Resolving the Ambiguity in Nahum 1:12

Is the phrase אם שׁלמים [ʾm šlmm] or משׁל מים‎ [mšl mym] found in Nahum 1:12? The textual tradition is divided. The Septuagint (LXX) and the Peshitta support the reading משׁל מים‎ [mšl mym] in Nahum 1:12, whereas the Masoretic text, the Targum, and the Vulgate preserve אם שׁלמים [ʾm šlmm] (‘though they are at full strength’ or ‘though they are complete’). This disagreement prompts significant inquiries regarding the verse’s initial phrasing, its interpretation, and the origins of the differing readings that arose during the transmission process. This article utilizes textual criticism as its main approach – analyzing manuscript evidence, assessing the likelihood of transcription and translation variations, and considering contextual and linguistic elements – to identify the most probable original text and to explore the potential explanations for the discrepancies among these ancient sources.