Nahum 1

Nahum 1:1

I. THE CHARACTER OF GOD, THE JUDGE (1:1-8)1:1-5 The character of God is described as jealous, avenging, and wrathful on the one hand, and yet slow to anger and great in power on the other. He controls the universe and all its inhabitants. His jealousy is the righteous jealousy of a husband for the wife he loves, not an envy of others’ happiness. Israel is the “wife” of Jehovah (see Hosea). 1:6-8 When He punishes, no one can withstand Him. Yet He is good to those who trust in Him. His judgment would sweep like an overflowing flood through Assyria, destroying Nineveh, her capital.

Nahum 1:9

II. CERTAINTY OF THE DOOM OF NINEVEH (1:9-15)1:9-11 These words are addressed to the Assyrians. God was about to destroy them. The one who plotted evil against the LORD would fall. This probably refers to Sennacherib or to the insolent Rabshakeh. 1:12, 13 Though the Assyrians are currently safe, they will be cut down. Though Israel had been afflicted, it will be afflicted no more, for God will break off the Assyrians’ yoke from His people. 1:14 Next, the LORD addresses the Assyrian king directly. His name would be forgotten, his idol-temple would be pillaged, and the Lord would dig his grave, because he was vile. 1:15 This verse describes the messenger who brings the good tidings of Assyria’s destruction and the resulting peace in Judah. Paul quotes similar words in Rom_10:15, but there they are used in a gospel context (Isa_52:7).