Nahum - Chapter 1

Nahum 1.1 The burden of Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite. Nahum 1.2 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. Nahum 1.3 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. Nahum 1.4 He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth. Nahum 1.5 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. Nahum 1.6 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. Nahum 1.7 The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. Nahum 1.8 But with an overrunning flood he will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue his enemies. Nahum 1.9 What do ye imagine against the LORD? he will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time. Nahum 1.10 For while they be folden together as thorns, and while they are drunken as drunkards, they shall be devoured as stubble fully dry. Nahum 1.13 For now will I break his yoke from off thee, and will burst thy bonds in sunder. Nahum 1.14 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. Nahum 1.15 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.

Nahum : Chapter 1

God's Judgment on Nineveh According to Nahum 1

Chapter 1 of Nahum proclaims God's judgment on the city of Nineveh. This powerful text reveals God's character through a prophecy rich in insights. The Lord is described as a jealous and vengeful God, but also as a patient and kind being. Using striking imagery from nature, Nahum illustrates divine power and God's wrath against the wicked. At the same time, this chapter offers comfort to God's people, promising deliverance from their oppressors.

Themes of Divine Justice in Nahum 1

We invite you to examine five biblical passages that shed light on the themes of divine justice present in this powerful chapter.

Exodus 34:6-7

"And the Lord passed by before him and proclaimed, 'Lord, Lord God, merciful, gracious, and long-suffering, and abounding in mercy and truth; keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, though he will not clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and on the children's children, to the third and fourth generation." This verse echoes the attributes of God described in Nahum 1:2-3, showing the consistency of God's nature throughout Scripture.

Psalms 97:2-3

"Clouds and darkness surround him; righteousness and judgment are the foundation of his throne. Before him is fire, burning up his enemies around him." This passage reflects the language and imagery used in Nahum 1:3-6 to describe the power and righteousness of God.

Romans 12:19

"Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written: 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay,' says the Lord.' This New Testament verse reaffirms the theme of Nahum 1:2, where God is described as a vengeful God.

Isaiah 52:7

"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, proclaims peace, announces good things, proclaims salvation, says to Zion: Your God reigns!" This passage is related to Nahum 1:15, which uses similar language to describe the proclamation of the good news.

Revelation 6:16-17

"And they said to the mountains and rocks, 'Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; for the great day of his wrath is coming; and who shall survive?'" This apocalyptic vision echoes the language of Nahum 1:6, describing God's wrath and asking who can resist it.

By meditating on these verses, we can fully appreciate the depth of divine justice and the character of our Lord, who, while a God of wrath, is also a God of mercy and faithfulness.