</a> <a href="/ezekiel/27-24.htm">Colored</a> <a href="/hosea/14-8.htm">Cypress</a> <a href="/joel/1-8.htm">Dressed</a> <a href="/lamentations/3-5.htm">Enveloped</a> <a href="/amos/2-16.htm">Fighting</a> <a href="/hosea/14-8.htm">Fir</a> <a href="/nahum/1-6.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/ezekiel/31-8.htm">Fir-Trees</a> <a href="/obadiah/1-18.htm">Flame</a> <a href="/joel/1-19.htm">Flames</a> <a href="/hosea/7-6.htm">Flaming</a> <a href="/amos/5-9.htm">Flash</a> <a href="/amos/5-9.htm">Flashes</a> <a href="/ezekiel/1-13.htm">Flashing</a> <a href="/micah/5-10.htm">Horses</a> <a href="/obadiah/1-13.htm">March</a> <a href="/daniel/11-8.htm">Metal</a> <a href="/micah/4-7.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/ezekiel/38-8.htm">Mustered</a> <a href="/hosea/14-8.htm">Pine</a> <a href="/jeremiah/46-9.htm">Prance</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/29-36.htm">Preparation</a> <a href="/jonah/4-8.htm">Prepared</a> <a href="/lamentations/3-13.htm">Quiver</a> <a href="/micah/7-3.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/joel/2-6.htm">Red</a> <a href="/daniel/5-29.htm">Scarlet</a> <a href="/nahum/1-5.htm">Shaken</a> <a href="/nahum/1-5.htm">Shaking</a> <a href="/ezekiel/38-5.htm">Shield</a> <a href="/ezekiel/39-9.htm">Shields</a> <a href="/micah/4-3.htm">Spears</a> <a href="/jeremiah/15-12.htm">Steel</a> <a href="/ezekiel/27-35.htm">Terribly</a> <a href="/daniel/10-6.htm">Torches</a> <a href="/amos/4-9.htm">Trees</a> <a href="/daniel/3-20.htm">Valiant</a> <a href="/obadiah/1-9.htm">Warriors</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/zephaniah/1-8.htm">Array</a> <a href="/2_samuel/8-7.htm">Body-Covers</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-18.htm">Brandished</a> <a href="/nahum/3-3.htm">Bright</a> <a href="/numbers/7-84.htm">Chargers</a> <a href="/nahum/2-4.htm">Chariots</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-8.htm">Clad</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-8.htm">Clothed</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-16.htm">Colored</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-2.htm">Cypress</a> <a href="/zechariah/3-3.htm">Dressed</a> <a href="/matthew/17-5.htm">Enveloped</a> <a href="/nahum/3-11.htm">Fighting</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-2.htm">Fir</a> <a href="/nahum/3-13.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/1_kings/5-10.htm">Fir-Trees</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-5.htm">Flame</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-5.htm">Flames</a> <a href="/zechariah/12-6.htm">Flaming</a> <a href="/nahum/3-3.htm">Flash</a> <a href="/matthew/24-27.htm">Flashes</a> <a href="/nahum/3-3.htm">Flashing</a> <a href="/nahum/3-2.htm">Horses</a> <a href="/nahum/2-5.htm">March</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-18.htm">Metal</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-12.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/numbers/21-23.htm">Mustered</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-16.htm">Pine</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-8.htm">Prance</a> <a href="/matthew/22-4.htm">Preparation</a> <a href="/nahum/2-5.htm">Prepared</a> <a href="/genesis/27-3.htm">Quiver</a> <a href="/nahum/2-5.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/zechariah/1-8.htm">Red</a> <a href="/matthew/27-28.htm">Scarlet</a> <a href="/nahum/3-12.htm">Shaken</a> <a href="/nahum/2-10.htm">Shaking</a> <a href="/nahum/2-5.htm">Shield</a> <a href="/exodus/35-12.htm">Shields</a> <a href="/nahum/3-3.htm">Spears</a> <a href="/revelation/9-9.htm">Steel</a> <a href="/matthew/15-22.htm">Terribly</a> <a href="/nahum/2-4.htm">Torches</a> <a href="/nahum/3-12.htm">Trees</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-34.htm">Valiant</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-14.htm">Warriors</a><div class="vheading2">Nahum 2</div>1. <a href="/nahum/2-1.htm">The fearful and victorious armies of God against Nineveh.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>The shields of his mighty men are red; The color red in ancient warfare often symbolized blood and violence, indicating the ferocity and intensity of the battle. Shields painted red could also serve to intimidate the enemy. In the context of Nahum, this imagery is part of the prophecy against Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, known for its military might. The "mighty men" refers to the elite soldiers of the Assyrian army, renowned for their strength and skill in battle. This phrase highlights the impending doom and the fierce nature of the attackers who will bring judgment upon Nineveh.the valiant warriors are dressed in scarlet. Scarlet clothing was often associated with wealth and power, but in a military context, it could also signify readiness for battle. The use of scarlet here emphasizes the preparedness and valor of the attacking forces. Historically, the Medes and Babylonians, who were instrumental in the fall of Nineveh, were known for their formidable armies. This phrase underscores the divine orchestration