Nahum 1

¹ The burden of Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.

² God [is] jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and [is] furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth [wrath] for his enemies.

³ The LORD [is] slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit [the wicked]: the LORD [hath] his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds [are] the dust of his feet.

⁴ He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth.

⁵ The mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein.

⁶ Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him.

⁷ The LORD [is] good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.

⁸ But with an overrunning flood he will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue his enemies.

⁹ What do ye imagine against the LORD? he will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time.

¹⁰ For while [they be] folden together [as] thorns, and while they are drunken [as] drunkards, they shall be devoured as stubble fully dry.

¹¹ There is [one] come out of thee, that imagineth evil against the LORD, a wicked counseller.

¹² Thus saith the LORD; Though [they be] quiet, and likewise many, yet thus shall they be cut down, when he shall pass through. Though I have afflicted thee, I will afflict thee no more.

¹³ For now will I break his yoke from off thee, and will burst thy bonds in sunder.

¹⁴ And the LORD hath given a commandment concerning thee, [that] no more of thy name be sown: out of the house of thy gods will I cut off the graven image and the molten image: I will make thy grave; for thou art vile.

¹⁵ Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace! O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off.

Table of Contents

Overview of Nahum Chapter 1

Nahum Chapter 1 serves as an introduction to the prophetic message delivered by Nahum concerning the impending judgment of Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire. This chapter emphasizes God’s sovereignty, justice, and the certainty of His wrath against those who oppose Him.

Key Themes

The Wrath of God: The chapter opens with a vivid portrayal of God’s anger against His adversaries.
God’s Jealousy: The text highlights God’s passionate devotion to His people and His intolerance for idolatry.
Divine Justice: Nahum emphasizes that God is a just judge who will not leave the guilty unpunished.
Comfort for Judah: The prophecy serves as a message of hope for the people of Judah, assuring them of God’s deliverance from their oppressors.

Structure of the Chapter

Verses 1-3: Introduction and Declaration of God’s Character
These verses introduce the book and describe God as a jealous and avenging deity. It emphasizes His power and might, stating that He is slow to anger but great in power.
Verses 4-6: God’s Authority Over Nature
Here, Nahum illustrates God’s control over the natural world, describing how He rebukes the sea and dries up rivers, demonstrating His authority over creation.
Verses 7-8: The Goodness of God
In contrast to His wrath, God is portrayed as a stronghold for those who trust in Him. This section reassures the faithful that God is a refuge during times of trouble.
Verses 9-11: The Fate of Nineveh
Nahum prophesies against Nineveh, declaring that their plans against the Lord will come to nothing. This serves as a warning to the Assyrians of their impending doom.
Verses 12-14: Assurance of Judgment
God assures Judah that their oppressors will be cut off, and He will break the yoke of oppression. This section emphasizes the certainty of judgment against Nineveh.
Verse 15: Announcement of Good News
The chapter concludes with a proclamation of peace for Judah, encouraging them to celebrate as their oppressors will no longer afflict them.

Theological Implications

Nahum Chapter 1 presents several theological implications regarding the nature of God:

God’s Sovereignty: The chapter affirms that God is in control of all nations and events, asserting His authority over creation and history.
The Nature of Divine Justice: It illustrates that God’s justice is inevitable and that He will hold nations accountable for their actions.
God as a Refuge: It highlights the dual nature of God as both a judge and a protector, providing comfort to those who seek refuge in Him.

Conclusion

Nahum Chapter 1 serves as a powerful reminder of God’s character, His justice, and His role as a protector of His people. It sets the stage for the unfolding narrative of judgment against Nineveh while offering hope and assurance to the faithful in Judah.

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Andrew

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