Nah 1 | MHM | STEP | Inscription of the Book This opening verse introduces the prophecy of Nahum. It tells us who the book is about and who wrote it. The prophecy is a message of judgment against Nineveh, the capital city of the Assyrian Empire. About a century earlier, Jonah had warned Nineveh, and the people repented, so God spared them. But now, the people have returned to their evil ways, and Nineveh is again full of violence, lies, and robbery. This time, God’s warning is final, and the coming judgment cannot be avoided. It reminds us that if people stop repenting, they also lose God’s favor ( If men turn from the good they began to do, they can expect no other than that God should turn from the favour he began to show , Jeremiah 18:10 ). v. 1 : The prophecy is called the burden of Nineveh because it is a heavy message for the city. It is also called the book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite . Nahum is the prophet who received this vision, and he wrote it down so people could compare the prophecy with what actually happened. We do not know much about Nahum except that he was from Elkosh, probably a town in Galilee. The focus is not on the prophet himself, but on the message from God’s Spirit.

‏ Nahum 1

Inscription of the Book

This opening verse introduces the prophecy of Nahum. It tells us who the book is about and who wrote it. The prophecy is a message of judgment against Nineveh, the capital city of the Assyrian Empire. About a century earlier, Jonah had warned Nineveh, and the people repented, so God spared them. But now, the people have returned to their evil ways, and Nineveh is again full of violence, lies, and robbery. This time, God’s warning is final, and the coming judgment cannot be avoided. It reminds us that if people stop repenting, they also lose God’s favor (If men turn from the good they began to do, they can expect no other than that God should turn from the favour he began to show, Jeremiah 18:10 ^a).

v. 1: The prophecy is called the burden of Nineveh because it is a heavy message for the city. It is also called the book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite. Nahum is the prophet who received this vision, and he wrote it down so people could compare the prophecy with what actually happened. We do not know much about Nahum except that he was from Elkosh, probably a town in Galilee. The focus is not on the prophet himself, but on the message from God’s Spirit.

The Judgment of Nineveh; The Awful Power of God

This section describes both the terrifying wrath and the comforting mercy of God. On one hand, God’s power is revealed in His judgment against Nineveh, which stands as a warning to all who oppose Him. On the other hand, His power brings security and peace to those who trust in Him. This dual message is like the pillar of cloud and fire in the wilderness—it has a bright side for God’s people and a dark side for His enemies. Sinners should read this and tremble, while believers should read it and rejoice in God’s protection.

v. 2: God is described as a jealous and avenging God. He is deeply offended by idolatry, rebellion, and attacks on His people. He is furious, but unlike human anger, God’s fury is perfectly righteous and controlled. He is the Lord of anger, meaning He governs His wrath and uses it justly. God’s vengeance is not immediate, but it is certain. He reserves judgment for those who refuse to repent, and He will not let the wicked go unpunished (Deuteronomy 32:40-41; Psalm 78:50 ^b). This is a warning to Nineveh and all who continue in their sins without repentance.

v. 3: God is slow to anger, giving people time to repent. However, He is also great in power and will not leave the wicked unpunished. His power is seen in nature: He commands the whirlwind and the storm, and the clouds are like dust beneath His feet. This shows that God is in control of even the most chaotic forces in the world (Psalm 18:9 ^c).

v. 4: God’s power extends over the seas and rivers. He can dry them up at His command, just as He did at the Red Sea and the Jordan River. Even fertile places like Bashan, Carmel, and Lebanon cannot withstand His power. They wither under His control, showing that no place or resource can stand against Him.

v. 5: At God’s presence, the mountains quake, the hills melt, and the earth trembles. These natural disasters demonstrate His overwhelming power. God can shake the very foundations of the earth, reminding us that no one and nothing can resist Him.

v. 6: The prophet asks, Who can stand before His indignation? God’s anger is like a consuming fire, and no one can endure it. Even the strongest and most prideful sinners are powerless against His wrath. Rocks, which seem immovable, are thrown down by Him. This shows that God’s judgment is irresistible and terrifying (Psalm 11:6; Revelation 16:19 ^d).

v. 7: Despite this display of wrath, God’s mercy shines for His people. The Lord is good and a stronghold in the day of trouble. Those who trust in Him will find safety and comfort even in the midst of judgment. God knows His people personally and cares for them, even when the world is in chaos (Psalm 1:6 ^e).

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Destruction of the Assyrian Army; Overthrow of Sennacherib

This section describes how God will judge the Assyrian army under Sennacherib. Their attack on Jerusalem and their prideful words against God brought about their destruction. The defeat of Sennacherib’s army is not just a warning for Assyria, but also a promise of hope and deliverance for God’s people. The story also points forward to the final end of all who oppose God and His kingdom.

v. 9: God asks, What do you imagine against the Lord? It is foolish and dangerous to plot against God, thinking anyone can defeat His purpose. Sennacherib and his advisors, like Rabshakeh, made plans against Jerusalem and God Himself, but such plans are always in vain (Psalm 2:1-2 ^f). God will bring a quick end to their plans; once He judges, affliction shall not rise up the second time—He will not need to do it again.

v. 10: The Assyrians are compared to thorns tangled together and drunkards who cannot think clearly. They are united in their pride and evil, but also in their downfall. They will be burned up like dry stubble, easily destroyed by God’s judgment.

v. 11: Out of Nineveh came someone who plotted evil against the Lord—this refers to Sennacherib, who blasphemed God and tried to convince people to stop trusting Him (Isaiah 36:7 ^g). He was a wicked counselor, leading others to do wrong.

v. 12: God promises that even though the Assyrians are many and seem calm and secure, they will be cut down suddenly when God acts. Their strength and confidence will not save them. God’s judgment is certain and swift.

v. 13: God tells His people that He will break the yoke of the Assyrians from their neck and set them free from oppression. The siege will be lifted, and Jerusalem will be delivered. This rescue is a picture of the greater freedom God gives to His people in Christ.

v. 14: God declares judgment on Sennacherib himself. His name will not continue, and his idols will be cut off from their temples. Sennacherib will die in shame, and the Assyrian empire will fall. The idols he trusted in will not help him, and his memory will be disgraced (Ezekiel 31:3, 11, 15, 16 ^h).

v. 15: Good news will be announced to Judah: Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that brings good tidings. The people are called to celebrate their feasts and keep their promises to God, because the enemy is destroyed and will not return. This verse is also used in the New Testament to describe the coming of the gospel and the message of peace through Jesus Christ (Isaiah 52:7; Romans 10:15 ⁱ).