Nahum 3:12

12 All your fortresses are like 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 was carried away, she went into captivity; her little ones 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 be dazed; 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 foes; 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!