Nahum 1
Read Nahum 1 (WEB)+
1A revelation about Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite. 2Yahweh is a jealous God and avenges. Yahweh avenges and is full of wrath. Yahweh takes vengeance on his adversaries, and he maintains wrath against his enemies. 3Yahweh is slow to anger, and great in power, and will by no means leave the guilty unpunished. Yahweh has his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. 4He rebukes the sea, and makes it dry, and dries up all the rivers. Bashan languishes, and Carmel; and the flower of Lebanon languishes. 5The mountains quake before him, and the hills melt away. The earth trembles at his presence, yes, the world, and all who dwell in it. 6Who 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. 7Yahweh is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knows those who take refuge in him. 8But with an overflowing flood, he will make a full end of her place, and will pursue his enemies into darkness. 9What do you plot against Yahweh? He will make a full end. Affliction won’t rise up the second time. 10For entangled like thorns, and drunken as with their drink, they are consumed utterly like dry stubble. 11There is one gone out of you, who devises evil against Yahweh, who counsels wickedness. 12Yahweh says: “Though they be in full strength, and likewise many, even so they will be cut down, and he shall pass away. Though I have afflicted you, I will afflict you no more. 13Now will I break his yoke from off you, and will burst your bonds apart.” 14Yahweh has commanded concerning you: “No more descendants will bear your name. Out of the house of your gods, will I cut off the engraved image and the molten image. I will make your grave, for you are vile.” 15Behold, 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.
World English Bible (public domain)
“"The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him."”
Nahum 1:7
Summary
Nahum chapter 1 introduces the prophetic vision concerning Nineveh. It begins with a vivid depiction of God as a sovereign and powerful avenger against His enemies. The text highlights God's righteous anger and His ability to punish evil decisively, emphasizing His sovereignty over nature and nations. The chapter contrasts the wrath of God on His adversaries with His goodness and protection toward those who seek refuge in Him. Theologically, this chapter affirms God's all-encompassing authority and His commitment to justice, underscoring the inevitability of divine judgement against wickedness. Yet, it simultaneously affirms His unchanging goodness and faithfulness to those who trust in Him, providing comfort and hope to the righteous. The imagery used in Nahum 1 is rich with natural metaphors illustrating God's might, such as storms, earthquakes, and rivers flooding over. This reinforces the theme of His uncontested power over all creation, ensuring that none can escape His justice, while assuring deliverance and peace for His people.
Go deeper
Ask the AI about Nahum 1
Bring your question about the chapter, the key verse, or how this passage fits the rest of Scripture.
Daily Scripture study
Get a short devotional by email
One passage, one reflection, and one practical question for the day.
Subscribe free and instantly get “Depth Without Seminary” — our step-by-step study guide (PDF).
One short email each morning. Unsubscribe anytime.
Studying Nahum with a print Bible beside you? See our picks for the best study Bibles for beginners.
Chapter outline
How Nahum 1 unfolds
Nahum 1:1 Introduction to Nineveh's Judgment
The chapter opens with a revelation about Nineveh, introducing Nahum as the prophet and setting the stage for divine judgment.
Nahum 1:2–3 God's Character Revealed
Yahweh is described as a jealous God who avenges, emphasizing His wrath against adversaries while being slow to anger and powerful.
Nahum 1:4–6 God's Sovereign Power
God's authority over nature is showcased as He dries up seas and mountains quake, illustrating His might and the seriousness of His wrath.
Nahum 1:7–10 Assurance for the Faithful
In contrast to His wrath, Yahweh is a refuge for those who trust in Him, promising protection amidst impending judgment.
Nahum 1:11–14 Warning to Nineveh
The chapter warns of impending doom for those who devise evil against God, declaring that their strength will not save them from judgment.
Nahum 1:15 Good News for Judah
The chapter concludes with the proclamation of good news for Judah, affirming that the wicked will be cut off and peace will reign.
Key verses
Nahum 1:7Nahum 1:7 encapsulates the dual themes of God's goodness and protection for those who seek refuge in Him amidst judgment.
Main themes in Nahum 1
God's sovereignty
God's sovereignty is evident in Nahum 1, particularly in verses 2-3, where the text describes Yahweh's control over both wrath and the natural world. The chapter develops this theme by depicting how storms and other elements respond to His commands, illustrating that all creation is under His authority. This establishes a foundation for understanding the impending judgment of Nineveh, emphasizing that no power can withstand God's will.
Divine justice
Divine justice is presented in Nahum 1, especially in verses 8-9, where Yahweh proclaims the end of Nineveh's suffering. The text develops this theme by making it clear that the wicked will face consequences for their actions, which underscores God's unwavering commitment to justice. This aspect of the chapter serves to remind readers that those who oppose God and act unjustly will ultimately be held accountable.
Protection for the faithful
In verse 7 of Nahum 1, the chapter reassures readers that Yahweh is a refuge for those who trust in Him. This theme is further emphasized through the stark contrast between God's wrath directed at His enemies and the safety promised to the faithful. It highlights God's protective nature during times of distress, offering assurance that He cares for His people amid judgment and chaos.
Inevitable judgement
The theme of inevitable judgment is clearly articulated in Nahum 1, particularly in verses 11-14, where a prophecy of Nineveh's destruction is laid out. The chapter emphasizes that despite Nineveh's apparent strength, they will inevitably face divine retribution for their wrongdoing. This message serves as a solemn warning against complacency in wickedness, illustrating that judgment is certain for those who disregard God's authority.
Cross-references
Passages that echo Nahum 1
- 2 Timothy 2This passage connects by emphasizing God's faithfulness to the faithful, echoing Yahweh's protection in Nahum.
- John 10The concept of Yahweh as a refuge connects with Jesus as the Good Shepherd, emphasizing protection.
- 1 Corinthians 8This passage develops the theme of knowledge versus ignorance, similar to Nahum's warnings against plots against God.
- Romans 10The declaration of good news in Nahum parallels the proclamation of salvation found in Romans.
- Lamentations 3Both texts express themes of hope amidst judgment, highlighting God's compassion and faithfulness.
- Isaiah 52Nahum's message of good news resonates with Isaiah's themes of peace and deliverance for God's people.
Study questions
Questions for studying Nahum 1
- What does Nahum reveal about God's character in verses 2 and 3?
- How does the imagery of nature in verses 4-6 illustrate God's power?
- In what way does verse 7 provide comfort to the faithful?
- What specific fate does Nahum predict for Nineveh in verses 11-14?
- How does the chapter's conclusion in verse 15 shift focus to Judah?
- What significance does the term 'jealous' have in describing God in this chapter?
Nahum 1: frequently asked questions
What is Nahum 1 about?+
What is the key verse in Nahum 1?+
What are the main themes of Nahum 1?+
Studied in
Where Nahum 1 comes up on ScriptureDepth
Related chapters