A series of commands is shouted out to Nineveh. Man the ramparts; watch the road; dress for battle; gather your strength. It is a call to prepare the city to defend itself against the approaching army. It may be that in his vision Nahum is hearing the shouts of a watchman or commander preparing Nineveh for battle; but it may also be the words of Nahum himself as he continues his taunt of Nineveh. They may prepare all they want, but in the end their efforts will be useless, as the following verses make clear.