Nahum 3:15 - Meaning and Interpretation

Nahum 3:15 is a passage that encapsulates the theme of divine judgment against the city of Nineveh. This verse reads, "There shall the fire devour thee; the sword shall cut thee off: it shall eat thee up like the cankerworm: make thyself many as the cankerworm; make thyself many as the locusts." To understand its full meaning, we can explore insights from several respected public domain commentaries.

Commentary Insights

The overall message of this verse can be derived from the interpretations of renowned commentators such as Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke.

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry points out that the imagery of fire consuming Nineveh indicates God's judgment. The reference to the sword signifies the martial destruction that would come upon them, as God's anger is unleashed. The locusts symbolize the overwhelming might of the enemy forces, which will incapacitate Nineveh, reflecting how sin leads to inevitable consequences.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes elaborates on the destructive power of the sword and fire as instruments of God's wrath. He highlights that despite Nineveh's attempts to amass numbers like locusts, their efforts will be futile against divine judgment. Barnes also emphasizes that a resurgence in numbers cannot avert ruin when judgment is decreed.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke provides additional context by discussing the historical significance of locusts and cankerworms, which were well-known for their capacity to devastate crops. This can be understood as a metaphor for how quickly and utterly Nineveh would be destroyed, illustrating the swift and certain nature of divine punishment for their sins.

Cross-References for Nahum 3:15

This verse can be connected to several other biblical passages that emphasize themes of judgment, destruction, and divine retribution. Here are some relevant cross-references:

• Isaiah 10:17: "And the Light of Israel shall be for a fire, and his Holy One for a flame: and it shall burn and devour his thorns and his briers in one day."
• Jeremiah 50:38: "A drought is upon her waters; and they shall be dried up: for it is the land of graven images, and they are mad upon their idols."
• Ezekiel 21:31: "And I will pour out my indignation upon thee; I will blow against thee in the fire of my wrath, and deliver thee into the hand of brutish men, and skilful to destroy."
• Joel 1:4: "That which the palmerworm hath left hath the locust eaten; and that which the locust hath left hath the cankerworm eaten; and that which the cankerworm hath left hath the caterpillar eaten."
• Revelation 9:7: "And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men."
• Proverbs 29:1: "He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy."
• Amos 2:2: "But I will send a fire upon Moab, and it shall devour the palaces of Kerioth; and Moab shall die with tumult, with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet."

Thematic Connections

This verse highlights important thematic connections that are valuable for deeper studies in biblical texts. Understanding Nahum 3:15 involves recognizing the implications of divine judgment and the ultimate futility of human efforts against God's will.

Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing

To further explore these themes and connections, various tools for Bible cross-referencing can be used:

• Bible Concordance: This is an invaluable resource for locating specific verses and their connections based upon keywords.
• Bible Cross-Reference Guide: A systematic approach to linking scriptures based on themes, contexts, or shared language.
• Cross-Reference Bible Study Methods: Methods that employ thematic or comparative analyses to uncover parallels across the Bible.

Conclusion

Nahum 3:15 serves as a stark reminder of divine judgment and the transient nature of earthly power. Through the insights of established commentators and connections to other biblical passages, we gain a deeper understanding of the repercussions of sin and the reality of God's sovereign authority. By utilizing tools for cross-referencing, believers can further explore the rich tapestry of Scripture that speaks to these profound truths.