Nahum 2:3-10

Modern English Version

³ The shields of his mighty men are soaked red,
    even the mighty men are clad in red.
In the day he prepares the chariots,
    they are like a fire of iron.
    The cypress spears are ready.
⁴ The chariots run wildly through the streets,
    they rush to and fro in the open areas;
their appearance is like torches,
    they dash to and fro like lightning.

⁵ He remembers his officers
    as they stumble about on the road;
they hurry on to the wall
    as the siege tower is set up.
⁶ The holding gates are opened wide,
    and the palace washes away.
⁷ It is decreed:
    She is uncovered and led away captive;
her handmaidens shall lead her as with the voice of doves,
    beating their chests.
⁸ Nineveh is like a pool
    whose waters run away.
“Halt! Halt!” they cry,
    but no one turns back.
⁹ “Plunder the silver!
    Plunder the gold!
There is no limit to the treasure,
    or to the wealth of every precious thing.”
¹⁰ She is desolate, empty, and waste!
    Hearts melt away, and knees shake;
    pain is in all the loins, and all their faces grow pale.