Definition: Behold, I [am] against thee, saith the LORD of hosts; and I will discover thy skirts upon thy face, and I will shew the nations thy nakedness, and the kingdoms thy shame.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Nahum 3:5. It's a really powerful and dramatic description of God’s judgment. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says: “God is actively confronting someone who is causing trouble and shame.” Let’s unpack each part: “Nahum 3:5 Behold, I [am] against thee…” – This is a commanding statement. It's like God saying, "I am going to make things very clear." "Behold" means "look!" “… saith the LORD of hosts…” – This means God speaks directly to us. “The Lord of Hosts” is referring to God himself. “I will discover thy skirts upon thy face…” - This is a shocking and intense image. It’s like God is looking directly at someone, and he's noticing their shame or embarrassment. "Discover thy skirts" suggests a visible unveiling – something being revealed that’s hidden. “I will shew the nations thy nakedness…” - This means God is revealing to everyone else what they are doing wrong. “Show thee” means “reveal to you.” It's like God is pointing out their flaws and failings to all who are witnessing. "The nations" refers to all people, not just this one person. “and the kingdoms thy shame…” - This highlights the deep consequences of their actions. "Kingdom" refers to a nation or empire – a powerful system of rule and authority. “Thy shame” is a really important part here – it signifies the profound humiliation and loss of honor that comes from being exposed as flawed and unworthy. Overall Meaning: The verse paints a picture of God’s righteous anger and his deliberate exposure of someone who is causing trouble, shame, and disruption to their people and their kingdom. It’s a scene of intense judgment and a clear warning. Why is this important? This passage isn't just about a single person. It speaks to the idea that God actively works against evil and injustice. It emphasizes that everyone has something to answer for, and God will hold them accountable for their actions. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of what this verse might be used to illustrate? Discuss the context of the book of Nahum?