Nahum 2:2

Turning back to Judah again (Nahum 1:15), the prophet repeated that Yahweh would restore Israel to its former glory. Whereas a destroyer would destroy Nineveh (Nahum 2:1), Yahweh would restore Judah. Its fate would be the opposite of Nineveh’s. Nineveh presently enjoyed great glory but would suffer destruction, while Israel, having experienced devastation, would become splendid again. "Israel" was a name connected with Israel’s glory while "Jacob" recalls the perverse aspects of the nation’s experience, reflecting its patriarch’s names and life experience. [Note: See C. F. Keil, "Nahum," in The Twelve Minor Prophets, 2:19.] The invading Assyrians doubtless destroyed many of Israel’s grapevines, but vine branches also symbolized the Israelites (cf. Psalms 80:8-16; Isaiah 5:1-7). The devastator of Israel had been Assyria and it would be the Babylonians. The promise probably looks beyond Israel’s restoration after the Assyrians’ devastation to her restoration after all her devastations throughout history. This restoration will take place in the Millennium.