Plunder the silver! Plunder the gold!This phrase is a command to seize the wealth of Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire. Historically, Nineveh was known for its immense wealth, accumulated through conquest and tribute from subjugated nations. The call to plunder reflects the divine judgment against Assyria for its cruelty and idolatry. This echoes the biblical theme of divine retribution, where God uses other nations to execute judgment, as seen in the fall of Babylon (
Isaiah 13:17-19). The emphasis on silver and gold highlights the material wealth that had become an idol for the Assyrians, drawing a parallel to the warnings against the love of money found in
1 Timothy 6:10.
There is no end to the treasure,
This phrase underscores the vastness of Nineveh's wealth, suggesting that its riches seemed inexhaustible. The Assyrian Empire was one of the most powerful and wealthy empires of its time, with treasures amassed from various conquered territories. This abundance is reminiscent of the wealth of Solomon's kingdom (1 Kings 10:14-23), yet it serves as a reminder that earthly riches are fleeting and can be swiftly taken away. The phrase also serves as a warning against placing trust in material wealth, aligning with Jesus' teaching inMatthew 6:19-21 about storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth.
an abundance of every precious thing.
The mention of "every precious thing" indicates the variety and extent of Nineveh's riches, including not only silver and gold but also other valuable commodities and artifacts. This reflects the cultural and economic prosperity of the Assyrian Empire, which was a center of trade and commerce. The phrase can be seen as a type of the ultimate judgment and loss faced by those who reject God, as illustrated in the parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16-21). It also foreshadows the ultimate victory and wealth of God's kingdom, where true riches are found in Christ (Ephesians 1:18).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
NinevehThe capital of the Assyrian Empire, known for its wealth and power. Nahum prophesies its downfall and the plundering of its riches.
2.
AssyriansThe people of Nineveh, who were known for their military might and cruelty. They are the recipients of God's judgment in Nahum.
3.
Prophet NahumThe author of the book, who delivers God's message of judgment against Nineveh.
4.
Babylonians and MedesThe forces that historically conquered Nineveh, fulfilling Nahum's prophecy.
5.
God's JudgmentThe overarching event in Nahum, where God declares His justice against the wickedness of Nineveh.
Teaching Points
The Fleeting Nature of Earthly WealthEarthly treasures, no matter how abundant, are temporary and can be taken away in an instant. Our focus should be on storing up treasures in heaven.
God's Sovereignty in JudgmentGod is just and sovereign, and His judgments are righteous. He holds nations and individuals accountable for their actions.
The Consequences of Pride and OppressionNineveh's downfall serves as a warning against pride and the oppression of others. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
The Certainty of God's PromisesJust as God fulfilled His promise to judge Nineveh, He will fulfill all His promises, both of judgment and salvation.
The Call to RepentanceThe destruction of Nineveh is a call to repentance for all who hear. We must turn from sin and seek God's mercy.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Nahum 2:9?
2.How does Nahum 2:9 illustrate God's judgment on Nineveh's material wealth?
3.What lessons can we learn about the dangers of greed from Nahum 2:9?
4.How does Nahum 2:9 connect with Jesus' teachings on earthly treasures?
5.In what ways can we guard against materialism in our own lives?
6.How should Nahum 2:9 influence our perspective on accumulating wealth?
7.What historical events does Nahum 2:9 reference regarding Nineveh's wealth and downfall?
8.How does Nahum 2:9 illustrate God's judgment on nations?
9.What archaeological evidence supports the plundering described in Nahum 2:9?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Nahum 2?
11.If Nahum 2:9 predicts abundant plunder, why don’t archaeological finds consistently confirm such a vast wealth of spoils?
12.How can we reconcile the extravagant wealth of Solomon described in 2 Chronicles 9 (especially verses 13-28) with the lack of corresponding archaeological evidence?
13.Is the description of gold, silver, and exotic imports (2 Chronicles 9:20-21) scientifically or historically plausible given known trade routes of the era?
14.1 Chronicles 26:20-28: Why is there no historical or archaeological record of such vast temple treasuries despite the detailed inventory here?What Does Nahum 2:9 Mean
Plunder the silver!“Plunder the silver!” (Nahum 2:9) rings out like a battle cry. God is announcing that Nineveh, once a terror to the nations (2 Kings 19:35–37), will now be stripped by invading armies.
• Literal fulfillment: In 612 BC the Medes and Babylonians stormed Nineveh and carried off its riches (Isaiah 13:17).
• Divine justice: The invaders act as God’s instrument of judgment, just as Assyria had once been used against Israel (Isaiah 10:5–6), but is now itself repaid (Nahum 1:2).
• Moral reversal: The plunderer becomes the plundered—echoingProverbs 22:22–23, where the Lord takes up the cause of the robbed.
Plunder the gold!The repetition heightens certainty: “Plunder the gold!” Wealth that seemed untouchable is now fair game.
• Sudden loss:Zephaniah 1:18 warns, “Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to deliver them on the day of the LORD’s wrath,” a truth now graphically illustrated.
• Historical irony: Assyria once emptied Judah’s treasuries (2 Kings 18:14–16); now its own gold is carted away (Obadiah 1:15).
