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Work the clay, tread the mortar, repair the brickwork!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/nahum/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Get ready for the siege! Store up water! Strengthen the defenses! Go into the pits to trample clay, and pack it into molds, making bricks to repair the walls.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/nahum/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Draw water for the siege; strengthen your forts; go into the clay; tread the mortar; take hold of the brick mold!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/nahum/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Draw your water for the siege; strengthen your fortresses. Work the clay and tread the mortar; repair the brick kiln!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/nahum/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Draw thee waters for the siege, fortify thy strong holds: go into clay, and tread the morter, make strong the brickkiln.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/nahum/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Draw your water for the siege! Fortify your strongholds! Go into the clay and tread the mortar! Make strong the brick kiln!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/nahum/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Draw for yourself water for a siege! Strengthen your fortifications! Go into the clay and tread the mortar! Take hold of the brick mold!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/nahum/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Draw for yourself water for the siege! Strengthen your fortifications! Go into the clay and tread the mortar! Take hold of the brick mold!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/nahum/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Draw for yourself water for the siege! Strengthen your fortifications! Go into the clay and tread the mortar! Take hold of the brick mold!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/nahum/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Draw for yourself water for the siege! Strengthen your fortifications! Go into the clay and tread the mortar! Take hold of the brick mold!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/nahum/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Draw water for a [long, continued] siege! Strengthen your fortresses! Go down to the clay pits, trample the mortar! Prepare the brick kiln [to burn bricks for the rampart]!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/nahum/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Draw water for the siege; strengthen your fortresses. Step into the clay and tread the mortar; take hold of the brick-mold!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/nahum/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Draw water for the siege; strengthen your fortresses. Step into the clay and tread the mortar; take hold of the brick-mold! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/nahum/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Draw thee water for the siege; strengthen thy fortresses; go into the clay, and tread the mortar; make strong the brickkiln.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/nahum/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Your city is under attack. Haul in extra water! Strengthen your defenses! Start making bricks! Stir the mortar! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/nahum/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Draw thee water for the siege, strengthen thy fortresses: go into the clay, and tread the mortar, make strong the brickkiln.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/nahum/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Store water for the siege! Strengthen your defenses! Step into the claypits and trample the clay! Grab the brick mold!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/nahum/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Draw water to prepare for a siege, and strengthen your fortresses! Trample the clay to make bricks, and get the brick molds ready! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/nahum/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Draw water, because a siege is coming! Strengthen your fortresses! Make the clay good and strong! Mix the mortar! Go get your brick molds! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/nahum/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Draw your water for the siege; strengthen your fortresses. Work the clay and tread the mortar; repair the brick kiln!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/nahum/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Draw yourselves water for a siege! Strengthen your fortifications! Trample the mud and tread the clay! Make mud bricks to strengthen your walls! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/nahum/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Draw water for the siege. Strengthen your fortresses. Go into the clay, and tread the mortar. Make the brick kiln strong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/nahum/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Draw thee waters for the siege, fortify thy strong holds: go into clay, and tread the mortar, make strong the brick-kiln.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/nahum/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Draw water for the siege. Strengthen your fortresses. Go into the clay, and tread the mortar. Make the brick kiln strong. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/nahum/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Waters of a siege draw for yourself, "" Strengthen your fortresses, "" Enter into mire, and tread on clay, "" Make strong a brick-kiln.