Nahum Chapter 1 — God’s Power and Judgment
Nahum describes a vision of God’s majesty and power over the natural world. He announces that while God is a refuge for the faithful, He will bring final judgment upon Nineveh.
1A revelation about Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.
2The LORD*When rendered in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS, “LORD” or “GOD” is the translation of God’s Proper Name (Hebrew “יהוה”, usually pronounced Yahweh). is a jealous God†The Hebrew word rendered “God” is “אֱלֹהִ֑ים” (Elohim). and avenges. The LORD avenges and is full of wrath. The LORD takes vengeance on his adversaries, and he maintains wrath against his enemies.
3The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will by no means leave the guilty unpunished. The LORD has his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.
4He rebukes the sea and makes it dry, and dries up all the rivers. Bashan and Carmel languish. The flower of Lebanon languishes.
5The mountains quake before him, and the hills melt away. The earth trembles at his presence, yes, the world, and all who dwell in it.
6Who can stand before his indignation? Who can endure the fierceness of his anger? His wrath is poured out like fire, and the rocks are broken apart by him.
7The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knows those who take refuge in him.
8But with an overflowing flood, he will make a full end of her place, and will pursue his enemies into darkness.
9What do you plot against the LORD? He will make a full end. Affliction won’t rise up the second time.
10For entangled like thorns, and drunken as with their drink, they are consumed utterly like dry stubble.
11One has gone out of you who devises evil against the LORD, who counsels wickedness.
12The LORD says: “Though they are in full strength and likewise many, even so they will be cut down and pass away. Though I have afflicted you, I will afflict you no more.
13Now I will break his yoke from off you, and will burst your bonds apart.”
14The LORD has commanded concerning you: “No more descendants will bear your name. Out of the house of your gods, I will cut off the engraved image and the molten image. I will make your grave, for you are vile.”
15Behold,‡“Behold”, from “הִנֵּה”, means look at, take notice, observe, see, or gaze at. It is often used as an interjection. on the mountains the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace! Keep your feasts, Judah! Perform your vows, for the wicked one will no more pass through you. He is utterly cut off.
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Nahum 1:3
“The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will by no means leave the guilty unpunished.”
This verse establishes the balance between God's patience and His commitment to absolute justice.
Nahum 1:7
“The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knows those who take refuge in him.”
It highlights God's protective nature toward those who trust Him, even amidst a prophecy of judgment.
Nahum 1:15
“Behold, on the mountains the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace!”
This verse offers hope to Judah, announcing the end of their oppression and the restoration of peace.
Chapter Summary
Nahum Chapter 1 opens with a revelation concerning Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire. The chapter begins by describing the character of God, identifying Him as a jealous and avenging God who maintains wrath against His enemies. Despite His power to judge, the text notes that the Lord is slow to anger. A vivid depiction of divine authority follows, showing God’s control over the winds, the sea, and the mountains, which tremble at His presence. Amidst this display of power, the prophet offers comfort, stating that the Lord is a stronghold for those who take refuge in Him. The chapter then transitions into a specific prophecy against an unnamed adversary who plots evil against the Lord. It promises that the yoke of oppression will be broken off the people of Judah. The chapter concludes with a message of peace and the announcement of good news, urging Judah to observe their feasts because their wicked oppressor will be completely cut off.
Frequently Asked Questions
The chapter focuses on a prophecy against the city of Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire. It describes God's power over the earth and His role as both a judge of the wicked and a refuge for the faithful.
Nahum was a prophet whose name means 'comfort' or 'consolation.' While little is known about his personal life, his message focused on the downfall of Assyria and the relief that would bring to the people of Judah.
The chapter depicts God as having great power over nature, such as the wind and the sea. He is described as being slow to anger but also a jealous God who will not allow the guilty to go unpunished, while remaining a stronghold for those who trust Him.
The 'good news' refers to the announcement that the wicked oppressor—Assyria—will be completely cut off. This allows the people of Judah to worship freely, keep their religious feasts, and live without the fear of immediate invasion.
Study Note
The opening verses of Nahum 1 are widely considered by scholars to contain elements of a partial acrostic poem, using the Hebrew alphabet to structure the description of God's majesty.
Related Chapters
Jonah Chapter 3
Jonah also deals with a prophecy concerning Nineveh, though it focuses on a different period when the city repented.
Isaiah Chapter 52
Isaiah 52:7 uses nearly identical language regarding the feet of those bringing good news and publishing peace.
Exodus Chapter 34
The description of God being slow to anger but not leaving the guilty unpunished echoes the Lord's self-revelation to Moses.
Continue in the App
Get the full experience — immersive audio, instant explanations, highlights, notes, and reading plans.