of events leading to Nineveh's downfall, as prophesied by Nahum.The fittings of the chariots flash like fire on the day they are prepared, Chariots were a crucial component of ancient warfare, symbolizing speed and strength. The description of the chariots flashing like fire suggests both the brilliance and the destructive power of the invading forces. This imagery conveys the swift and overwhelming nature of the attack. The "day they are prepared" indicates a specific time appointed by God for Nineveh's judgment, aligning with the prophetic theme of divine retribution found throughout the book of Nahum.and the spears of cypress have been brandished. Cypress wood was valued for its durability and strength, making it an ideal material for crafting weapons. The brandishing of spears signifies the readiness and aggression of the attackers. This detail highlights the thorough preparation and determination of the forces coming against Nineveh. The use of cypress also connects to the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty over nations, as He uses various peoples and means to accomplish His purposes, as seen in other prophetic books like Isaiah and Jeremiah.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/n/nahum.htm">Nahum</a> A prophet whose name means "comfort" or "consolation." He prophesied the downfall of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, which was a significant oppressor of Israel. 2. <a href="/topical/n/nineveh.htm">Nineveh</a> The capital city of the Assyrian Empire, known for its great power and cruelty. It was a symbol of human pride and opposition to God. 3. <a href="/topical/a/assyrian_warriors.htm">Assyrian Warriors</a> The military forces of Nineveh, known for their strength and brutality. They are depicted in this verse as being well-prepared for battle. 4. <a href="/topical/c/chariots.htm">Chariots</a> A symbol of military might and technological advancement in ancient warfare. The chariots in this verse are described as being ready for battle. 5. <a href="/topical/c/cypress_spears.htm">Cypress Spears</a> Weapons used by the Assyrian army, made from the durable wood of the cypress tree, symbolizing strength and readiness for war.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_nations.htm">God's Sovereignty Over Nations</a> <a href="/nahum/2-3.htm">Nahum 2:3</a> reminds us that God is in control of the rise and fall of nations. No matter how powerful a nation may seem, it is ultimately subject to God's will. <a href="/topical/t/the_certainty_of_divine_justice.htm">The Certainty of Divine Justice</a> The vivid imagery of warriors and chariots underscores the certainty of God's judgment against those who oppose Him. This serves as a reminder that God's justice will prevail. <a href="/topical/p/preparation_for_spiritual_battle.htm">Preparation for Spiritual Battle</a> Just as the Assyrian warriors are prepared for physical battle, Christians are called to be spiritually prepared, putting on the full armor of God as described in <a href="/ephesians/6-10.htm">Ephesians 6:10-18</a>. <a href="/topical/t/the_futility_of_human_pride.htm">The Futility of Human Pride</a> The description of Nineveh's military might highlights the futility of relying on human strength and pride. True security is found in humility and reliance on God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_nahum_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Nahum 2</a> <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> <a href="/q/what's_nahum's_main_theme.htm">What is the main theme of the Book of Nahum?</a> <a href="/q/how_reconcile_nahum_2_13_with_history.htm">If Nahum 2:13 attributes the city’s fall to divine judgment, how do we reconcile that with purely political or military explanations from historical sources?</a> <a href="/q/how_is_god_a_shield_despite_natural_laws.htm">How can Psalm 3:3 describe God as a literal shield if such protection contradicts observable natural laws?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/nahum/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) His mighty men.--That is, those of the besieger of <a href="/nahum/2-1.htm" title="He that dashes in pieces is come up before your face: keep the fortification, watch the way, make your loins strong, fortify your power mightily.">Nahum 2:1</a>.Made red.--That is, with blood; not with reference to the bright red copper, which was the material of the shield, for the word usually means "dyed red."In scarlet.--Red was the favourite colour, not only of the Medes, from whom Xenophon says the Persians obtained their purple tunics, but also of the Babylonians; compare the description in <a href="/context/ezekiel/23-14.htm" title="And that she increased her prostitutions: for when she saw men portrayed on the wall, the images of the Chaldeans portrayed with vermilion,">Ezekiel 23:14-15</a>, and Layard's Nineveh, p. 347. Both Medes and Babylonians were engaged in the present siege. The rest of the verse runs, the chariots are [equipped] with flashing steel in the day of his preparation, and the cypress lances are brandished. The "flashing steel" may refer to ornaments of this material attached to the chariot, or, as we incline to think, to scythes or sharp instruments fastened to the wheels. Some form of this weapon may well have been in use long before the present date. Xenophon relates that Cyrus was the first to introduce the scythe-chariot. Ctesias, however, speaks of it as of much earlier origin. The older Hebrew commentators render this word p'ladoth, "torches," as in the Authorised Version. With this rendering, the swiftly-moving war-chariots are likened to flashing torches, as they are in the next verse.