Nahum 2:5

Hee shall recount his worthies: they shall stumble in their walke: they shall make haste to the wal thereof, and the defence shall bee prepared. Nahum 2:5 (KJV)

The book of Nahum is one of the minor prophets in the Old Testament. It is a prophecy concerning the impending judgment and downfall of the city of Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire, due to its wickedness and oppression. Nahum’s prophecy is a message of comfort and hope for the people of Judah, assuring them that God will bring justice to their oppressors. In this verse, “He” refers to the commander of the attacking forces, that is, the Assyrian king or military leader, and the term “worthies” denotes the commanders or officials within that army. The phrase indicates that despite the attackers’ confidence, they will encounter obstacles and falter in their advance toward Nineveh’s walls. The phrase also suggests that despite the Assyrian army’s reputation for strength and power, they will face obstacles and difficulties in their advance, implying that they will stumble or falter, hindering their progress and diminishing their effectiveness. They shall make haste to the wall thereof, and the defence shall be prepared. This phrase describes the Assyrian army’s attempt to besiege Nineveh by swiftly advancing towards its walls, yet the city’s defenses are already prepared to resist the assault. However, their efforts will ultimately fail as external forces, specifically a coalition led by Babylonians and Medes, will conquer the city in 612 BCE. This verse conveys divine judgment against the Assyrian Empire, showing that even though Nineveh was a powerful city, its enemies will face setbacks while the defenders are ready.