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Nahum 1

ScriptureDepth's study of Nahum 1

“Yahweh is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knows those who take refuge in him.”

Nahum 1:7

Nahum speaks of Yahweh's goodness and strength to those in trouble, assuring Judah that he knows them and provides refuge amid impending judgment.

What Nahum 1 is about

Nahum introduces a revelation about Nineveh’s judgment. Yahweh is a jealous God who avenges and is full of wrath. He is slow to anger but will not let the guilty go unpunished (vv. 2-3). He has power over nature, rebuking the sea and causing mountains to quake. The earth trembles at his presence (vv. 4-6). Yahweh offers assurance to those who trust him; he is a stronghold in trouble and knows those who take refuge in him (v. 7). He promises to make an end of Nineveh and pursue its enemies (vv. 8-10). There is one from Nineveh who devises evil against Yahweh (v. 11). Although Nineveh is strong, Yahweh will break its yoke and destroy its idols (vv. 12-14). Finally, good news comes to Judah, who can rejoice as the wicked will be cut off (v. 15).

Yahweh proclaims that the wicked one will no more pass through Judah, as he is utterly cut off.

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Nahum 1 at a glance

  1. Nahum 1:1Introduction to Nineveh's Judgment
  2. Nahum 1:2–3God's Character Revealed
  3. Nahum 1:4–6God's Sovereign Power
  4. Nahum 1:7–10Assurance for the Faithful
  5. Nahum 1:11–14Warning to Nineveh
  6. Nahum 1:15Good News for Judah

Key verse: Nahum 1:7

One thing to notice

The chapter employs vivid imagery to depict Yahweh's authority over creation. In verses 4-6, references to the rebuking of the sea, trembling mountains, and quaking earth underline his immense power and the natural response to his presence.

Summary and study helps: AI-drafted (September 2026), checked by automated Scripture gates. Spotted an error? Report it. Fixes are listed on the corrections page.

Chapter text

Read Nahum 1 (WEB)

Introduction to Nineveh's Judgment Nahum 1:1

Verse 1. A revelation about Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.

God's Character Revealed Nahum 1:2–3

Verse 2. Yahweh 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. Verse 3. Yahweh 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.

God's Sovereign Power Nahum 1:4–6

Verse 4. He rebukes the sea, and makes it dry, and dries up all the rivers. Bashan languishes, and Carmel; and the flower of Lebanon languishes. Verse 5. The mountains quake before him, and the hills melt away. The earth trembles at his presence, yes, the world, and all who dwell in it. Verse 6. Who 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.

Assurance for the Faithful Nahum 1:7–10

Verse 7. Yahweh is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knows those who take refuge in him. Verse 8. But with an overflowing flood, he will make a full end of her place, and will pursue his enemies into darkness. Verse 9. What do you plot against Yahweh? He will make a full end. Affliction won’t rise up the second time. Verse 10. For entangled like thorns, and drunken as with their drink, they are consumed utterly like dry stubble.

Warning to Nineveh Nahum 1:11–14

Verse 11. There is one gone out of you, who devises evil against Yahweh, who counsels wickedness. Verse 12. Yahweh 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. Verse 13. Now will I break his yoke from off you, and will burst your bonds apart.” Verse 14. Yahweh 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.”

Good News for Judah Nahum 1:15

Verse 15. Behold, 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)

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Main themes in Nahum 1

God's sovereignty

In Nahum 1, God's sovereignty is evident in his control over nature and events, such as in v. 4, where he 'rebukes the sea, and makes it dry.' His power is further displayed in v. 5, as 'the mountains quake before him, and the hills melt away.' The chapter conveys that Yahweh's authority encompasses both the natural world and human affairs, asserting his dominance over Nineveh's fate.

Divine justice

Divine justice is a central theme in Nahum 1, particularly in v. 2, where Yahweh is described as 'jealous' and one who 'avenges' his adversaries. The chapter assures that he 'will by no means leave the guilty unpunished' (v. 3), highlighting that justice is inevitable for those who oppose him. The text communicates that Nineveh's impending destruction is a direct consequence of their actions against Yahweh.

Protection for the faithful

In v. 7, the chapter offers assurance of protection for the faithful, stating that 'Yahweh is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble.' It affirms that he 'knows those who take refuge in him,' emphasizing a personal relationship with those who trust in him. This promise serves as a source of comfort for Judah amidst the threats posed by Nineveh.

Inevitable judgement

Inevitable judgment surfaces in Nahum 1, particularly in verse 8, where it is declared that Yahweh 'will make a full end' of Nineveh. This warning indicates that their affliction 'won’t rise up the second time' (verse 9), suggesting a complete and irreversible destruction. Further support for this judgment appears in verse 14, which states that no descendants will remain to bear Nineveh's name.

Chapter outline

How Nahum 1 unfolds

  1. Nahum 1:1 Introduction to Nineveh's Judgment

    This verse introduces the prophecy concerning Nineveh, identifying it as a revelation received by Nahum the Elkoshite, emphasizing the seriousness of the message that follows.

  2. Nahum 1:2–3 God's Character Revealed

    Yahweh's character is revealed as 'jealous' and 'full of wrath,' taking 'vengeance on his adversaries,' yet he is also 'slow to anger' and 'great in power,' ensuring the guilty are not left unpunished (vv. 2-3).

  3. Nahum 1:4–6 God's Sovereign Power

    Yahweh's sovereign power is illustrated through his control over nature, where he can dry seas and rivers, causing the earth to tremble before him (vv. 4-6).

  4. Nahum 1:7–10 Assurance for the Faithful

    These verses provide assurance to those who seek refuge in Yahweh, highlighting his goodness and strength during times of trouble (v. 7), while simultaneously warning of impending judgment on enemies (vv. 8-10).

  5. Nahum 1:11–14 Warning to Nineveh

    Yahweh addresses Nineveh, declaring that 'one gone out of you' devises evil against him, and warns that despite their strength, they will be 'cut down' and their name will be 'no more' (vv. 11-14).

  6. Nahum 1:15 Good News for Judah

    Yahweh announces good news for Judah, proclaiming that 'the feet of him who brings good news' are on the mountains, urging them to 'keep your feasts' as their oppressor is 'utterly cut off' (v. 15).

Key verses

  • Nahum 1:7Nahum speaks of Yahweh's goodness and strength to those in trouble, assuring Judah that he knows them and provides refuge amid impending judgment.

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Study questions

Questions for studying Nahum 1

SummarizeObserveInterpretApply

Uses your daily Ask questions.

  1. observeIn v3, what does it mean that Yahweh is 'slow to anger'?
  2. observeWhat does Yahweh do to the sea in v4, and what is the imagery used?
  3. interpretYahweh's wrath being 'poured out like fire' in v6: what does this suggest about the nature of His judgment?
  4. interpretIn v11, who is said to have devised evil against Yahweh, and what might this imply about opposition to Him?
  5. applyWhen have you sought refuge in Yahweh during a 'day of trouble' as mentioned in v7?

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Nahum 1: frequently asked questions

What is Nahum 1 about?+
Nahum introduces a revelation about Nineveh’s judgment. Yahweh is a jealous God who avenges and is full of wrath.
What is the key verse in Nahum 1?+
Nahum 1:7: “Yahweh is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knows those who take refuge in him.”
What are the main themes of Nahum 1?+
The main themes of Nahum 1 are God's sovereignty, Divine justice, Protection for the faithful, Inevitable judgement.

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Study Notes