Nahum 1
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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.
Key Themes
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