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 2:2 (KJV)

Context

The book of Nahum is one of the twelve minor prophets in the Old Testament. It focuses on the impending judgment and destruction of Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire. Nahum 2:2 is part of a prophecy describing the downfall of Nineveh, and it also speaks to the people of Judah, who had suffered under Assyrian oppression.

Meaning

The verse uses several symbols to convey its message. “The excellency of Jacob” and “the excellency of Israel” refer to the glory and splendor that God had bestowed upon His people. The “emptiers” symbolize the invading army that would lay waste to Nineveh, plundering its wealth and resources. The phrase “marred their vine branches” suggests the destruction of Assyria’s fruitful land, which was comparable to a vineyard.

The opening clause, “For the Lord hath turned away the excellency of Jacob,” indicates that God withdrew His protection and favour from Assyria, allowing the nation to experience the consequences of its wickedness. This turning away signals a divine withdrawal of blessing rather than a restoration. However, many translations render the Hebrew verb as “will restore” rather than “hath turned away,” indicating a future restoration of Jacob’s and Israel’s majesty. This restoration is promised even though destroyers have ravaged them. The verse thus contains both a recognition of judgment and a promise of restoration.

The prophecy further reveals that God permitted the “emptiers” to empty out and plunder Nineveh. It highlights the impending judgment and punishment of Assyria for its sins. The Medes and Babylonians, acting as instruments of God’s judgment, would bring devastation to Nineveh and its people, emptying the city and marshalling its vine-like prosperity.

Biblical connections

The vine imagery is significant, as Israel is often depicted as a vine or vineyard in Scripture, and the ruining of vine branches symbolizes the destruction of the nation’s prosperity and fruitfulness. The mention of Sennacherib king of Assyria in some commentaries connects this to his proud and haughty invasion of Judah and Benjamin, invading their land and besieging Jerusalem, which God would avenge.

Application

Thus, while the quoted wording is not the authentic text of Nahum 2:2, the themes it conveys—withdrawal of divine favour, the role of invading forces, and the resulting devastation—align with the broader message of Nahum: a sober warning that God’s judgment will fall upon the proud and oppressive empire of Nineveh. The verse ultimately teaches that while God disciplines His people through enemies, He also promises to restore their former glory and splendor.