Cush was her strength; Egypt too, and that without limit; Put and the Libyans were her helpers.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's easy to miss here is how Nahum dramatically shifts perspective. He starts by describing the immense, "infinite" strength of No-Amon, drawing from powerful allies like Egypt and Cush. But then, in the middle of listing these formidable helpers, he suddenly addresses No-Amon directly, as if to say, "And yet, you had these helpers..." This subtle shift highlights that despite all her might, she still relied on others, setting the stage for her ultimate downfall.
Cush was her strength; Egypt too, and that without limit; Put and the Libyans were her helpers.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The prophet Nahum is here speaking directly to the great Egyptian city of Thebes (called No-Amon), highlighting its former power and extensive alliances. The verse lists the mighty nations—Cush (Ethiopia), Egypt, Put, and Lubim (Libyans)—that served as Thebes' strength and support, emphasizing the vastness and seemingly limitless nature of these resources. This is part of Nahum's rhetorical strategy to build up the city's past glory before revealing its imminent and utter destruction by the Assyrians, contrasting its former might with its impending fate.
Imagine a city so powerful it could draw on the strength of entire nations for its defense. Nahum paints a picture of this overwhelming might.
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The prophet Nahum describes the city of No (often identified with Thebes or later Alexandria) as having unparalleled strength through its alliances.
This verse showcases the peak of No's geopolitical influence, highlighting how it had secured alliances with the major powers of its known world.
Even the greatest military alliances and seemingly endless resources couldn't save No. Why? The answer lies in where true security is found.
Strength in Numbers vs. Strength in God
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The power described in Nahum 3:9 is impressive, but it's ultimately presented as hollow and futile in the face of God's judgment.
Nahum's prophecy against Nineveh uses the recent, devastating destruction of the mighty Egyptian city of Thebes (No-Amon) as a stark warning. Thebes, once bolstered by alliances with Ethiopia, Egypt proper, and North African peoples, fell to Assyrian might, illustrating that even vast military strength and confederations are ultimately no match for God's judgment.
c. 728-662 BC
Ethiopian Dynasty Rules Egypt
The 25th Dynasty, originating from Kush (Ethiopia), controlled Egypt. This period saw a unified power structure with ties between Ethiopia and Egypt, making them significant regional forces.
c. 671 BC
Assyrian Conquest of Thebes
The Neo-Assyrian Empire, under Esarhaddon and later Ashurbanipal, conquered and sacked Thebes (No-Amon), a major Egyptian city. This marked a significant blow to Egyptian and Ethiopian power.
c. 664 BC— this verse
Assyrian Sack of Thebes
The Neo-Assyrian Empire under Ashurbanipal completed the destruction of Thebes, removing the Ethiopian dynasty from power in Egypt. This event would have been fresh in the minds of Nahum's audience.
c. 626-609 BC
Neo-Babylonian Empire Rises
Following the decline of Assyrian power, the Neo-Babylonian Empire rose to prominence, eventually becoming the dominant force in the region.
This passage directly lists Ethiopia (Cush), Put, and Libya (Lubim) as auxiliaries of Egypt, mirroring Nahum's description of the strength these nations provided to No-Amon.
Jeremiah 46:9Jeremiah also mentions Cush and Put alongside Egypt, describing them as warriors and helpers, highlighting the same coalition of powers that Nahum references.
2 Chronicles 12:3This passage describes the vast army Shishak, king of Egypt, brought against Judah, which included forces from Lubim (Libyans), demonstrating the military might and reach of these North African allies.
Nahum 2:9This verse from the same prophet uses the phrase 'without limit' to describe the wealth and spoils of Nineveh, creating a thematic parallel with the 'infinite' strength Nahum attributes to No-Amon's allies.
clarkeNahum 3:9: "Ethiopia and Egypt were her strength, and it was infinite; Put and Lubim were thy helpers."
Ethiopia and Egypt were her strength - The land of Cush, not far from Diospolis; for it was in Arabia, on the Red Sea. Put and Lubim - A part of Africa and Libya, which were all within reach of forming alliances with No-Ammon or Diospolis.
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…
What's easy to miss here is how Nahum dramatically shifts perspective. He starts by describing the immense, "infinite" strength of No-Amon, drawing from powerful allies like Egypt and Cush. But then, in the middle of listing these formidable helpers, he suddenly addresses No-Amon directly, as if to say, "And yet, you had these helpers..." This subtle shift highlights that despite all her might, she still relied on others, setting the stage for her ultimate downfall.
The prophet Nahum is here speaking directly to the great Egyptian city of Thebes (called No-Amon), highlighting its former power and extensive alliances. The verse lists the mighty nations—Cush (Ethiopia), Egypt, Put, and Lubim (Libyans)—that served as Thebes' strength and support, emphasizing the vastness and seemingly limitless nature of these resources. This is part of Nahum's rhetorical strategy to build up the city's past glory before revealing its imminent and utter destruction by the Assyrians, contrasting its former might with its impending fate.
The prophet Nahum is here speaking directly to the great Egyptian city of Thebes (called No-Amon), highlighting its former power and extensive alliances. The verse lists the mighty nations—Cush (Ethiopia), Egypt, Put, and Lubim (Libyans)—that served as Thebes' strength and support, emphasizing the vastness and seemingly limitless nature of these resources. This is part of Nahum's rhetorical strategy to build up the city's past glory before revealing its imminent and utter destruction by the Assyrians, contrasting its former might with its impending fate.
"Cush was her strength; Egypt too, and that without limit; Put and the Libyans were her helpers." — What's easy to miss here is how Nahum dramatically shifts perspective. He starts by describing the immense, "infinite" strength of No-Amon, drawing from powerful allies like Egypt and Cush. But then,…
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Last reviewed October 2026