Nahum 3:5 - Summary and Interpretation

Bible Verse: Nahum 3:5

Verse Text: "Behold, I am against you, saith the LORD of hosts; and I will discover thy skirts upon thy face, and I will show the nations thy nakedness, and the kingdoms thy shame."

Overview: This verse falls within the context of Nahum's prophecy against Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire. Nahum proclaims God's impending judgment against the city, highlighting themes of divine retribution and exposure of sin.

Combined Insights from Public Domain Commentaries

• Matthew Henry: In his analysis, Henry emphasizes the gravity of God's opposition to Nineveh. He highlights how the act of discovering their skirts symbolizes the exposure of their shameful acts, which would serve as a public humiliation for the city once known for its pride and violence.
• Albert Barnes: Barnes remarks on the intense imagery used in this verse, explaining how the metaphor of unveiling one's nakedness conveys utter disgrace. He connects this to the ultimate downfall of oppressive nations that defy God and inflict suffering upon others.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke focuses on the implications of God’s declaration of being "against" Nineveh. He discusses how the revelation of their nakedness symbolizes not just physical shame but also spiritual vulnerability, indicating a loss of power, protection, and dignity before other nations.

Thematic Connections

This verse can be analyzed through several biblical themes, including:

• Divine Judgment: God’s judgment is a recurring theme in Scripture, illustrated through various historical narratives, particularly in the Prophets.
• Exposure of Sin: The exposure of nakedness signifies sin being brought into the light, seen in other verses that discuss humility before God (e.g., Isaiah 47:3).
• National Accountability: The idea that nations will be held accountable for their actions, reflected in similar warnings found throughout the Prophetic books.

Bible Cross References

To fully understand Nahum 3:5, here are some related Bible verses that highlight its themes:

• Isaiah 47:3: Similarly addresses the humiliation of Babylon, using the imagery of nakedness and disgrace.
• Jeremiah 13:26: Uses the metaphor of uncovering to show Israel's shame due to its disobedience to God.
• Ezekiel 16:37: Describes the shame and exposure of Jerusalem's unfaithfulness, indicating a common theme of accountability before God.
• Revelation 3:17: Remarks on spiritual blindness and nudity among believers, which echoes the theme of needing to recognize one's shame.
• Amos 5:18-20: Talks about the day of the Lord and warns of judgment, connecting to the imminent judgment against Nineveh.
• Hosea 8:14: Speaks of God’s displeasure with Israel’s sin, showcasing the idea of divine opposition due to unfaithfulness.
• Micah 1:7: Indicates judgment involving exposure, linking different prophetic voices addressing sin and unfaithfulness.

Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing

Studying cross-references enhances the understanding of Nahum 3:5. Here are some effective tools and methods:

• Bible Concordance: An essential tool to look up words and find connections between verses.
• Bible Cross-Reference Guide: These guides help trace themes and references across different books of the Bible.
• Cross-Reference Bible Study: Grouping verses with common themes can provide in-depth insight into God's messages.
• Bible Chain References: Techniques that link verses thematically, allowing for a comprehensive study.

Conclusion

Nahum 3:5 serves as a profound reminder of God’s justice and the ultimate shame that befalls nations when they stand against Him. The imagery of nakedness and being ‘against’ serves not only to warn Nineveh but also to resonate with believers today about the consequences of sin and divine judgment. Through the exploration of parallel verses, one can see the consistent message of accountability that is woven throughout the scriptures.