• Carnal security exposed:Ezekiel 7:19 foretells how, under judgment, “Their silver and gold will not be able to deliver them”; Nahum shows it happening.
There is no end to the treasureNineveh’s storehouses overflowed. Ancient records boast of palaces lined with precious metals.
• Vast but finite: From a human angle the wealth seemed inexhaustible, yetPsalm 49:6–7 reminds that riches cannot redeem a soul.
• Hubris shattered: The phrase mirrors the pride condemned inIsaiah 10:13–14, where Assyria boasted of gathering the wealth of nations “as one gathers abandoned eggs.”
• Lesson of limit: However boundless possessions appear, God sets an end (Job 20:4–7).
An abundance of every precious thingCarved ivory, gemstones, fine textiles—Nineveh had it all.
• All-inclusive judgment: Nothing escapes; as inRevelation 18:12–17 the fall of Babylon includes “cargo of gold, silver… and every precious article.”
• Earthly glory fades: Jesus’ warning inMatthew 6:19 not to store up treasures on earth is underscored; moth, rust, and conquering armies destroy.
• Call to humility:1 Timothy 6:17 counsels the rich not to be arrogant or hope in uncertain wealth, for God alone gives security.
summaryNahum 2:9 pictures God’s decisive judgment on Nineveh: invading forces will strip her silver and gold, exposing the emptiness of wealth trusted above God. What seemed endless treasure proves fleeting, fulfilling the principle that the proud and oppressive will reap what they have sown. The verse urges us to rest our confidence not in material abundance but in the righteous Lord who governs nations and hearts alike.
(9)
And glory.--Better,
there is abundance of all precious vessels.Verses 9-13. - § 2.
The city is plundered, and henceforth lies waste, in terrible contrast with its former excellency,
Verse 9. - The prophet calls on the invaders to come and gather the spoil of the city, which God gives into their hands.
Take ye the spoil. Fabulous stories are told of the amount of the precious metals stored in Nineveh and Babylon. "Sardanapalus is said to have placed a hundred and fifty golden beds, and as many tables of the same metal, on his funeral pile, besides gold and silver vases and ornaments in enormous quantities, and purple and many-coloured raiments (Athen., lib. 12.). According to Diodorus, the value of the gold taken from the temple of Bolus alone by Xerxes amounted to above 7350 Attic talents, of £21,000,000 sterling money" (Layard, 'Nineveh,' 2:416, etc.; comp.
Daniel 3:1, where the size of the golden image or pillar, sixty cubits high and six cubits broad, shows how plentiful was gold in these countries). Bonomi: "The riches of Nineveh are inexhaustible, her vases and precious furniture are infinite, copper constantly occurs in their weapons, and it is most probable a mixture of it was used in the materials of their tools. They had acquired the art of making glass.... The well known cylinders are a sufficient proof of their skill in engraving gems. Many beautiful specimens of carving in ivory were also discovered .... The condition of the ruins is highly corroborative of the sudden destruction that came upon Nineveh by fire and sword .... It is evident from the ruins that both Khorsabad and Nimroud were sacked and then set on fire. Neither Botta nor Layard found any of that store of silver and gold and 'pleasant furniture' which the palaces contained; scarcely anything, even of bronze, escaped the spoiler" ('Nineveh and its Discoveries,' pp. 334, 336).
There is none end of the store; Vulgate,
Non finis est divitiarum; Septuagint,
οὐκ η΅ν πέρας τοῦ κόσμου αὐτῆς, "There was no end of her ornament."
And glory out of all the pleasant furniture; literally,
vessels of desire. It is plainer to translate,
There is abundance of all precious furniture.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
“Plunderבֹּ֥זּוּ(bōz·zū)Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 962:To spoil, plunderthe silver!כֶ֖סֶף(ḵe·sep̄)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3701:Silver, moneyPlunderבֹּ֣זּוּ(bōz·zū)Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 962:To spoil, plunderthe gold!”זָהָ֑ב(zā·hāḇ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2091:Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear skyThere is noוְאֵ֥ין(wə·’ên)Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 369:A non-entity, a negative particleendקֵ֙צֶה֙(qê·ṣeh)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7097:End, extremityto the treasure,לַתְּכוּנָ֔ה(lat·tə·ḵū·nāh)Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8498:Adjustment, structure, equipagean abundanceכָּבֹ֕ד(kā·ḇōḏ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3519:Weight, splendor, copiousnessof everyמִכֹּ֖ל(mik·kōl)Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everypreciousחֶמְדָּֽה׃(ḥem·dāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2532:Desire, delightthing.כְּלִ֥י(kə·lî)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3627:Something prepared, any apparatus
Links
Nahum 2:9 NIVNahum 2:9 NLTNahum 2:9 ESVNahum 2:9 NASBNahum 2:9 KJV
Nahum 2:9 BibleApps.comNahum 2:9 Biblia ParalelaNahum 2:9 Chinese BibleNahum 2:9 French BibleNahum 2:9 Catholic Bible
OT Prophets: Nahum 2:9 Take the spoil of silver (Nah. Na) 
