FocusRefuge and judgment
Connection to the wholeThe opening describes the LORD's power and goodness while announcing the end of the hostile oppressor.
interpretation Nahum 1:3
KJVThe LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.
Read it in context
The LORD's Character and Impending Judgment on Nineveh
Start reading at Nahum 1:1 (Nahum 1:1 to Nahum 1:15).
Nahum 1:1 is the title of the book. The passage from Nahum 1:2 to 1:15 functions as an introductory oracle or psalm, describing the LORD's character and His impending judgment on Nineveh, contrasting it with His goodness to Judah. Therefore, starting at Nahum 1:1 provides the full context including the book's title.
- 1:1 The burden of Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.
- 1:2 God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies.
- 1:3 The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.
- 1:4 He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth.
- 1:5 The mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein.
- 1:6 Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him.
- 1:7 The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.
- 1:8 But with an overrunning flood he will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue his enemies.
- 1:9 What do ye imagine against the LORD? he will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time.
- 1:10 For while they be folden together as thorns, and while they are drunken as drunkards, they shall be devoured as stubble fully dry.
- 1:11 There is one come out of thee, that imagineth evil against the LORD, a wicked counsellor.
- 1:12 Thus saith the LORD; Though they be quiet, and likewise many, yet thus shall they be cut down, when he shall pass through. Though I have afflicted thee, I will afflict thee no more.
- 1:13 For now will I break his yoke from off thee, and will burst thy bonds in sunder.
- 1:14 And the LORD hath given a commandment concerning thee, that no more of thy name be sown: out of the house of thy gods will I cut off the graven image and the molten image: I will make thy grave; for thou art vile.
- 1:15 Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace! O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Nahum the Elkoshite is the named prophet; his further biography is uncertain. Biblical references: Nahum 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Nahum 1:1–1:15): The oracle concerns Nineveh. Judah also receives words of relief from its oppressor. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Judah receives reassurance in an oracle against Nineveh. Nineveh is the city addressed in judgment; Judah is explicitly addressed with a call to keep its feasts. Biblical references: Nahum 1:1; Nahum 1:15; Nahum 3:1. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? The main theme is the character of the LORD, revealing His power, slowness to anger, and unwavering justice. He will not acquit the wicked and demonstrates His sovereignty over creation through whirlwinds, storms, and clouds. This sets the stage for His impending judgment on Nineveh and His protection of Judah.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing His absolute sovereignty, immense power, and righteous character. He is slow to anger, showing His patience, but He is also just and will not allow the wicked to go unpunished. He controls all natural forces, demonstrating His dominion over the earth.
- What is the literary style? The literary style is prophetic and poetic, using vivid imagery to describe the LORD's power and majesty, particularly in relation to His control over natural elements and His righteous judgment.
When
- When was it written? The book was written around 650 B.C. book background
- When does the event take place? The events prophesied in the book occur before the fall of Nineveh in 612 B.C. book background
Where
- Where did it happen? The prophecy concerns the judgment that will befall Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. The descriptions of God's power are universal, affecting all creation. stated in the text
- Where was the author located? The author, Nahum, was located in Judah when he wrote this prophecy. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The LORD's Character and Impending Judgment on Nineveh (Nahum 1:2 to Nahum 1:15). Start reading at Nahum 1:1. Nahum 1:1 is the title of the book. The passage from Nahum 1:2 to 1:15 functions as an introductory oracle or psalm, describing the LORD's character and His impending judgment on Nineveh, contrasting it with His goodness to Judah. Therefore, starting at Nahum 1:1 provides the full context including the book's title.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? Nahum 1:3 serves as a foundational statement about the LORD's character, introducing the attributes of power, patience, and justice that underpin the entire prophecy. It explains why the LORD will bring judgment upon Nineveh (because He 'will not at all acquit the wicked') and why Judah can trust Him (because He is 'slow to anger' and 'great in power'). interpretation
- How does it point to Christ? This passage points to Christ by describing the attributes of the LORD: His great power, His justice in not acquitting the wicked, and His ultimate dominion over all creation. Jesus Christ, as the LORD, perfectly embodies these attributes. He demonstrated divine power over nature (rebuking the wind and sea), and He will ultimately execute righteous judgment upon all wickedness. The 'good tidings' mentioned in Nahum 1:15 can be seen as a foreshadowing of the gospel of peace brought by Christ. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Today, this passage reminds believers that the LORD is a powerful and just God who is also patient ('slow to anger'). We can trust in His ultimate control over all circumstances and find refuge in Him, knowing He 'knoweth them that trust in him' (Nahum 1:7). For those who are wicked, it serves as a solemn warning that the LORD 'will not at all acquit the wicked', emphasizing the certainty of divine justice.
Cited: Nahum 1:3, Nahum 1:2, Nahum 1:7, Nahum 1:8, Nahum 1:15, Exodus 34:6-7, Numbers 14:18, Psalm 18:7-15
Who wrote it, and how we know
Nahum
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book opens as the book of the vision of Nahum.
Nahum 1:1
Early traditionTradition names Nahum.
Related passages
- slow Exod 34:6-7 Neh 9:17 Ps 103:8 Ps 145:8 Joel 2:13 Jonah 4:2 Jas 1:19
- great Job 9:4 Ps 62:11 Ps 66:3 Ps 147:5 Eph 1:19-20
- and will Num 14:18 Job 10:14
- his way Exod 19:16-18 Deut 5:22-24 1 Kgs 19:11-13 Job 38:1 Ps 18:7-15 Ps 50:3 Ps 97:2-5 Ps 104:3
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Nahum 1
Nahum presents an oracle concerning Nineveh. The announced judgment is directed toward that oppressive power; descriptions of battle are prophetic and poetic language rather than instructions for the reader to imitate violence. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Nahum
Nahum presents an oracle concerning Nineveh. The announced judgment is directed toward that oppressive power; descriptions of battle are prophetic and poetic language rather than instructions for the reader to imitate violence.
FocusRefuge and judgment
Connection to the wholeThe opening describes the LORD's power and goodness while announcing the end of the hostile oppressor.
interpretation Nineveh's fall portrayed
Nahum 2:1–13FocusAttack and desolation
Connection to the wholeThe vivid battle scene depicts the overthrow of the power confronted in the oracle.
interpretation The reason for judgment and the final taunt
Nahum 3:1–19FocusViolence, deceit, and unavoidable collapse
Connection to the wholeThe closing accusations and comparisons expose Nineveh's guilt and complete the announcement of its downfall.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.