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/nahum/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Waters of a siege draw for thyself, Strengthen thy fortresses, Enter into mire, and tread on clay, Make strong a brick-kiln.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/nahum/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Draw the water of the siege to thee, strengthen thy fortresses go into clay, tread upon the clay, hold fast from the brick.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/nahum/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Draw thee water for the siege, build up thy bulwarks: go into the clay, and tread, work it and make brick. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/nahum/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Draw in water because of the blockade; build up your fortresses. Go into the clay and tread; work it to make brick.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/nahum/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Draw water for the siege, strengthen your fortresses; Go down into the mud and tread the clay, take hold of the brick mold! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/nahum/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Draw water for the siege, strengthen your forts; trample the clay, tread the mortar, take hold of the brick mold!<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/nahum/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Draw water for the siege, fortify your strongholds; mix the clay, tread the mortar, strengthen the foundations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/nahum/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Draw for yourself water in the siege and strengthen your fortified cities; bring in mud and tread in clay and strengthen counsel<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/nahum/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Draw thee water for the siege, Strengthen thy fortresses; Go into the clay, and tread the mortar, Lay hold of the brickmould.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/nahum/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Draw thee water for a siege, and well secure thy strong-holds: enter into the clay, and be thou trodden in the chaff, make <i>the fortifications</i> stronger than brick.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/nahum/3-14.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=445" 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/3.htm">Judgment Against Nineveh</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">13</span>Look at your troops—they are like your women! The gates of your land are wide open to your enemies; fire consumes their bars. <span class="reftext">14</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7579.htm" title="7579: ša·’ă·ḇî- (V-Qal-Imp-fs) -- To draw (water). A primitive root; to bale up water.">Draw</a> <a href="/hebrew/lāḵ (Prep:: 2fs) -- ">your</a> <a href="/hebrew/4325.htm" title="4325: mê (N-mpc) -- Waters, water. Dual of a primitive noun; water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen.">water</a> <a href="/hebrew/4692.htm" title="4692: mā·ṣō·wr (N-ms) -- Siege enclosure, siege, entrenchment. Or matsuwr; from tsuwr; something hemming in, i.e. a mound, a siege, distress; or a fastness.">for the siege;</a> <a href="/hebrew/2388.htm" title="2388: ḥaz·zə·qî (V-Piel-Imp-fs) -- A primitive root; to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong, obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer.">strengthen</a> <a href="/hebrew/4013.htm" title="4013: miḇ·ṣā·rā·yiḵ (N-mpc:: 2fs) -- Fortification. Also feminine mibtsarah; from batsar; a fortification, castle, or fortified city; figuratively, a defender.">your fortresses.</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: bō·’î (V-Qal-Imp-fs) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">Work</a> <a href="/hebrew/2916.htm" title="2916: ḇaṭ·ṭîṭ (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- Mud, mire, clay. From an unused root meaning apparently to be sticky; mud or clay; figuratively, calamity.">the clay</a> <a href="/hebrew/7429.htm" title="7429: wə·rim·sî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-fs) -- To trample. A primitive root; to tread upon.">and tread</a> <a href="/hebrew/2563.htm" title="2563: ḇa·ḥō·mer (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- From chamar; properly, a bubbling up, i.e. Of water, a wave; of earth, mire or clay; also a heap; hence, a chomer or dry measure.">the mortar;</a> <a href="/hebrew/2388.htm" title="2388: ha·ḥă·zî·qî (V-Hifil-Imp-fs) -- A primitive root; to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong, obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer.">repair</a> <a href="/hebrew/4404.htm" title="4404: mal·bên (N-ms) -- A brick mold, quadrangle. From laban; a brick-kiln.">the brick kiln!</a> </span><span class="reftext">15</span>There the fire will devour you; the sword will cut you down and consume you like a young locust. Make yourself many like the young locust; make yourself many like the swarming locust!…<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="/isaiah/22-11.htm">Isaiah 22:11</a></span><br />You built a reservoir between the walls for the waters of the ancient pool, but you did not look to the One who made it, or consider Him who planned it long ago.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/46-3.htm">Jeremiah 46:3-4</a></span><br />“Deploy your shields, small and large; advance for battle! / Harness the horses; mount the steeds; take your positions with helmets on! Polish your spears; put on armor!