The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. (Nahum 1:7, ESV)
In verse 6 Nahum exclaims “who can stand before, or in the face of, his indignation?” This is a rhetorical question. In verse 7 “Yet Jehovah is good!” Though he is the destroyer of all the strongholds of those who oppose him, God himself is and impenetrable stronghold for those who trust him. Furthermore, God does know precisely and personally those who trust him!
As Calvin puts it, “these two verses together show us that God is hard and severe toward refractory man, and that he is merciful and kind to the teachable and the obedient. Not that God changes his nature, or that he puts on various forms, but because he treats men according to their disposition.”
No one can stand against God’s wrath. However, all are offered an alternative which is gentle, mild, merciful, and an indispensable help to the meek who are faithful to him.
After reading verse 6 some will doubtlessly claimed that God is mean and that God is harsh and that God is hateful. So God has made Nahum point out that just the opposite is true, God is good! His wrath for vengeance against evil doers never overcomes his merciful love, compassion, and goodness. His tender compassion never overcomes his wrath for holy vengeance. He is always perfectly the protector of the faithful and the destroyer of the hateful. Even in the day when the faithful are distressed and the hateful seem to prosper, remember Nahum 1:7 – “God is good!”.
If the all knowing, all wise, all powerful was not also the all good, he would have no trouble being a cosmic bully who reeks destruction in fits of rage, (or even indiscriminately). On the other hand, if he showed unjust mercy of the lawless who refuse to obey and who refuse to repent, he would be unjust.
But God is good. And since he is able to deal out perfect justice he is compelled to do so because he is good. It is his very nature, and we are to imitate him when possible.
“It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the righteous of justice.” (Proverbs 18:5, ESV)
“You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor.” (Leviticus 19:15, ESV)
If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.
But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.” (James 2:8-9 ESV)
God is faithful to his word. And Nahum says “The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.”