What does Nahum 2:10 mean?
"She is empty, and void, and waste: and the heart melteth, and the knees smite together, and much pain is in all loins, and the faces of them all gather blackness." - Nahum 2:10
Nahum 2:10 (KJV) states:
"She is empty, and void, and waste: and the heart melteth, and the knees smite together, and much pain is in all loins, and the faces of them all gather blackness."
This verse comes from the book of Nahum, which is a part of the Old Testament. The book of Nahum is a prophetic book, and it focuses on the impending doom that would befall the nation of Assyria. The prophet Nahum delivers a message of judgment and destruction to the Assyrians, who had been a cruel and oppressive force in the ancient world.
In Nahum 2:10, the prophet paints a vivid picture of the desolation and terror that will come upon the city of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. The language is stark and intense, using imagery to convey the depths of the suffering and fear that will be experienced.
The verse begins by describing the city as "empty, and void, and waste." This language emphasizes the total devastation that will befall Nineveh. The repetition of these terms adds to the sense of hopelessness and desolation. The use of three similar words in succession also conveys a sense of finality and irrevocability.
The verse goes on to describe the emotional and physical toll that the destruction will take on the inhabitants of the city. The phrase "the heart melteth, and the knees smite together" conveys a sense of overwhelming fear and dread. The people are so terrified that their hearts feel as though they are melting, and their knees are weak and trembling. This language is meant to convey the psychological impact of the impending judgment.
The verse also speaks to the physical suffering that will accompany the destruction of Nineveh. The phrase "much pain is in all loins" conveys the idea of widespread physical agony and distress. The people will be wracked with pain and suffering as they experience the devastation that has been brought upon them.
Finally, the verse speaks to the outward signs of distress and mourning that will be evident among the people. The phrase "the faces of them all gather blackness" refers to the common practice of wearing sackcloth and ashes as a sign of mourning and repentance in ancient times. The blackened faces of the people symbolize their grief and despair in the face of the coming judgment.
Overall, Nahum 2:10 is a powerful and evocative depiction of the destruction and suffering that will befall the city of Nineveh. The verse uses vivid and intense language to convey the emotional, physical, and spiritual devastation that will be experienced. In doing so, it serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of living in obedience to God's will. The verse also serves as a warning to those who would oppress and harm others, reminding them of the ultimate judgment that awaits those who engage in such behavior.
In terms of broader themes, Nahum 2:10 speaks to the concepts of justice and judgment. The verse serves as a reminder that God will not ignore the suffering of the oppressed and will ultimately bring about justice for those who have been wronged. It also serves as a warning to those who engage in acts of cruelty and oppression, reminding them that they will ultimately face the consequences of their actions.
In addition, the verse speaks to the themes of repentance and redemption. The language of mourning and distress in Nahum 2:10 serves as a call to repentance for those who have engaged in sinful behavior. It reminds them that there is still an opportunity to turn back to God and seek forgiveness before it is too late.
Overall, Nahum 2:10 is a powerful and haunting depiction of the consequences of sin and the ultimate judgment that awaits those who engage in acts of cruelty and oppression. It serves as a reminder of the importance of living in obedience to God's will and the ultimate justice that will be brought about in the end.
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Nahum 2:10 Artwork
Nahum 2:10 - "She is empty, and void, and waste: and the heart melteth, and the knees smite together, and much pain is in all loins, and the faces of them all gather blackness."
"She is empty, and void, and waste: and the heart melteth, and the knees smite together, and much pain is in all loins, and the faces of them all gather blackness." - Nahum 2:10
Nahum 2:4
Nahum 1:10 - "For while they be folden together as thorns, and while they are drunken as drunkards, they shall be devoured as stubble fully dry."
Nahum 2:6 - "The gates of the rivers shall be opened, and the palace shall be dissolved."
Nahum 3:2 - "The noise of a whip, and the noise of the rattling of the wheels, and of the pransing horses, and of the jumping chariots."
Nahum 2:2 - "For the LORD hath turned away the excellency of Jacob, as the excellency of Israel: for the emptiers have emptied them out, and marred their vine branches."
Nahum 2:9 - "Take ye the spoil of silver, take the spoil of gold: for there is none end of the store and glory out of all the pleasant furniture."
Nahum 2:12 - "The lion did tear in pieces enough for his whelps, and strangled for his lionesses, and filled his holes with prey, and his dens with ravin."
Nahum 1:2 - "God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies."
"The gates of the rivers shall be opened, and the palace shall be dissolved." - Nahum 2:6
Nahum 2:5 - "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."
Nahum 2:8 - "But Nineveh is of old like a pool of water: yet they shall flee away. Stand, stand, shall they cry; but none shall look back."
Nahum 2:7 - "And Huzzab shall be led away captive, she shall be brought up, and her maids shall lead her as with the voice of doves, tabering upon their breasts."
Nahum 2:11 - "Where is the dwelling of the lions, and the feedingplace of the young lions, where the lion, even the old lion, walked, and the lion's whelp, and none made them afraid?"
"For while they be folden together as thorns, and while they are drunken as drunkards, they shall be devoured as stubble fully dry." - Nahum 1:10
"The noise of a whip, and the noise of the rattling of the wheels, and of the pransing horses, and of the jumping chariots." - Nahum 3:2
Nahum 2:4 - "The chariots shall rage in the streets, they shall justle one against another in the broad ways: they shall seem like torches, they shall run like the lightnings."
Nahum 3:10 - "Yet was she carried away, she went into captivity: her young children also were dashed in pieces at the top of all the streets: and they cast lots for her honourable men, and all her great men were bound in chains."
Nahum 2:1 - "He that dasheth in pieces is come up before thy face: keep the munition, watch the way, make thy loins strong, fortify thy power mightily."
Nahum 2:3 - "The shield of his mighty men is made red, the valiant men are in scarlet: the chariots shall be with flaming torches in the day of his preparation, and the fir trees shall be terribly shaken."
Nahum 2:4 The chariots rage in the streets, They jostle one another in the broad roads; They seem like torches, They run like lightning.
"For the LORD hath turned away the excellency of Jacob, as the excellency of Israel: for the emptiers have emptied them out, and marred their vine branches." - Nahum 2:2
"Take ye the spoil of silver, take the spoil of gold: for there is none end of the store and glory out of all the pleasant furniture." - Nahum 2:9
"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." - Nahum 2:5
"But Nineveh is of old like a pool of water: yet they shall flee away. Stand, stand, shall they cry; but none shall look back." - Nahum 2:8
"The lion did tear in pieces enough for his whelps, and strangled for his lionesses, and filled his holes with prey, and his dens with ravin." - Nahum 2:12
"God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies." - Nahum 1:2
"Where is the dwelling of the lions, and the feedingplace of the young lions, where the lion, even the old lion, walked, and the lion's whelp, and none made them afraid?" - Nahum 2:11
"The chariots shall rage in the streets, they shall justle one against another in the broad ways: they shall seem like torches, they shall run like the lightnings." - Nahum 2:4