Yet she became an exile; she went into captivity; her infants were dashed in pieces at the head of every street; for her honored men lots were cast, and all her great men were bound in chains.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights the utter humiliation of victory, where even the "honorable men"—those with status and power—weren't spared but were subjected to the indignity of having lots cast for them, reducing them to mere possessions to be divided. This chilling detail underscores that conquest didn't just mean physical defeat, but a complete stripping away of dignity and rank.
Yet she became an exile; she went into captivity; her infants were dashed in pieces at the head of every street; for her honored men lots were cast, and all her great men were bound in chains.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Nahum uses the devastating fall of Egypt's great city, Thebes (referred to as "No"), to illustrate God's judgment. Despite its immense wealth, strong defenses, and powerful allies, Thebes was brutally conquered, its inhabitants taken captive, its children slaughtered, and its leaders treated as common slaves. This vivid example serves as a stark warning to Nineveh, emphasizing that no earthly power or fortification can withstand God's wrath when it is unleashed.
The ancient city of No (Thebes) was a powerhouse, renowned for its wealth, fortifications, and alliances. Yet, Nahum declares its utter destruction. What does this teach us about God's view of human might?
Nahum contrasts the city of No's immense power and defenses with its eventual brutal downfall.
A City Like No Other
No, identified with the great Egyptian city of Thebes, was a marvel. It was situated among the Nile's rivers, with the sea acting as both a moat and a wall. Its strength was bolstered by alliances with Ethiopia, Egypt, Libya, and other regions, suggesting 'infinite' resources (v. 9). It was a city that seemed unassailable, a formidable empire in its own right.
The Unavoidable Fall
Despite all its might, No became an exile and went into captivity (v. 10). This wasn't just a loss of power; it was total devastation. The prophecy details horrific acts of violence: infants 'dashed in pieces,' and 'honorable men' subjected to the indignity of having lots cast for them as slaves, with 'great men' bound in chains (v. 10).
This isn't random chance; it's divine judgment. Nahum uses No's fate as a stark warning to Nineveh. Even the most powerful, well-defended cities that rely on human strength and alliances are ultimately subject to God's sovereign decree. Their pride and confidence in their own resources blind them to their vulnerability before the Almighty.
The description of No's destruction is harrowing, detailing unimaginable violence against the most vulnerable. How does the Bible portray such barbarity, and what does it reveal about God's justice?
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Nahum's prophecy doesn't shy away from the horrific realities of ancient warfare, particularly the fate of innocent civilians and leaders when a city falls.
The Utter Annihilation of Innocence
The phrase 'her infants were dashed in pieces at the head of every street' (v. 10) paints a brutal picture. This wasn't just a loss of life, but an intentional act of terror and extermination aimed at wiping out any future generation. Such cruelty was a grim hallmark of the era's conflicts, designed to inflict maximum psychological and physical devastation.
Dignity Stripped Away
Even the 'honorable men' and 'great men' weren't spared basic dignity. The act of casting lots for them signifies they were reduced to mere chattel, to be divided and sold as slaves (v. 10). Their status, wealth, and influence meant nothing once conquered. They were bound in chains, a public display of their utter subjugation.
While depicting immense human depravity, this passage also underscores God's ultimate justice. He sees the atrocities committed and holds nations accountable. The judgment described is a consequence of sin and pride, and for the people of God, it's a solemn reminder that He will not allow injustice to prevail forever.
Understand the original words
galah · Hebrew Noun
A state of forced removal from one's homeland. Biblically, exile is a covenant curse or a means of divine discipline for nations and individuals who have defied God.
shebiy · Hebrew Noun
A state of being taken prisoner or being under the control of an enemy. It signifies a complete loss of sovereignty and freedom.
goral · Hebrew Noun
The practice of using lots (dice or marked stones) to determine the distribution of booty or prisoners. It highlights the dehumanizing treatment of the defeated, where people are treated as mere property.
ziqqim · Hebrew Noun
Metal bands or fetters used to restrain prisoners. They symbolize the absolute loss of power, agency, and dignity of those who were previously in positions of authority.
