Nahum 3:11

Thou also shalt be drunken: thou shalt be hid, thou also shalt seek strength because of the enemy.

Nahum 3:11 (KJV)

Context

Nahum, one of the twelve Minor Prophets in the Old Testament, prophesied against Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire. His message was directed toward Judah, who lived under the threat of Assyrian oppression. In this verse, the prophet declares the certainty of Nineveh’s downfall and the futility of its pride.

Meaning

The phrase “Thou also shalt be drunken” uses the metaphor of intoxication to describe Nineveh’s coming judgment. Just as a drunken person staggers and cannot defend himself, the city would drink from the cup of God’s wrath and become confused and vulnerable. This imagery is consistent with Nahum 1:10, where Nineveh’s leaders are compared to drunkards ensnared in their own folly.

“Thou shalt be hid” conveys the idea of being concealed, swallowed up, or destroyed. Nineveh, once a mighty and prominent city, would be brought low and become as if it had never existed. Its power and glory would be hidden from the sight of men, a prophecy fulfilled in the city’s complete ruin.

“Thou also shalt seek strength because of the enemy” describes Nineveh’s desperate and futile attempt to find security against its attackers. Despite its former military might, the city would be reduced to seeking any possible defense, yet finding none. The verse follows the description of Nineveh’s leaders being bound in chains (Nahum 3:10) and precedes the declaration that its strongholds would fall like ripe figs (Nahum 3:12), emphasizing the totality of its collapse.

Application

This verse reminds us of the principle of reaping what we sow. Just as Nineveh faced judgment for its sinful practices, sin ultimately leads to downfall and destruction. It warns us to be aware of our actions and their consequences.

Nineveh’s downfall serves as a cautionary tale against arrogance and pride. Despite its previous dominance, the city was brought low. This emphasizes the importance of humility before God and warns against relying solely on worldly strength or achievements.

While Nineveh sought strength from various sources, the verse highlights the futility of relying on human means alone. It encourages us to trust in God’s strength rather than in our own abilities. In times of difficulty or opposition, we should seek refuge in God and rely on His power to overcome.

Reflection

The prophecy of Nahum assures us that God is just and will bring judgment upon the wicked. It reminds us that, ultimately, God’s justice will prevail, and those who persist in evil will face the consequences of their actions. The city that had been a source of terror and oppression would itself become helpless and seek refuge in vain, demonstrating that human power and pride are no match for divine judgment.