← Back to Nahum

Nahum 1

15 verses

TL;DR

God declares the impending judgment on Nineveh, describing His wrath and the destruction that will follow, while also promising deliverance for the faithful.

Summary

Nahum begins by affirming God's jealousy and wrath, emphasizing that He is slow to anger yet powerful in delivering justice. The prophet describes the calamity that will befall Nineveh, portraying it as a city of sin and opulence that will be shattered by divine judgment. The text depicts God's dominion over nature—storms, seas, and mountains—as He brings a devastating flood and darkness upon the enemy. Nahum speaks of the ultimate breaking of Nineveh's yoke, promising that its oppressive power will be abolished. He contrasts this with the Lord's steadfast protection for those who trust Him, offering hope for Judah. The chapter concludes with a call to Judah to maintain faithfulness, noting that the wicked will be utterly cut off.

Outline
  1. God’s declaration of jealous vengeance and divine judgment on Nineveh.
  2. Descriptive portrayal of natural and supernatural destruction as a manifestation of God’s wrath.
  3. Assurance of God’s protection for the faithful and the ultimate downfall of the wicked.
Themes
Divine judgment and vengeanceGod’s sovereignty over nature and nationsHope and protection for the faithful
Keywords
jealousrevengewrathstormflooddarknessyokebetrayaljudgmentfaithful
People
NahumLord (God)
Places
NinevehBashanCarmelLebanonmountainshills
Things
WrathFloodDarknessYokeBondsStormWhirlwind
Key Verses
  • Nahum 1:3: Highlights God’s slow yet unstoppable anger and His power over storms and the earth.
  • Nahum 1:6: Describes the fierceness of God’s wrath, likening it to fire that throws rocks.
  • Nahum 1:14: Declares the breaking of the enemy’s yoke and the removal of their images, signaling total judgment.
Questions
  • What does Nahum’s imagery of nature (storms, floods) reveal about God’s character?
  • How does the chapter portray the contrast between divine judgment and protection for the faithful?
  • Why might Nineveh have been chosen as the target of this prophecy?
  • What significance does the breaking of the yoke hold for the Israelites?
  • How does the message of this chapter apply to modern readers?
Sentiment

negative
The text condemns Nineveh and depicts severe judgment, but offers reassurance to the faithful.