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 Book of Nahum in the King James Version (KJV) of the Holy Bible is a prophetic book. Nahum was a minor prophet, and his book is located in the section of the Old Testament referred to as the Minor Prophets. The first chapter of Nahum sets the stage for the destruction of Nineveh, a significant city in the ancient Assyrian Empire, which was a powerful and brutal empire. The main themes of this chapter include God's wrath and vengeance against wickedness, His power and sovereignty, and His patience and slowness to anger.
The opening verse of Nahum Chapter 1 introduces Nahum as the author and identifies the book as a prophecy about Nineveh. The prophecy is described as a "burden", indicating the gravity of the message and the heavy responsibility placed upon Nahum to deliver it. Nahum's prophecy is not one of hope or salvation, but a prophecy of doom and destruction for the wicked city of Nineveh.
Nahum Chapter 1 presents a vivid and powerful depiction of God's wrath. This chapter emphasizes that God is a just God who will not allow wickedness to go unpunished. The language used in this chapter is strong and forceful, painting a picture of a God who is mighty, fearsome, and capable of great destruction. The chapter describes God as "jealous", "avenging", and "furious". It states that "The Lord will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies" (Nahum 1:2). This is a clear message that God will not tolerate wickedness and will take action against those who persist in evil.
The chapter goes on to describe God's power in controlling the elements of nature. It speaks of the earth trembling at His presence, the hills melting, and the sea drying up. These descriptions serve to highlight the magnitude of God's power and the futility of resisting His will. They also signal the impending disaster that awaits Nineveh.
Despite the emphasis on God's wrath, Nahum Chapter 1 also highlights God's patience and slowness to anger. It states, "The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked" (Nahum 1:3). This suggests that while God is indeed capable of great wrath, He is not quick to unleash it. He is patient and gives ample opportunity for repentance. However, His patience should not be mistaken for tolerance of wickedness. The chapter makes it clear that God will not acquit the wicked; justice will be served in due time.
Nahum Chapter 1 prophesies the destruction of Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire. The Assyrians were known for their cruelty and brutality, and their empire was built on the conquest and subjugation of other nations. Nahum's prophecy is a message of divine judgment against Nineveh for its wickedness, signaling God's intent to bring down Nineveh.
The chapter ends with a message of hope for the people of Judah, who had been oppressed by the Assyrians. Nahum assures them that their oppressor will be destroyed and that they will no longer have to fear. This serves as a reminder that God is not only a God of wrath, but also a God of deliverance and salvation for those who trust in Him.
The Book of Nahum, and particularly Chapter 1, serves as a stark reminder of God's wrath against sin and His justice in dealing with wickedness. It underscores the seriousness of sin and the dire consequences of persisting in wickedness. It reminds us that God is not a passive observer but an active judge who will not let wickedness go unpunished.
At the same time, Nahum Chapter 1 also highlights God's patience and His desire for repentance rather than destruction. It reminds us that God is slow to anger and that His wrath is always accompanied by an opportunity for repentance. This underscores God's mercy and His desire for all to turn away from wickedness and seek His forgiveness.
Finally, Nahum Chapter 1 is a message of hope for the oppressed. It assures those who trust in God that He will deliver them from their oppressors and bring about justice. It reminds us that God is not indifferent to the suffering of the oppressed but is actively working to bring about their deliverance.
In conclusion, Nahum Chapter 1 presents a powerful and multi-faceted picture of God. It depicts God as a wrathful judge, a patient and merciful savior, and a deliverer of the oppressed. It serves as a sobering warning against wickedness, a reminder of God's mercy, and a message of hope for those who trust in Him.
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