A Vision Concerning Nineveh
A century after Jonah, Nineveh has returned to cruelty, and Nahum announces its fall. To a people terrorized by Assyria, the book is not vengeance but comfort: their Father is a refuge.
1 1An oracle concerning Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite. 2Our Father is jealous and avenging; our Father takes vengeance and is filled with wrath. Our Father takes vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserves his wrath for his enemies. a a v2 Our Father's love includes righteous anger toward those who harm his children — the same heart that is slow to anger and abundant in mercy (v.3) acts with fierce justice against oppressors.
Slow to Anger, Great in Power
3Our Father is slow to anger and great in power, and he will never leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and the clouds are the dust beneath his feet. 4He rebukes the sea and dries it up; he makes all the rivers run dry. Bashan and Carmel wither, and the blossom of Lebanon fades. 5The mountains quake before him, and the hills melt away. The earth heaves at his presence—the world and all who live in it. 6Who can stand before his fury? Who can endure the heat of his anger? His wrath pours out like fire, and the rocks shatter before him. 7Our Father is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. 8But with an overwhelming flood he will put an end to her place, and he will pursue his enemies into darkness. 9What do you plot against our Father? He will put a complete end to it; trouble will not rise up a second time. 10For though they are entangled like thorns and soaked in their drink, they will be consumed like dry stubble. 11From you, Nineveh, came one who plots evil against our Father, a counselor of wickedness.
12This is what our Father says: However strong and numerous they are, they will be cut down and disappear. Though I have made you suffer, I will make you suffer no more. 13Now I will break his yoke from your neck and tear away your chains.
14Our Father has commanded about you, Nineveh: your name will have no descendants. I will cut off the carved image and cast idol from your gods' house. I will make your grave — you are contemptible.
15Look! There on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace! Celebrate your feasts, Judah; fulfill your vows. For never again will the wicked invade you; they are completely cut off. b b v15 Paul quotes this verse of the apostles proclaiming Jesus — "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!" (Rom 10:15). Nahum's good news of peace after Assyria's defeat foreshadows the gospel of peace through Jesus.
