Nahum 2:4-13 ▼

4 The chariots dash through the streets; they rush around the plazas, appearing like torches, darting about like lightning.

5 He summons his nobles; they stumble as they advance. They race to its wall; the protective shield is set in place.

6 The river gates are thrown open and the palace collapses.

7 It is decreed that the city be exiled and carried away; her maidservants moan like doves, and beat upon their breasts.

8 Nineveh (abode of Ninus) has been like a pool of water throughout her days, but now it is draining away. “Stop! Stop!” they cry, but no one turns back.

9 “Plunder the silver! Plunder the gold!” There is no end to the treasure, an abundance of every precious thing.

10 She is emptied! Yes, she is desolate and laid waste! Hearts melt, knees knock, bodies tremble, and every face grows pale!

11 Where is the lions’ lair or the feeding ground of the young lions, where the lion and lioness prowled with their cubs, with nothing to frighten them away?

12 The lion mauled enough for its cubs and strangled prey for the lioness. It filled its dens with the kill, and its lairs with mauled prey.

13 “Behold, I am against you,” declares the LORD {YHWH} of Hosts. “I will reduce your chariots to cinders, and the sword will devour your young lions. I will cut off your prey from the earth, and the voices of your messengers will no longer be heard.”