First light on a great cleft limestone outcrop in the Judean wilderness, a dry sheltered hollow at its foot with an old fire ring and a water skin, ridges falling away to the east.

The LORD avenges

Nahum 1

Assyria had crushed nations for a century. Does God see what the powerful get away with?

15 verses≈ 3 min1 personBSB

Images are artistic interpretations.

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In this chapter

Where we are

1The LORD avengesAssyria’s last years, between 663 and 612 BCChapter 1
2Nineveh fallsThe river gates open; the lions’ den is empty
3Woe to the city of bloodNo better than Thebes, and no healing

The Burden against Nineveh

This is the burden against Nineveh, the book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite:

Tap to go deeper: meaning, history and related Scripture

Nahum

The LORD is a jealous and avenging God;

the LORD is avenging and full of wrath.

The LORD takes vengeance on His foes

and reserves wrath for His enemies.

Nahum

The LORD is slow to anger

and great in power;

the LORD will by no means

leave the guilty unpunished.

Nahum 1:3

Nahum

A towering dust whirlwind tearing across a bare tan plain under a low black storm front, dust streaming off its foot, a thin line of far hills.

His path is in the whirlwind and storm,

and clouds are the dust beneath His feet.

Nahum

Nahum

He rebukes the sea and dries it up;

He makes all the rivers run dry.

Bashan and Carmel wither,

and the flower of Lebanon wilts.

Nahum

Who can withstand His indignation?

Who can endure His burning anger?

His wrath is poured out like fire;

even rocks are shattered before Him.

Question

Quick question

Nahum’s hymn opens with words Israel had known for centuries. Read verse 3 again before you answer.

Verse 3 repeats words God first spoke to whom?

Nahum

The LORD is good,

a stronghold in the day of distress;

He cares for those who trust in Him.

Nahum 1:7

Nahum

Nahum

But with an overwhelming flood

He will make an end of Nineveh

and pursue His enemies into darkness.

Nahum

Whatever you plot against the LORD,

He will bring to an end.

Affliction will not rise up

a second time.

Nahum

For they will be entangled as with thorns

and consumed like the drink of a drunkard—

like stubble that is fully dry.

Nahum

From you, O Nineveh, comes forth

a plotter of evil against the LORD,

a counselor of wickedness.

God

Gray first light over a vast Assyrian camp on a wide plain: rows of low tents with still flaps, spears stacked in bundles, wicker shields leaning on tent poles, cooking fires gone cold, a thin mist between the rows, horses tethered at the far edge, no one in sight.

This is what the LORD says:

“Though they are allied and numerous,

yet they will be cut down and pass away.

God

Though I have afflicted you, O Judah,

I will afflict you no longer.

God

God

For I will now break their yoke from your neck

and tear away your shackles.”

God

God

The LORD has issued a command concerning you, O Nineveh:

“There will be no descendants

to carry on your name.

I will cut off the carved image and cast idol

from the house of your gods;

I will prepare your grave,

for you are contemptible.”

Nahum

Dawn on a high bare ridge of the Judean hills: a lone messenger far off, seen from behind and small, runs along a stony path over the crest toward the terraced hills of Judah and a walled hill town in the valley below.

Look to the mountains—

the feet of one who brings good news,

who proclaims peace!

Celebrate your feasts, O Judah;

fulfill your vows.

For the wicked will never again march through you;

they will be utterly cut off.

0:15

Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain

Pray

LORD, You are slow to anger and You see every cruelty. Be my stronghold in the day of distress, and let me carry Your good news of peace. Amen.

You’ve experienced

Nahum 1

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A verse to carry with you

The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of distress; He cares for those who trust in Him.

Nahum 1:7

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