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"The shields of his mighty men are made red"

Text: Nahum 2:3

A DESCRIPTION OF THE MIGHTY ASSYRIAN ARMY

Nahum was well aware of the might of the Assyrian army. The following is a description of the army.

“The shields of his mighty men are made red,
The valiant men are in scarlet.
The chariots come with flaming torches
In the day of his preparation,
And the spears are brandished.
The chariots rage in the streets,
They jostle one another in the broad roads;
They seem like torches,
They run like lightning.
He remembers his nobles;
They stumble in their walk;
They make haste to her walls,
And the defense is prepared.”
Nahum 2:3-5

1. The army described

a) Mighty men with red shields.

b) Valiant soldiers clothed in scarlet.

c) Chariots were prepared with flaming torches.

i) There were many chariots.

ii) The broad streets were crowded with the multitude of chariots.

iii) The chariots were so swift they were compared to lightning.

d) The spears were brandished as if they had already gained victory.

2. The nobles

a) They were the commanders of the army.

b) But they seemed to stumble even as they walked to the walls.

c) High walls were erected for the protection of the city.

d) The defense of the nation seemed secure.

i) This would normally be a strong defense against a human adversary.

ii) But would this strong defense be of any use against the LORD of hosts?

THE COMMAND OF THE LORD

Let us recall this word from the LORD God concerning the Assyrians.

“The LORD has given a command concerning you:
Your name shall be perpetuated no longer…”
Nahum 1:14