Nahum 1 has spoken of the Lord acting against his enemies in a general way in Nahum 1:1–8. In Nahum 1:9–15 the focus of the Lord’s attention turned specifically toward Nineveh as the Lord is about to act against them for the way they have mistreated Judah. As part of the vision (Nahum 1:1) that Nahum is given by the Lord, he now sees the actual invasion of Nineveh in Nahum 2:1–13, decades before it actually takes place. Nahum speaks prophetically, as an eyewitness of the invasion by the Medes and Babylonians. This invasion eventually took place in 612 BC. It is as if Nahum is standing on the city wall observing and describing the unfolding battle long before it happens.
As he describes the approaching army, Nahum’s words are directed toward the people of Nineveh, and they are in the form of a taunting song.1 It is not simply the Medes and Babylonians who are coming led by their commander, but it is the Lord himself who has sent them. The Lord is the Scatterer coming to scatter the Assyrian nation who have been so cruel and arrogant in their mistreatment of his people.
The cry for Nineveh to prepare the defences, get ready for battle, and gather strength are sarcastic words from Nahum. All of their efforts to stand against the invasion will be useless.
1 The scatterer has come up against you. Man the ramparts; watch the road; dress for battle; collect all your strength.