The army of Babylon (v 1)

In today’s passage, the fall of Nineveh is prophesied in detail. “The one who scatters has come up against you. Keep watch over the fortress, watch the road; bind up your waist, summon all your strength” (v 1). (1) These words are spoken to Nineveh. “The one who scatters” refers to the combined army of Babylon and Media. The one who led this invasion was Nabopolassar, the father of Nebuchadnezzar. (2) “Keep watch over the fortress, watch the road; bind up your waist, summon all your strength,” are words of warning to Nineveh. Of course, this is an ironic expression. In the face of the enemy’s great army, efforts at defense are futile.

The purpose of the battle (v 2)

In verse 2, the purpose of the battle is recorded. “For the Lord will restore the splendor of Jacob like the splendor of Israel, even though destroyers have laid waste to them and ruined their vines.” (1) This battle is the Lord’s battle of retribution against Assyria, which attacked Judah and Israel. The Assyrian army destroyed the northern kingdom of Israel, devastated the towns of the southern kingdom of Judah, and surrounded the capital, Jerusalem. “Ruined their vines.” means that they killed the descendants of the people of Israel. (2) Through this battle, Assyria (Nineveh) will perish, and the splendor of Israel will be restored.

The scene of the battle (v 3-7)

The scene of the invasion is prophesied in a very vivid manner. What can be understood from the whole passage is that the combined army of Babylon and Media will launch their attack with great speed. (1) The invading army is magnificently armed. Their shields are red, their clothing is scarlet, and their chariots are like flaming iron. In those days, it was common for chariots to run with torches burning on them. This was done in preparation for battle in the open field. (2) The invading army enters the city of Nineveh and rushes through its streets and plazas. “They drive back and forth like lightning flashes” is an expression indicating the swiftness of their movement. (3) It says, “He remembers his officers; they stumble in their advance, they hurry to her wall, and the mantelet is set up.” Because the enemy’s invasion is so sudden, the city falls into great confusion. The scene of them panicking as they rush to defend the city wall is vividly portrayed. (4) It says, “The gates of the rivers are opened and the palace sways back and forth.” ASV translation renders as, “The gates of the rivers are opened, and the palace is dissolved.” Nineveh was a city built between two rivers. The collapse of Nineveh was brought about by the flooding of the rivers. (5) It says, “She is stripped, she is led away.” “She” referring to the queen, in the original language it is “Huzzab.” This may be the proper name of the queen. The capture of the queen means that the nation has been conquered. Let us take note that the Lord protects His own people. Those who oppose God will surely perish. How blessed we are to know that in the end God’s will shall be done. Therefore, no matter how difficult the circumstances we may be placed in, let us learn to endure and wait for God’s time.