2:6 river gates. The city of Nineveh was located on the bank of the Tigris River, and a smaller river flowed through the city. Conflicting ancient accounts ascribe the fall of Nineveh to flooding when the enemy redirected the dams and sluices of the water system. The description in Nahum is manifestly poetic, however. The term “gates” could simply refer to the five gates opening (cf. 3:13) in the direction of the Tigris River with its tributaries and canals. The location of the palace precluded the possibility of collapse by flooding.

palace. The seat of political and military organization.