2:1
The purpose of the prophecy is not just to give information, but to paint a vivid picture of what would happen. The Lord appeals to the emotions and imagination as well as to the mind. Nineveh is told to brace herself for an attack.
The attack that would come would be an alliance of Babylon and the Medes.
2:2
The purpose in all this is the restoration of Judah, and the longer purpose the restoration of Israel as a whole. Even in today’s world we need to understand that part of God’s purpose is the restoration of Israel. Much destruction had been wrought on Israel and on Judah, but restoration would come.
2:3-5
Nahum gives a vivid description of the battle, so vivid that some have argued that he must have given the prophecy after the battle. Such ideas are unwarranted. First, it would not be a prophecy then! Secondly, Judah was all too familiar with battle, so knew what went on at these events! It isn’t clear whether the chariots in verse 4 belong to Nineveh or her conquerors. Verse 5 would seem to indicate that this is a picture of Nineveh desperately getting ready to try and defend herself.
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