Original Word: רָעַל
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: ra`al
Pronunciation: rah-ahl
Phonetic Spelling: (raw-al')
KJV: terribly shake
NASB: brandished
Word Origin: [a primitive root]

1. to reel, i.e. (figuratively) to brandish

terribly shake

A primitive root; to reel, i.e. (figuratively) to brandish -- terribly shake.

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to quiver, shake, reel
NASB Translation
brandished (1).

[רָעַל] verb quiver, shake, reel (Aramaic רְעַל, , quiver, shake, tremble; Arabic the hanging part of a sheep's split ear, also (Frey) a kind of veil of which a part hangs down in front; dangling; Lihyanian has proper name רעל DHM^{Epigr. Denkm.} Arabic 38); —

Hoph`al Perfect3plural הַבְּרשְׁים הָרְעָ֑לוּ Nahum 2:4 are made to quiver. See also [עָרַל].

Root Concept

רָעַל evokes a sudden, violent motion—something that quivers, reels, or is swung with force. It paints the picture of an object so alive with energy that it seems to tremble.

Biblical Usage

Nahum 2:3 is the single occurrence of the verb form. As the prophet describes the fall of Nineveh, he writes, “The shields of his mighty men are red; the valiant men are dressed in scarlet. The chariots flash on the day of his battle preparations, and the spears are brandished” (Berean Standard Bible). Here רָעַל pictures the spears being rapidly waved or shaken as the assault begins.

Though the verb occurs only once, its cognate noun appears elsewhere (for example Isaiah 51:17, Isaiah 51:22) in the idea of “reeling” or “staggering.” Taken together, the verbal family communicates instability caused by external pressure—either the panic of battle or the spiritual disorientation produced by divine judgment.

Historical Background

Nahum delivers his oracle sometime in the seventh century B.C. Assyria, proud of her military zeal, is confronted with an equally fierce invading force. The prophet’s terse imagery places the reader amid clanging metal and swirling weapons. רָעַל captures the chaotic energy of siege warfare and reminds Judah that no earthly empire, however formidable, can withstand the decrees of the Lord of Hosts.

Theological Themes

1. Sovereign Judgment: The shaking spears illustrate that God directs the course of nations (Proverbs 21:1). Assyria, once His rod of discipline (Isaiah 10:5), now becomes the target of His wrath.
2. Moral Certainty: What seems like random violence to human eyes is, in prophecy, measured and purposeful. The verb’s intensity underlines the certainty and completeness of divine retribution (Nahum 1:3).
3. Reversal of Power: Assyria caused other peoples to tremble; now its own warriors tremble. רָעַל thus serves as a literary reversal, echoing the biblical motif that “the LORD brings low and He exalts” (1 Samuel 2:7).

Ministry Applications

• Confidence in God’s Justice: Believers facing seemingly unstoppable evil can draw courage from Nahum’s vision. The quivering weapons of the invaders show that God’s verdict will not be delayed.
• Sobriety about Divine Discipline: Just as Assyria’s arrogance led to its downfall, so pride in any generation invites discipline (James 4:6).
• Urgency in Proclamation: If nations can be shaken in a moment, the gospel must be proclaimed “in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2).

Related Scriptures

Nahum 1:2–3; Isaiah 51:17; Isaiah 51:22; Psalm 75:8; Revelation 19:15.

Christological Connections

The violent shaking in Nahum anticipates the cosmic upheaval of the Day of the Lord. Hebrews 12:26–27 cites Haggai to show that everything will be “shaken” so that what is eternal may remain. In the cross, Jesus bore the full cup of staggering for believers (Matthew 26:39), ensuring that when final judgment comes, His people will stand firm and unshaken (Hebrews 12:28).

Summary

רָעַל, though appearing only once as a verb, powerfully embodies the shaking that accompanies divine judgment. Its lone use in Nahum 2:3 marks the moment when God’s justice sets in motion an unstoppable force against arrogant oppressors. The word calls readers to humble reverence, confident hope, and urgent witness in light of the One who “shakes the earth and the heavens” yet grants an unshakable kingdom to those who trust Him.

הָרְעָֽלוּ׃ הרעלו׃ hā·rə·‘ā·lū hārə‘ālū hareAluInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts