Nahúm 2:8

8 ¡Nínive es como una represa agrietada
que deja escapar a su gente!
«¡Deténganse, deténganse!», grita alguien,
pero nadie siquiera mira hacia atrás.

Nahúm 2:8 Meaning and Commentary

Nahum 2:8

But Nineveh [is] of old like a pool of water
This was a very ancient city, built by Nimrod, as some say; or rather by Ashur, as appears from ( Genesis 10:10 Genesis 10:11 ) and it was like fish pool, full of people, as it was in the times of Jonah, who for their number may be compared both to water and to fish; and likewise full of wealth and riches, which for their instability may be signified by water also; and moreover, like a pool of standing water, had never been liable to any commotions and disturbances, but had remained from the beginning in a tranquil and prosperous state; besides, some regard may be had in a literal sense to its situation, being watered by the river Tigris, and which was for its profit and defence: so some copies of the Septuagint read the words,

``Nineveh is like a pool of water, the waters are her walls:''

and the Syriac version is,

``Nineveh is as a lake of water, and is among the waters;''

see ( Nahum 1:6 ) : yet they shall flee away;
the waters out of the pool, the sluices being opened, or the banks broken down; or the people out of the city, breaches being made in its walls, or its gates opened, and the enemy entering; when everyone would flee for his life, and make his escape in the best manner he could: stand, stand, [shall they cry];
either the generals and officers of the king of Assyria's army, to the soldiers running away; or the more courageous inhabitants of the city, to those that were timorous and seized with a panic, fleeing in the utmost consternation; or the enemy, as Kimchi, who shall call to them to stop, promising to spare their lives upon a surrender of them to them: but none shall look back;
and stand to hear what is said unto them, but make the best of their way, and flee with all their might and main.

Nahúm 2:8 In-Context

6 ¡Las compuertas del río se abrieron con violencia!
¡El palacio está a punto de desplomarse!

7 Se decretó el destierro de Nínive
y todas las sirvientas lloran su conquista.
Gimen como palomas
y se golpean el pecho en señal de aflicción.

8 ¡Nínive es como una represa agrietada
que deja escapar a su gente!
«¡Deténganse, deténganse!», grita alguien,
pero nadie siquiera mira hacia atrás.

9 ¡Roben la plata!
¡Saqueen el oro!
Los tesoros de Nínive no tienen fin,
su riqueza es incalculable.

10 Pronto la ciudad es saqueada, queda vacía y en ruinas.
Los corazones se derriten y tiemblan las rodillas.
La gente queda horrorizada,
con la cara pálida, temblando de miedo.