Nahum 1
Nahum 1 is a poetic introduction that declares the character of God, His judgment, and His salvation. It is divided into three main parts. First, praise and description of God (verses 1–6); second, a proclamation that God will certainly judge evil (verses 7–11); third, comfort and promises given to God’s people (verses 12–15). This chapter especially emphasizes how God’s justice and love come together harmoniously.
1verseA revelation about Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.
2verseThe LORD is a jealous God and avenges. The LORD avenges and is full of wrath. The LORD takes vengeance on his adversaries, and he maintains wrath against his enemies.
3verseThe LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will by no means leave the guilty unpunished. The LORD has his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.
4verseHe rebukes the sea and makes it dry, and dries up all the rivers. Bashan and Carmel languish. The flower of Lebanon languishes.
5verseThe mountains quake before him, and the hills melt away. The earth trembles at his presence, yes, the world, and all who dwell in it.
6verseWho can stand before his indignation? Who can endure the fierceness of his anger? His wrath is poured out like fire, and the rocks are broken apart by him.
7verseThe LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knows those who take refuge in him.
8verseBut with an overflowing flood, he will make a full end of her place, and will pursue his enemies into darkness.
9verseWhat do you plot against the LORD? He will make a full end. Affliction won’t rise up the second time.
10verseFor entangled like thorns, and drunken as with their drink, they are consumed utterly like dry stubble.
11verseOne has gone out of you who devises evil against the LORD, who counsels wickedness.
12verseThe LORD says: “Though they are in full strength and likewise many, even so they will be cut down and pass away. Though I have afflicted you, I will afflict you no more.
13verseNow I will break his yoke from off you, and will burst your bonds apart.”
14verseThe LORD has commanded concerning you: “No more descendants will bear your name. Out of the house of your gods, I will cut off the engraved image and the molten image. I will make your grave, for you are vile.”
15verseBehold, on the mountains the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace! Keep your feasts, Judah! Perform your vows, for the wicked one will no more pass through you. He is utterly cut off.
The Character of God (Verses 1–6)
At the beginning of chapter 1, the text powerfully declares what kind of God He is. God is jealous and one who takes vengeance, yet also the God of patience who endures for a long time, and He is good and a stronghold for those who take refuge in Him. At the same time, it shows that He never simply lets evil go unpunished in His wrath. The poetic language (poetic expressions) in these verses reveals that God is the absolute sovereign who rules over nature and all the universe.
Judgment Proclaimed to Nineveh (Verses 7–11)
In this paragraph, God teaches clearly the difference between good and evil. For those who take refuge in God, He is good; but for those who do evil like Nineveh, judgment that is fitting will certainly come upon them. The character of God, who distinguishes between good and evil, is revealed, and it emphasizes that God’s plan cannot be prevented by any human power.
Promises Given to the People (Verses 12–15)
In the final portion, God promises comfort and restoration to His people. Previously, there was suffering and oppression, but now He says He will break the yoke and bonds and make all things new. At the same time, by proclaiming Nineveh’s complete destruction, it shows that God’s justice will certainly be carried out. Verse 15 deals with those who proclaim the good news of the gospel and the restoration of peace.
Meditation Points
- I think about whether I can trust God as the one who will put an end to evil and establish justice in the areas of my life as well.
- In that God’s wrath and love exist together, I reflect on whether my faith is not leaning only toward one side.
- I also meditate on whether the comfort and promises God gave to Israel who was suffering are strengthening for me as well.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- I renew my mind to trust God’s justice and protection amid fear and hardship in my life.
- I decide to live a day practicing goodness, sharing the comfort and the gospel I have received with my neighbors.
