Category Archives: Digging into Nahum

“Though I have afflicted you, I will afflict you no more. And now I will break his yoke from off you and will burst your bonds apart.” (Nahum 1:12b-13) Is this a one time promise for one population? Or is this a general way, God deals with his people? “For the yoke of his burden, […]

“Thus says the LORD, “Though they are at full strength and many, they will be cut down and pass away. Though I have afflicted you, I will afflict you no more.” (Nahum 1:12) Whenever we read scripture we must be aware of who is speaking, who they are speaking to, and who is being spoken […]

“From you came one who plotted evil against the LORD, a worthless counselor.” (Nahum 1:11) It looks like we are now getting to more specific accusations against some group or leader. Someone in a position of influence or authority hatched a plot of “evil against the Lord.” This plotter is called a worthless counselor. I […]

“For they are like entangled thorns, like drunkards as they drink; they are consumed like stubble fully dried.” (Nahum 1:10) Three more analogies are used in this short verse to illustrate the utter futility of opposing The Almighty. First, even at their best their opposition is pitiful. They see themselves as nearly impregnable, their fortifications […]

“What do you plot against the LORD? He will make a complete end; trouble will not rise up a second time.” (Nahum 1:9) Plan what you want. Plot and strategize as you will. It will do you no good. When God decides to destroy, destruction comes sure and complete. When the Almighty knocks you down […]

“But with an overflowing flood he will make a complete end of the adversaries, and will pursue his enemies into darkness.” (Nahum 1:8) In this metaphorical and highly illustrative language Nahum warns God’s enemies of the utter futility of resisting His judgment. Their destruction will be as futile to defend against as a tidal wave. […]

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 […]

Who can stand before his indignation? Who can endure the heat of his anger? His wrath is poured out like fire, and the rocks are broken into pieces by him. (Nahum 1:6, ESV) What a defender! What an enemy! Which would you choose to have him as, defender or enemy? It seems obvious which position […]

The mountains quake before him; the hills melt; the earth heaves before him, the world and all who dwell in it. (Nahum 1:5, ESV) In his commentary John Calvin points out that this not only represents God’s raw power but his power under control, since God’s attributes are never outside his control. The mountains are […]

“His way is in whirlwind and storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. He rebukes the sea and makes it dry; he dries up all the rivers; Bashan and Carmel wither; the bloom of Lebanon withers.” (Nahum 1:3b-4 ESV) Just as an army stirs up dust while it moves, and as a […]