Nahum 3:12

12 All your fortresses are ¹like fig trees with first-ripe figs—if 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 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.

11 You also will be drunken; you will go into hiding; you will seek a refuge from the enemy.

12 All your fortresses are like fig trees with first-ripe figs—if shaken they fall into the mouth of the eater.

13 Behold, your troops are women in your midst. The gates of your land are wide open to your enemies; fire has devoured your bars.

14 Draw water for the siege; strengthen your forts; go into the clay; tread the mortar; take hold of the brick mold!

Cross References

• 1. 3:12 [Rev. 6:13]