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Nahum 3:18 Cross References
Thy shepherds slumber, O king of Assyria: thy nobles shall dwell in the dust: thy people is scattered upon the mountains, and no man gathereth them.
Uncover the Rich Themes and Topics of This Bible Verse
Listed below are the Bible themes associated with Nahum 3:18. We invite you to explore each theme to gain deeper insights into the Scriptures.
Nahum 3:18 Cross Reference Verses
This section features a detailed cross-reference designed to enrich your understanding of the Scriptures. Below, you will find carefully selected verses that echo the themes and teachings related to Nahum 3:18 KJV. Click on any image to explore detailed analyses of related Bible verses and uncover deeper theological insights.
1 Kings 22:17 (KJV) »
And he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master: let them return every man to his house in peace.
Psalms 76:5 (KJV) »
The stouthearted are spoiled, they have slept their sleep: and none of the men of might have found their hands.
Isaiah 13:14 (KJV) »
And it shall be as the chased roe, and as a sheep that no man taketh up: they shall every man turn to his own people, and flee every one into his own land.
Jeremiah 50:18 (KJV) »
Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will punish the king of Babylon and his land, as I have punished the king of Assyria.
Jeremiah 51:57 (KJV) »
And I will make drunk her princes, and her wise men, her captains, and her rulers, and her mighty men: and they shall sleep a perpetual sleep, and not wake, saith the King, whose name is the LORD of hosts.
Exodus 15:16 (KJV) »
Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O LORD, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased.
Nahum 2:5 (KJV) »
He shall recount his worthies: they shall stumble in their walk; they shall make haste to the wall thereof, and the defence shall be prepared.
Ezekiel 32:22 (KJV) »
Asshur is there and all her company: his graves are about him: all of them slain, fallen by the sword:
Ezekiel 31:3 (KJV) »
Behold, the Assyrian was a cedar in Lebanon with fair branches, and with a shadowing shroud, and of an high stature; and his top was among the thick boughs.
Jeremiah 51:39 (KJV) »
In their heat I will make their feasts, and I will make them drunken, that they may rejoice, and sleep a perpetual sleep, and not wake, saith the LORD.
Isaiah 47:1 (KJV) »
Come down, and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon, sit on the ground: there is no throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called tender and delicate.
Revelation 6:15 (KJV) »
And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;
Nahum 3:18 Verse Analysis and Similar Verses
Understanding Nahum 3:18
Nahum 3:18 reads: "Thy shepherds slumber, O king of Assyria: thy nobles shall dwell in the dust: thy people is scattered upon the mountains, and no man gathereth them." This verse is a part of Nahum's prophetic indictment against Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, highlighting the impending judgment due to their transgressions.
Summary of Key Themes
- Leadership Accountability: The shepherds, representing the king and nobles, are criticized for their negligence, paralleling the biblical principle of leaders being accountable for their people.
- Spiritual Sleep: The notion of "slumber" symbolizes apathy and lack of vigilance, which can lead to disastrous consequences.
- Judgment and Scattering: The imagery of scattering denotes chaos and disarray among the people, indicative of divine judgment.
Commentary Insights
Matthew Henry's Commentary
Matthew Henry underscores the futility of leaders who fail to defend and guide their people. He states that the shepherds' slumber indicates a complete failure to nourish and protect their flock, reflecting a broader spiritual decline associated with the Assyrian empire.
Albert Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes points out that this verse serves as a warning to leaders regarding their responsibilities. The "slumber" of the shepherds also highlights that without strong leadership, the community faces disintegration. His observations invite readers to consider how neglect among leaders can lead to widespread chaos.
Adam Clarke's Commentary
Adam Clarke expands on the concept of cities and nations suffering under weak leadership. He emphasizes the destructive nature of neglect and the absence of authority among those who should guide the people. Clarke suggests that this verse also reflects broader themes of divine justice and the inevitable consequences of straying from righteous paths.
Bible Verse Cross-References
Nahum 3:18 connects with various Bible verses illustrating similar themes of leadership, accountability, and divine judgment:
- Ezekiel 34:2-5: God condemns the shepherds of Israel for failing to care for the sheep.
- Isaiah 56:10-11: A portrayal of watchmen who are blind and unresponsive to the needs of the people.
- Jeremiah 23:1-2: A warning to the shepherds who scatter the flock, emphasizing the seriousness of their neglect.
- Matthew 9:36: Jesus' compassion for the scattered people, likening them to sheep without a shepherd.
- Micah 3:1-3: A rebuke against the leaders for their corruption and failure to protect the vulnerable.
- Hebrews 13:17: An exhortation to submit to leaders because they watch over souls, reminding of their critical role.
- 1 Peter 5:2-3: A call for shepherds to care for the flock willingly and not for selfish gain, promoting accountability.
Inter-Biblical Dialogue
This verse ties in with larger scriptural themes, emphasizing the importance of responsible leadership:
- Spiritual Vigilance: The call for leaders to remain alert and noble in the sight of God echoes throughout the Bible.
- Judgment on Nations: The motif of divine judgment against nations for their unfaithfulness surfaces repeatedly, connected to the realities of both Old and New Testaments.
- The Call to Repentance: Across various books, God's longing for repentance from His people is evident, underlining His desire for restoration.
Thematic Connections
Examining the themes in Nahum 3:18 leads to broader reflections on:
- Leadership and Responsibility: Understanding how leadership reflects God's expectations.
- Consequences of Negligence: Recognizing that failure to act carries repercussions.
- God’s Justice: Emphasizing the certainty of divine retribution against unfaithful leaders.
Conclusion
Nahum 3:18 serves as a poignant reminder of the critical nature of responsible leadership, vigilance, and the inevitable consequences of inaction. Through this verse and its related texts, believers are encouraged to reflect on their personal and communal responsibilities in leading others toward righteousness.