Nahum's vivid description of Thebes' (No's) brutal destruction serves as a stark warning to Nineveh. The Assyrians themselves were the agents of this devastation, highlighting the cyclical nature of conquest and the impending doom that awaited the mighty Assyrian capital.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Campaign in Egypt
Sennacherib of Assyria campaigns in Egypt, harassing the land and its cities. This campaign likely involved the sacking of Thebes (identified as 'No' by some commentators) and its eventual captivity.
c. 664 BC— this verse
Second Assyrian Sack of Thebes
Ashurbanipal of Assyria sacks the Egyptian city of Thebes (No) for the second time. His records detail the immense plunder and destruction, including the capture of King Urdamaneh.
c. 663 BC
Assyrian Withdrawal from Egypt
Following the destruction of Thebes, Assyrian forces withdraw from Egypt, leaving the land in a state of upheaval and weakened for future invasions.
This passage prophesies the destruction of Egypt, including its powerful cities like No (Thebes), by Nebuchadnezzar, echoing the devastating fate described for No in Nahum.
Psalm 137:9This psalm expresses a desire for vengeance against Babylon, calling for their babies to be dashed against the rocks, mirroring the extreme cruelty inflicted upon the children of No.
Ezekiel 30:14-16Ezekiel also foretells the devastation of Egypt, including cities like No, and speaks of its armies being cut off and its idols being broken, reinforcing the theme of divine judgment on powerful nations.
Isaiah 13:16This prophecy against Babylon describes the brutal treatment of infants during warfare, a practice also depicted in Nahum's judgment against No, highlighting the common and horrific methods of ancient conquest.
2 Kings 8:12Elisha's prophecy against Hazael includes the brutal act of dashing children against walls, showing that this extreme violence was a recognized and terrible reality of warfare in the ancient Near East.
calvinNahum 3:8-10: "Art thou better than populous No, that was situate among the rivers, that had the waters round about it, whose rampart was the sea, and her wall was from the sea?"
An melior es quam No (id est, Alexandria,) Amon (vertunt quidam, populosum; alii putant esse nomen Regis; an igitur melior es quam Alexandria populosa,) quae habitabat in fluviis? Mare in circuitu ejus, cujus fossa erat mare, et a mari murus ejus;
Ethiopia and Egypt were her strength, and it was infinite; Put an…
barnesNahum 3:10: "Yet was she carried away, she went into captivity: her young children also were dashed in pieces at the top of all the streets: and they cast lots for her honourable men, and all her great men were bound in chains."
Yet was she - (also ) carried away, literally, "She also became an exile band," her people were carried away, with all the barbarities of pagan war. All, through whom she might recover, were destroyed or scattered abroad; "the young," the hope of another age, cruelly de…
The verse highlights the utter humiliation of victory, where even the "honorable men"—those with status and power—weren't spared but were subjected to the indignity of having lots cast for them, reducing them to mere possessions to be divided. This chilling detail underscores that conquest didn't just mean physical defeat, but a complete stripping away of dignity and rank.
Nahum uses the devastating fall of Egypt's great city, Thebes (referred to as "No"), to illustrate God's judgment. Despite its immense wealth, strong defenses, and powerful allies, Thebes was brutally conquered, its inhabitants taken captive, its children slaughtered, and its leaders treated as common slaves. This vivid example serves as a stark warning to Nineveh, emphasizing that no earthly power or fortification can withstand God's wrath when it is unleashed.
Nahum uses the devastating fall of Egypt's great city, Thebes (referred to as "No"), to illustrate God's judgment. Despite its immense wealth, strong defenses, and powerful allies, Thebes was brutally conquered, its inhabitants taken captive, its children slaughtered, and its leaders treated as common slaves. This vivid example serves as a stark warning to Nineveh, emphasizing that no earthly power or fortification can withstand God's wrath when it is unleashed.
"Yet she became an exile; she went into captivity; her infants were dashed in pieces at the head of every street; for her honored men lots were cast, and all her great men were bound in chains." — The verse highlights the utter humiliation of victory, where even the "honorable men"—those with status and power—weren't spared but were subjected to the indignity of having lots cast for them, redu…
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Last reviewed October 2026