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/4-9.htm">Ezekiel 4:9</a></span><br />But take wheat, barley, beans, lentils, millet, and spelt; put them in a single container and make them into bread for yourself. This is what you are to eat during the 390 days you lie on your side.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/20-20.htm">2 Kings 20:20</a></span><br />As for the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, along with all his might and how he constructed the pool and the tunnel to bring water into the city, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/30-1.htm">Isaiah 30:1</a></span><br />“Woe to the rebellious children,” declares the LORD, “to those who carry out a plan that is not Mine, who form an alliance, but against My will, heaping up sin upon sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/51-12.htm">Jeremiah 51:12</a></span><br />Raise a banner against the walls of Babylon; post the guard; station the watchmen; prepare the ambush. For the LORD has both devised and accomplished what He spoke against the people of Babylon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/21-9.htm">Ezekiel 21:9-10</a></span><br />“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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/8-9.htm">Isaiah 8:9-10</a></span><br />Huddle together, O peoples, and be shattered; pay attention, all you distant lands; prepare for battle, and be shattered; prepare for battle, and be shattered! / Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted; state a proposal, but it will not happen. For God is with us.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/46-14.htm">Jeremiah 46:14</a></span><br />“Announce it in Egypt, and proclaim it in Migdol; proclaim it in Memphis and Tahpanhes: ‘Take your positions and prepare yourself, for the sword devours those around you.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/21-15.htm">Ezekiel 21:15-16</a></span><br />So that their hearts may melt and many may stumble, I have appointed at all their gates a sword for slaughter. Yes, it is ready to flash like lightning; it is drawn for slaughter. / Slash to the right; set your blade to the left—wherever your blade is directed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/22-8.htm">Isaiah 22:8-10</a></span><br />He has uncovered the defenses of Judah. On that day you looked to the weapons in the House of the Forest. / You saw that there were many breaches in the walls of the City of David. You collected water from the lower pool. / You counted the houses of Jerusalem and tore them down to strengthen the wall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/51-11.htm">Jeremiah 51:11</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/21-19.htm">Ezekiel 21:19-20</a></span><br />“Now you, son of man, mark out two roads for the sword of the king of Babylon to take, both starting from the same land. And make a signpost where the road branches off to each city. / Mark out one road for the sword to come against Rabbah of the Ammonites, and another against Judah into fortified Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/31-5.htm">Isaiah 31:5</a></span><br />Like birds hovering overhead, so the LORD of Hosts will protect Jerusalem. He will shield it and deliver it; He will pass over it and preserve it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/46-9.htm">Jeremiah 46:9</a></span><br />Advance, O horses! Race furiously, O chariots! Let the warriors come forth—Cush and Put carrying their shields, men of Lydia drawing the bow.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Draw you waters for the siege, fortify your strong holds: go into clay, and tread the mortar, make strong the brick kiln.</p><p class="hdg">Draw.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/32-3.htm">2 Chronicles 32:3,4,11</a></b></br> He took counsel with his princes and his mighty men to stop the waters of the fountains which <i>were</i> without the city: and they did help him… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/22-9.htm">Isaiah 22:9-11</a></b></br> Ye have seen also the breaches of the city of David, that they are many: and ye gathered together the waters of the lower pool… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/37-25.htm">Isaiah 37:25</a></b></br> I have digged, and drunk water; and with the sole of my feet have I dried up all the rivers of the besieged places.</p><p class="hdg">fortify.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nahum/2-1.htm">Nahum 2:1</a></b></br> He that dasheth in pieces is come up before thy face: keep the munition, watch the way, make <i>thy</i> loins strong, fortify <i>thy</i> power mightily.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/8-9.htm">Isaiah 8:9</a></b></br> Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries: gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/46-3.htm">Jeremiah 46:3,4,9</a></b></br> Order ye the buckler and shield, and draw near to battle… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezekiel/4-1.htm">Brick</a> <a href="/jeremiah/43-9.htm">Brickkiln</a> <a href="/jeremiah/43-9.htm">Brick-Kiln</a> <a href="/daniel/2-45.htm">Clay</a> <a href="/amos/3-11.htm">Defenses</a> <a href="/nahum/1-13.htm">Draw</a> <a href="/nahum/2-13.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/nahum/1-15.htm">Feet</a> <a href="/nahum/3-12.htm">Fortifications</a> <a href="/nahum/2-1.htm">Fortify</a> <a href="/nahum/3-12.htm">Fortresses</a> <a href="/ezekiel/33-27.htm">Forts</a> <a href="/nahum/1-7.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/nahum/3-12.htm">Holds</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-31.htm">Kiln</a> <a href="/micah/7-16.