Definition: Thy shepherds slumber, O king of Assyria: thy nobles shall dwell [in the dust]: thy people is scattered upon the mountains, and no man gathereth [them].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Nahum 3:18. It’s a pretty serious warning about a powerful ruler – Assyria – and how they’re dealing with the consequences of their actions. Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that Assyrian King Ashurabiza is being incredibly lazy and selfish. He’s not protecting his people, he’s hoarding them, and he’s leaving them completely vulnerable. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Nahum 3:18 Thy shepherds slumber…” – This means Assyrian King Ashurabiza is sleeping soundly! He's not actively defending his kingdom or people. “…O king of Assyria…” – It’s a formal address, acknowledging him as the ruler. “thy nobles shall dwell [in the dust]” - This is the key part. “Nobles” refers to his officials and followers. The word "dust" means they're being left behind, forgotten, and discarded. It’s a harsh image – like ashes. “…thy people is scattered upon the mountains…” – His people are being flung about, lost and without protection. They’re not safe anywhere. “and no man gathereth [them]” - This is the most important part. No one is coming to help protect or care for these people. There's no effort to keep them safe or nurture them. Overall Meaning & Context: The verse paints a picture of a ruler who’s become complacent and doesn't care about his people. It suggests a situation of neglect, abandonment, and potential disaster. It’s a warning against complacency and the importance of protecting those under your leadership. Why is this important? This verse is often seen as a prophetic warning about the dangers of oppression and indifference. It's a reminder that even powerful rulers can fall into bad behavior if they don't prioritize their people. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this verse to other Bible stories or themes? Give you some examples of how this warning might apply in the real world today?