נחום, פרק ב׳, פסוק י׳

A dramatic scene unfolds as enemy armies break through the gates of Nineveh. The invading forces are met with the staggering wealth of the fallen city, prompting an urgent call to plunder its vast treasures. The prophet captures the chaos of the conquest, either issuing a direct call to the Chaldean forces or echoing the cries of the soldiers urging one another to strip the city of its silver and gold [רש״י, רד״ק, מצודת דוד]. The sheer volume of the spoils is unimaginable, described as having no end or limit. This boundlessness reflects the massive fortunes that the people of Nineveh had painstakingly gathered and hoarded over time [אבן עזרא, מצודת ציון, מלבי״ם]. Alternatively, this endless wealth specifically refers to the meticulously counted and vaulted treasures of silver and gold, which are now exposed and entirely beyond measure [רש״י].

As the invaders confront the city's finest items, the nature of their ultimate prize is understood in several ways. One approach views the scene as a command for action, urging the looters to completely sweep out and empty the city of every single precious vessel [רש״י, רד״ק, מצודת דוד]. Another perspective focuses on the extraordinary quality of the items themselves, noting that the conquerors will discover magnificent artifacts and riches far more valuable than any desirable object on earth [רד״ק, שטיינזלץ].

Beyond the physical loot, a deeper motivation drives the conquering army. The focus shifts from material wealth to the sheer honor of military triumph, suggesting that the glory of victory holds far more value than any stolen artifact [מצודת דוד]. This dynamic can even be seen as a dialogue amidst the ruins. While the prophet urges the soldiers to take the endless silver and gold, the victors respond that their true goal is not the plunder. They came for the fame of the conquest, making the honor of their victory far greater in their eyes than any precious treasure Nineveh could offer [מלבי״ם].