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/ezekiel/22-28.htm">Mortar</a> <a href="/ezekiel/22-28.htm">Morter</a> <a href="/daniel/2-41.htm">Potter's</a> <a href="/amos/9-11.htm">Repair</a> <a href="/amos/8-2.htm">Shut</a> <a href="/micah/5-1.htm">Siege</a> <a href="/ezekiel/25-6.htm">Stamping</a> <a href="/nahum/2-1.htm">Strengthen</a> <a href="/nahum/3-12.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/nahum/1-9.htm">Time</a> <a href="/micah/7-12.htm">Towns</a> <a href="/micah/7-19.htm">Tread</a> <a href="/nahum/3-8.htm">Water</a> <a href="/nahum/3-8.htm">Waters</a> <a href="/micah/5-13.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/11-3.htm">Brick</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-31.htm">Brickkiln</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-31.htm">Brick-Kiln</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-6.htm">Clay</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/11-11.htm">Defenses</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-2.htm">Draw</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-6.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-5.htm">Feet</a> <a href="/numbers/13-19.htm">Fortifications</a> <a href="/judges/9-31.htm">Fortify</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-4.htm">Fortresses</a> <a href="/2_kings/25-1.htm">Forts</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-10.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/matthew/10-22.htm">Holds</a> <a href="/exodus/9-8.htm">Kiln</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-13.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-11.htm">Mortar</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-25.htm">Morter</a> <a href="/matthew/27-7.htm">Potter's</a> <a href="/matthew/23-29.htm">Repair</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-2.htm">Shut</a> <a href="/zechariah/12-2.htm">Siege</a> <a href="/esther/8-8.htm">Stamping</a> <a href="/zechariah/10-6.htm">Strengthen</a> <a href="/nahum/3-18.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-3.htm">Time</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-16.htm">Towns</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-12.htm">Tread</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-10.htm">Water</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-14.htm">Waters</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-5.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Nahum 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/nahum/3-1.htm">The destruction of 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/3.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/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Draw your water for the siege;</b><br>In ancient warfare, a siege involved surrounding a city to cut off supplies and force surrender. Water was a critical resource, and cities often had to secure their water supply in preparation for a siege. This phrase suggests urgency and preparation, indicating that Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, should prepare for an impending attack. Historically, Nineveh was known for its impressive fortifications, but the call to draw water highlights the vulnerability even of the strongest cities when faced with divine judgment. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty over nations, as seen in other prophetic books like Isaiah and Jeremiah.<p><b>strengthen your fortresses.</b><br>The fortresses of Nineveh were renowned for their strength, with massive walls and defensive structures. However, the command to strengthen them implies that their current state is insufficient against the coming judgment. This serves as a metaphor for the futility of relying on human strength and defenses against God's will. The Bible often contrasts human efforts with divine power, as seen in Psalms and Proverbs, emphasizing that true security comes from God alone.<p><b>Work the clay and tread the mortar;</b><br>This phrase refers to the process of making bricks, a common practice in ancient Mesopotamian construction. The imagery of working clay and treading mortar suggests a frantic effort to repair and reinforce the city's defenses. It highlights the labor-intensive nature of preparing for a siege and the desperation of a city under threat. This can be seen as a parallel to the spiritual labor required to build a life on a firm foundation, as Jesus teaches in the parable of the wise and foolish builders in the Gospels.<p><b>repair the brick kiln!</b><br>The brick kiln was essential for producing the bricks used in construction. Repairing it indicates a need to ensure the means of production are functional, underscoring the urgency and seriousness of the situation. This reflects the broader biblical theme of preparation and readiness, as seen in the parables of Jesus about being prepared for the coming of the Kingdom of God. The call to repair the kiln also symbolizes the need for repentance and spiritual renewal, as the people of Nineveh are urged to recognize their impending doom and turn from their ways.<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 wealth but also for its wickedness and cruelty. Nahum prophesies its downfall.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/n/nahum.htm">Nahum</a></b><br>A prophet who delivers God's message of judgment against Nineveh, emphasizing God's justice and sovereignty.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/a/assyrian_empire.htm">Assyrian Empire</a></b><br>A dominant ancient empire known for its military prowess and harsh treatment of conquered peoples. It is the target of Nahum's prophecy.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/siege.htm">Siege</a></b><br>A military tactic where a city is surrounded and cut off from supplies, often leading to its eventual capture. Nahum uses this imagery to describe Nineveh's impending doom.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/b/brick_kiln.htm">Brick Kiln</a></b><br>A place where bricks are made and hardened. The reference to repairing the brick kiln symbolizes the futility of Nineveh's efforts to fortify itself against God's judgment.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_inevitability_of_god's_judgment.htm">The Inevitability of God's Judgment</a></b><br>Despite human efforts to fortify and protect, God's judgment is inescapable when a nation or individual stands against Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_futility_of_human_efforts_without_god.htm">The Futility of Human Efforts Without God</a></b><br>Nineveh's attempts to strengthen its defenses illustrate the futility of relying on human strength and wisdom apart from God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preparation_and_repentance.htm">Preparation and Repentance</a></b><br>While Nineveh is called to prepare for siege, the deeper call is for repentance and turning back to God, which they fail to heed.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_nations.htm">God's Sovereignty Over Nations</a></b><br>The prophecy against Nineveh serves as a reminder of God's control over the rise and fall of nations, encouraging trust in His ultimate plan.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_spiritual_foundations.htm">The Importance of Spiritual Foundations</a></b><br>Just as physical fortifications are insufficient without God's protection, spiritual lives must be built on the foundation of Christ.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_nahum_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Nahum 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_ezekiel_26_conflict_with_tyre's_fate.htm">Does the prophecy in Ezekiel 26 conflict with accounts in other books of the Bible that reference Tyre's continued trading and influence after its supposed destruction?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_nahum_1_relevant_today.htm">If Nahum 1’s prophecies apply to ancient Nineveh’s destruction, why should modern believers consider this chapter relevant or authoritative?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_tyre_exist_if_never_rebuilt.htm">If Ezekiel 26:14 declares that Tyre 'shall never be rebuilt,' how do we reconcile this with the modern city of Tyre still existing today?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_findings_confirm_ezekiel_14_13-21.htm">Are there any archaeological findings that confirm the severe judgments (famine, wild beasts, sword, plague) predicted in Ezekiel 14:13-21?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/nahum/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(14) <span class= "bld">Draw thee waters.</span>--In this desperate plight Nineveh is scoffingly advised to protract her resistance. The outer walls are broken down; let her hold out in the citadel. Nay, let her begin anew her preparations for defence. Let her lay in water and provision, and build new buttresses of brick. What shall it avail her? In the midst of her preparations, fire and sword shall again surprise her. The account of this last struggle for existence is minute. Nahum goes back to the repair of the brick-kiln, just as Isaiah, in his description of idol-worship, goes back to the smith working with the tongs, and the carpenter measuring with his rule (<a href="/isaiah/44-12.htm" title="The smith with the tongs both works in the coals, and fashions it with hammers, and works it with the strength of his arms: yes, he is hungry, and his strength fails: he drinks no water, and is faint.">Isaiah 44:12</a>, <span class= "ital">seq.</span>)<span class= "ital">.</span> In both cases the irony gains force by a minute and elaborate description of operations destined to be futile.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/nahum/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 14-19.</span> - § 3. <span class="accented">In spite of all its efforts and all its resources, Nineveh shall meet with a terrible end.</span> <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 14.</span> - Nahum ironically bids the Ninevites prepare for the siege they were about to sustain. <span class="cmt_word">Draw thee waters for the siege.</span> The drinking water necessary for a long siege is meant. This injunction is not particularly applicable to Nineveh, which from its situation was abundantly supplied with water, unless there was danger that the enemy would divert the courses of the rivers. But the warning would come home with peculiar force to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, among whom Nahum prophesied (<a href="/2_kings/20-20.htm">2 Kings 20:20</a>; <a href="/isaiah/22-11.htm">Isaiah 22:11</a>; <a href="/isaiah/30-20.htm">Isaiah 30:20</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Fortify thy strong holds</span>; <span class="accented">strengthen thy fortresses.</span> Repair all defects in thy defences (<a href="/2_chronicles/11-11.htm">2 Chronicles 11:11</a>). The mode of doing this in the Assyrian fashion is then denoted. <span class="cmt_word">Go into clay, and tread the mortar.</span> The soil round Nineveh was of a tenacious quality; and when moistened with water and kneaded either with feet or hands, with the addition usually of a little chopped straw, was easily formed into bricks. These, even without the aid of fire, became dry and hard in the course of a few days. But it is plain from the investigations of ruins that the Assyrians used both kiln-baked and sun-dried bricks, though the mass of the walls was usually composed of the latter, the more durable material being employed merely as an accessory (see Bouomi, 'Nineveh and its Palaces,' p. 9; Layard, 'Nineveh,' 2:252). Xenophon, 'Anab.,' 3:4. 