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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 counsellor.
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.
🌩️ The Lord is a Jealous God, Slow to Anger, but Great in Power 🌩️
“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 1:3
Nahum Chapter 1 introduces a powerful and sobering message from the prophet Nahum. It reveals both the righteous anger of God against evil and His faithful protection over those who trust in Him. Written as a burden against Nineveh, this chapter sets the tone for the coming judgment upon Assyria, emphasizing God’s justice, His sovereignty over creation, and His mercy toward the righteous.
Though the message is one of impending wrath for the enemies of God, it is also filled with hope for those who trust in Him. In the midst of divine judgment, God remains a stronghold for His people, a refuge in times of trouble. This chapter is a resounding declaration: God will not allow wickedness to prevail forever.
📜 Structure of Nahum Chapter 1
Verses 1–3: Introduction and the Character of God
Nahum identifies his prophecy as “the burden of Nineveh,” signaling a divine message of judgment. Immediately, the attributes of God are declared: He is jealous, avenging, and powerful. Yet He is also slow to anger, reminding us that His wrath is measured and just.
- God’s patience is not weakness—it is mercy.
- His justice is certain, and He will not acquit the wicked.
Verses 4–6: God’s Power Over Creation
Nahum describes God’s might with vivid imagery: He rebukes the sea, dries up rivers, and makes mountains quake. These are not just poetic lines—they highlight God’s authority over all of nature.
- Bashan and Carmel wither, and the flower of Lebanon fades at His presence.
- Who can stand before His indignation? No one can withstand His fierce anger.
This portion reveals that no earthly power can oppose God’s will.
Verses 7–8: God’s Dual Nature – Refuge and Judge
Here lies the heart of the chapter: “The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.”
- To His people, God is a place of safety.
- To His enemies, He is an overwhelming flood, cutting off the wicked in darkness.
This contrast is essential—God defends the righteous while destroying evil.
Verses 9–11: Judgment Pronounced on Nineveh
Nineveh is directly addressed. God declares their plans against Him will fail. One who comes forth as “a wicked counsellor” shall not rise again. This is a prophecy of the Assyrian empire’s end.
- No alliance, plot, or army can stand when the Lord has decreed judgment.
Verses 12–14: God’s Word to Judah and Assyria
God speaks comfort to Judah: though afflicted, they will be delivered. He promises to break the yoke of bondage and remove their burdens.
- For Nineveh, the decree is final—“Thy name shall be no more.”
- Idolatry and false worship will be cut off. God Himself will bring this to pass.
Verse 15: The Good News of Deliverance
The chapter closes with triumph: “Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings…”
- Judah is told to keep the feasts and fulfill vows, for the oppressor will no longer pass through.
- This points forward to a time of peace and restoration for God’s people.
💡 Key Themes
✨God’s Justice Against the Wicked
Nahum shows that God will not tolerate sin forever. Though He is patient, there is a limit. When that limit is reached, His judgment is swift and unstoppable.
✨God’s Refuge for the Righteous
Verse 7 provides one of the most comforting truths in Scripture: God knows those who trust in Him. He shields, secures, and saves those who take refuge in His presence.
✨Divine Sovereignty and Power
From the winds and storms to the destruction of empires, this chapter exalts God’s absolute control over all things—nations, nature, and history itself.
👤 Key People
- Nahum – The prophet delivering this vision. His name means “comfort,” and indeed, his message brings comfort to the oppressed.
- Nineveh – Capital of Assyria, known for its violence and cruelty. Once warned by Jonah, it now faces final judgment.
- Judah – The southern kingdom, comforted with a promise of deliverance and restoration.
🔥 Why This Chapter Matters
Nahum 1 speaks to every believer who has faced injustice, oppression, or evil. It assures us that God sees, God knows, and God acts in His perfect time. While He brings vengeance upon the wicked, He also shelters those who love Him. It is a sobering call to trust Him fully and to rest in His justice.
💭 Let’s Reflect
- Do you trust God as your stronghold in the day of trouble?
- How does knowing God’s justice bring you peace in a world full of evil?
- Are there any burdens you need to surrender to the One who knows and cares for His people?
❓Ready to Go Deeper?
👉 Click here to begin reading Nahum Chapter 2
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