Nahum begins by reminding us that God’s jealousy is not rooted in insecurity, but in holiness and love. He guards His glory and His people fiercely. His vengeance is not impulsive anger but the righteous settling of moral accounts. When evil seems unchecked, God’s jealousy assures us that injustice will not last forever.
Nahum opens with a stirring revelation of who God is, not just to the nations, but to His people. The prophet speaks to Judah during the time of Assyrian oppression, announcing that God will soon judge Nineveh, the proud capital of Assyria. But beyond judgment, this chapter offers deep comfort: God’s people are never forgotten, even in the face of powerful enemies.
Matthew Henry describes this chapter as “a psalm of triumph,” full of assurance that though God’s wrath is terrifying to His enemies, it is a refuge to His friends. The same power that destroys evil also defends the righteous.
“The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord takes vengeance on His adversaries.”
“The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked.”
God’s patience is one of His greatest mercies. He delays judgment, giving time for repentance. But His patience has purpose, not weakness. When He acts, His power is unstoppable. The storm and whirlwind obey Him; the sea and mountains tremble before His command. Nahum shows us the balance of God’s nature; He is patient enough to wait, yet powerful enough to act decisively when the time comes.
“Who can stand before His indignation? Who can endure the heat of His anger?”
The imagery here is overwhelming, mountains quake, and rocks are torn apart at His presence. No one can oppose God and prevail. His wrath is not vindictive, but it is consuming. It reminds us that sin and pride have no place before a holy God. Those who will not flee to His mercy shall be made to feel His justice.
“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who take refuge in Him.”
This verse is the heart of the chapter, the gentle center of a fierce storm. Amid God’s justice, His goodness shines like a light in the darkness. For the righteous, He is not a consuming fire but a fortress. He knows His people personally, not just by name but by heart. His knowledge implies care, protection, and covenant love. While others tremble before His power, those who trust Him find peace in His presence.
God’s knowledge is not distant awareness, it is intimate relationship. Those who rely on Him are surrounded by His defense. As the enemy plots destruction, God declares that their plans will come to nothing. His people can rest knowing that He fights for them even when they cannot see it.
“Though I have afflicted you, I will afflict you no more. For now I will break his yoke from off you.”
Here is a tender promise to a weary people. God acknowledges that He allowed affliction, but He will not let it last forever. The Assyrians, who once crushed nations under their rule, will themselves be broken. God’s timing may seem slow, but He never forgets His people’s pain. Every burden has an expiry date under His sovereignty.
“Behold, on the mountains, the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace!”
The chapter ends with a beautiful reversal, while judgment falls on Nineveh, Judah hears good news. God’s justice brings peace to His people. This verse echoes through history, even finding fulfillment in the Gospel: Christ bore judgment so that we might receive peace. The same God who broke the yoke of Assyria has broken the power of sin and death through Jesus.
Nahum 1 reminds us that God is both terribly just and tenderly good. His wrath against sin is not in conflict with His love, it proves it. For those who trust Him, He is a strong tower in every storm. When the world shakes and evil seems to win, we can rest knowing our refuge is not in men, governments, or circumstances, but in the Lord who never fails.
The same God whose power judges sin is the God whose goodness shelters His people. When life feels like a storm, don’t run from God; run to Him. His justice will silence your enemies, and His mercy will sustain your heart.
Lord, You are both just and merciful. Thank You for being my refuge in every storm.
Teach me to trust Your timing and to rest in Your power, even when I cannot see the full picture.
Break every yoke of oppression in my life, and help me find peace in Your justice and joy in Your goodness.
Amen.