Nahum 3:12

12 All your fortifications will be like fig trees with early ripening figs; the moment they are shaken, they fall into the mouth of the eater.

Nahum 3:12 Meaning and Commentary

Nahum 3:12

All thy strong holds [shall be like] fig trees with the
first ripe figs
Upon them, or like them: "and the first ripe figs"; which are easily shook and gathered; and so easily should the fortresses and towers of Nineveh, in which they trusted for safety, be taken by the enemy, not only one, but all of them: if they be shaken, they shall even fall into the mouth of the
eater;
as such ripe fruit is very desirable, and the mouth of a man is open and ready for them; so if he gives the tree but the least shake, they will fall into his mouth, or about him in great plenty: in like manner, as the fortresses of Nineveh, being of importance, were desirable by the Chaldeans and Medes, and for which they were gaping; so upon the least assault they would fall into their hands; see ( Revelation 6:13 ) .

Nahum 3:12 In-Context

10 Still she went captive into exile, her infants torn to pieces at every streetcorner. Lots were drawn for her nobles, and all her great men were bound in chains.

11 You too, [Ninveh,] will be drunk; your senses completely overcome. You too will seek a refuge from the enemy.

12 All your fortifications will be like fig trees with early ripening figs; the moment they are shaken, they fall into the mouth of the eater.

13 Look at your troops! They behave like women! Your country's gates are wide open to your foes; fire has consumed their bars.

14 Draw water for the siege! Strengthen your fortifications! Go down in the clay, tread the mortar, Take hold of the mold for bricks!