11, speaks of the brick wall (<span class="greek">πλίνθινον τεῖχος</span>) of a town he calls Mespila. <span class="cmt_word">Make strong the brick kiln.</span> There is an uncertainty about the meaning of the last word (<span class="accented">malben</span>), which occurs only in two other places (<a href="/2_samuel/12-31.htm">2 Samuel 12:31</a> and <a href="/jeremiah/43-9.htm">Jeremiah 43:9</a>). In the latter passage it may possibly mean "a square" or "open quadrangle." Jerome has, <span class="accented">tene laterem</span>; the LXX., <span class="greek">κατακράτησον ὑπερ πλίνθον</span> "make them strong above (equivalent to 'stronger than') brick," connecting it with the following verse. Some translate it, "brick mould." If the Anglican Version is correct, the prophet bids them repair their kilns, unused in the days of prosperity, when they had no need to look to the security of their walls. Virtually the same sense is elicited by rendering, "lay hold of the brick mould." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/nahum/3-14.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">Draw</span><br /><span class="heb">שַֽׁאֲבִי־</span> <span class="translit">(ša·’ă·ḇî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7579.htm">Strong's 7579: </a> </span><span class="str2">To bale up water</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your</span><br /><span class="heb">לָ֔ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(lāḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | second person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">water</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵ֤י</span> <span class="translit">(mê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4325.htm">Strong's 4325: </a> </span><span class="str2">Water, juice, urine, semen</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for the siege;</span><br /><span class="heb">מָצוֹר֙</span> <span class="translit">(mā·ṣō·wr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4692.htm">Strong's 4692: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something hemming in, a mound, a siege, distress, a fastness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">strengthen</span><br /><span class="heb">חַזְּקִ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(ḥaz·zə·qî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperative - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2388.htm">Strong's 2388: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your fortresses.</span><br /><span class="heb">מִבְצָרָ֑יִךְ</span> <span class="translit">(miḇ·ṣā·rā·yiḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | second person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4013.htm">Strong's 4013: </a> </span><span class="str2">A fortification, castle, fortified city, a defender</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Work</span><br /><span class="heb">בֹּ֧אִי</span> <span class="translit">(bō·’î)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the clay</span><br /><span class="heb">בַטִּ֛יט</span> <span class="translit">(ḇaṭ·ṭîṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2916.htm">Strong's 2916: </a> </span><span class="str2">Mud, clay, calamity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and tread</span><br /><span class="heb">וְרִמְסִ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(wə·rim·sî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7429.htm">Strong's 7429: </a> </span><span class="str2">To tread upon</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the mortar;</span><br /><span class="heb">בַחֹ֖מֶר</span> <span class="translit">(ḇa·ḥō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2563.htm">Strong's 2563: </a> </span><span class="str2">A bubbling up, of water, a wave, of earth, mire, clay, a heap, a chomer, dry measure</span><br /><br /><span class="word">repair</span><br /><span class="heb">הַחֲזִ֥יקִי</span> <span class="translit">(ha·ḥă·zî·qî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperative - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2388.htm">Strong's 2388: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the brick [kiln]!</span><br /><span class="heb">מַלְבֵּֽן׃</span> <span class="translit">(mal·bên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4404.htm">Strong's 4404: </a> </span><span class="str2">A brick mold, quadrangle</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/nahum/3-14.htm">Nahum 3:14 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/nahum/3-14.htm">Nahum 3:14 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/nahum/3-14.htm">Nahum 3:14 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/nahum/3-14.htm">Nahum 3:14 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/nahum/3-14.htm">Nahum 3:14 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/nahum/3-14.htm">Nahum 3:14 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/nahum/3-14.htm">Nahum 3:14 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/nahum/3-14.htm">Nahum 3:14 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/nahum/3-14.htm">Nahum 3:14 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/nahum/3-14.htm">Nahum 3:14 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/nahum/3-14.htm">OT Prophets: Nahum 3:14 Draw water for the siege (Nah. Na) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/nahum/3-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Nahum 3:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Nahum 3:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/nahum/3-15.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Nahum 3:15"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Nahum 3:15" /></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>