4. Chariots. rekeb, two-wheeled vehicles of various types, drawn by horses. The chariot was almost exclusively used for military purposes (see on Ex. 14:9) and for state occasions (see on Gen. 41:43). Although there is archeological evidence that chariots were used to carry government officials on state missions, there is practically nothing to indicate that they were used for ordinary private transportation.
Rage. Literally, “act madly,” from a Hebrew root word meaning “to be moonstruck.”
One against another. The overwhelming force of the armies attacking Nineveh is here indicated. The vehicles of war would crowd “one against another.” The entire context of this chapter shows clearly that Nahum was depicting in graphic language the capture of Nineveh.
Torches. lappidim, the common word for torches or lamps (Gen. 15:17; Judges 7:16; etc.; see on Nahum 2:3).