<a href="/context/nahum/2-4.htm" title="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.">Nahum 2:4-5</a> describe the state of the city while sustaining this siege. There is a slight contrast between this portraiture and that of <a href="/nahum/2-3.htm" title="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.">Nahum 2:3</a>, which has been made the most of by Kleinert. "Without, God arranges His hosts; within is the disorder of wild terror: without, a steady approach against the city; within, a frantic rushing hither and thither: without, a joyful splendour; within, a deadly paleness, like torch-light." The last part of <a href="/nahum/2-4.htm" title="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.">Nahum 2:4</a> is thus made a description of the aspect of the Ninevites, not their chariots. This appears to us a fanciful interpretation. In its behalf, the description of a panic in <a href="/isaiah/13-8.htm" title="And they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman that travails: they shall be amazed one at another; their faces shall be as flames.">Isaiah 13:8</a> has been adduced: "They shall be amazed one at another; their faces shall be as flames." But it is obviously better to restrict the reference throughout to the chariots of the besieged city, darting hither and thither in wild undisciplined attempts to resist the invader's onset. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/nahum/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 3. - The prophet describes, as though himself an eyewitness, the army advancing against Nineveh. The shield of his mighty men is made red. "His heroes" may be either God's heroes, as sent by him to war against the evil city, or those of the "dasher in pieces" of ver. 1. The shields of the early Assyrians were usually circular or oval in shape, formed of wicker work, with a central boss of wood or metal. In the latest period they were made straight at bottom and rounded only at top (Rawlinson's 'Anc. Mon.,' 1:440). Some bronze shields have been brought to England from Nineveh; these are circular, about two feet and a half in diameter, the rim bending inwards, and forming a deep groove round the edge. The handles are of iron, and fastened by six bosses or nails, the heads of which form an ornament on the outer face of the shield (Layard, 'Discoveries,' p. 194). There were used also in sieges tall oblong shields, sufficient to protect the entire body, constructed of wicker work or the hides of animals (Bonomi, 'Nineveh and its Discoveries,' p. 320, etc.). The shields are said to be "made red," either because they were really so coloured (though the monuments have not confirmed this opinion), or else because of the polished copper with which they were sometimes covered (Josephus, 'Ant.,' 13:12. 5). Septuagint, pointing differently, ὅπλα δυναστείας αὐτῶν ἐξ ἀνθρώπων, "the arms of their power from among men." Are in scarlet. The word rendered "scarlet" is found nowhere else. Septuagint, mistaking the word, ἐμπαίζοντας ἐν πυρί, "sporting in fire:" Vulgate, in coccineis. It is derived from the term applied to the coccus, or worm which was used in dyeing to give to cloth a deep scarlet colour (Henderson). Some have seen in the colour of the soldiers' garments an emblem of the Divine wrath of which they were the appointed ministers. This colour was much affected by combatants in old times as in modern days. Professor Edwards quotes Aelian, 'Var. Hist.' 6:6, "it was necessary to enter into battle clothed in purple, that the colour might denote a certain dignity, and if drops of blood from wounds were sprinkled on it, it became terrible to the enemy" (comp. Xen., 'Cyrop.,' 1:3, 2). Red or purple seems to have been the favourite colour of the Medea and Babylonians (<a href="/ezekiel/23-14.htm">Ezekiel 23:14</a>), blue or violet that of the Assyrians (<a href="/ezekiel/23-6.htm">Ezekiel 23:6</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/28-23.htm">Ezekiel 28:23</a>, etc.) (Orelli). The chariots shall be with flaming torches; literally, are with fire of steels; i.e. flash with steel, and so the clause should be translated, as in the Revised Version. Commentators generally refer the description to the steel bosses of the wheels; but the Assyrian chariots (and those of the Medes and Chaldeans were not dissimilar) were conspicuous for shining metal, hung round with gleaming weapons and figures of the heavenly bodies, carrying bright armed warriors, the homes covered with trappings, which flashed