נחום, פרק ג׳, פסוק ה׳

A divine declaration of war is directed at the city, bringing a punishment that serves as a direct consequence of its past sins. God announces a head-on confrontation, ensuring that the city, which previously acted like a prostitute, will suffer a matching public humiliation [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The punishment involves lifting the bottom hems of a woman's dress over her face [רש״י, מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This act of stripping and exposing the city brings the specific disgrace reserved for a prostitute [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, אברבנאל].

This forceful lifting of the garments inflicts a double injury. First, the lower edges of the dress, covered in mud and street dirt, are thrown over her face, covering her in filth [מלבי״ם, אברבנאל]. Second, lifting the clothing completely exposes her nakedness [רש״י, רד״ק, אבן עזרא, מלבי״ם ונוספים].

The humiliation then becomes a public spectacle, with the city's absolute disgrace put on display for the entire world [מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The audience witnessing this downfall is divided into two groups. The ordinary nations, who were once seduced by the city's prostitution, will now look upon her nakedness, while the ruling kingdoms, who were previously lured by her witchcraft, will witness her utter ruin and shame [מלבי״ם].

Beneath this vivid imagery lies the historical reality of the Assyrian Empire's collapse. In this hidden layer, the lowly and despised bottom edges of the garment represent Nebuchadnezzar, who originally served as an inferior minister under the Assyrian king. God will elevate this lowly servant above his master, bringing about the collapse of the empire. This sudden reversal of power will expose Assyria's lies and weakness, prompting all nations to abandon Nineveh without offering any comfort [אברבנאל].