under the sunshine, and fastened to poles of glittering steel. There is no trace in the monuments of chariots armed with scythes, which seem to have been unknown before the time of Cyrus. They are first mentioned in 2 Macc. 13:2 (see Livy, 37:41). The word peladoth, translated "torches," is an ἅπαξ λεγόμενον. The LXX. renders it, αἱ ἡνίαι, "the reins," whence Jerome obtained his version, igneae habenae curruum; but it means, "things made of iron or steel,"and by critics uninstructed in monumental discoveries was naturally referred to the scythes with which chariots were armed in later times, instead of to the gleaming metal with which they were adorned. In the day of his preparation. When the Lord marshals the host for battle, as <a href="/isaiah/13-4.htm">Isaiah 13:4</a>. The fir trees shall be terribly shaken, i.e. the spears with their fir or cypress shafts are brandished. So Homer often calls the spear "the ash," from the material of which the handle was made (comp. 'Il.,' 16:143; 22:225, etc.). The Septuagint rendering is very far from the present text, Οἱ ἱππεῖς θορυβηθήσονται, "The horsemen shall be thrown into confusion." Nor is the Vulgate any better, Agitatores cosopiti sunt, which is explained to mean that the invaders are so carried away by their courage and fury, that they act as if intoxicated. "Sensus utique non spernedus," says a Roman Catholic commentator, "at unum desidero, ut scil. ex verbo ipso fluat" - which is certainly not the case. The text is possibly corrupt, and might be corrected from the Septuagint. Certainly there seems to be no other passage in the Hebrew Scriptures where the metaphor of "cypress" is used for "a spear." After the mention of the chariots, it is not unnatural that the writer should proceed, "and the riders are in active motion," urging their horses with hand and whip and gesture (see Knabenbauer, in loc.). <a href="/commentaries/nahum/2-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>The shields מָגֵ֨ן (mā·ḡên) Noun - common singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4043.htm">Strong's 4043: </a> A shield, a protector, the scaly hide of the crocodile of his mighty men גִּבֹּרֵ֜יהוּ (gib·bō·rê·hū) Adjective - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1368.htm">Strong's 1368: </a> Powerful, warrior, tyrant are red; מְאָדָּ֗ם (mə·’ād·dām) Verb - Pual - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_119.htm">Strong's 119: </a> Flush, turn rosy the valiant warriors אַנְשֵׁי־ (’an·šê-) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person are dressed in scarlet. מְתֻלָּעִ֔ים (mə·ṯul·lā·‘îm) Verb - Pual - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8529.htm">Strong's 8529: </a> To crimson, dye that color The fittings פְּלָד֥וֹת (pə·lā·ḏō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6393.htm">Strong's 6393: </a> A cleaver, iron armature of the chariots הָרֶ֖כֶב (hā·re·ḵeḇ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7393.htm">Strong's 7393: </a> A vehicle, a team, cavalry, a rider, the upper millstone flash like fire בְּאֵשׁ־ (bə·’êš-) Preposition-b | Noun - common singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_784.htm">Strong's 784: </a> A fire on the day בְּי֣וֹם (bə·yō·wm) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day they are prepared, הֲכִינ֑וֹ (hă·ḵî·nōw) Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3559.htm">Strong's 3559: </a> To be erect and the spears of cypress וְהַבְּרֹשִׁ֖ים (wə·hab·bə·rō·šîm) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1265.htm">Strong's 1265: </a> A cypress, tree, a lance, a musical instrument have been brandished. הָרְעָֽלוּ׃ (hā·rə·‘ā·lū) Verb - Hofal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7477.htm">Strong's 7477: </a> To quiver, shake, reel <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/nahum/2-3.htm">Nahum 2:3 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/nahum/2-3.htm">Nahum 2:3 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/nahum/2-3.htm">Nahum 2:3 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/nahum/2-3.htm">Nahum 2:3 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/nahum/2-3.htm">Nahum 2:3 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/nahum/2-3.htm">Nahum 2:3 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/nahum/2-3.htm">Nahum 2:3 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/nahum/2-3.htm">Nahum 2:3 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/nahum/2-3.htm">Nahum 2:3 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/nahum/2-3.htm">Nahum 2:3 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/nahum/2-3.htm">OT Prophets: Nahum 2:3 The shield of his mighty men (Nah. Na) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/nahum/2-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Nahum 2:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Nahum 2:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/nahum/2-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Nahum 2:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Nahum 2:4" /></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>