About Nahum

Nahum announces the destruction of Nineveh, showing that God will judge those who oppose His people.

Author: NahumWritten: c. 663-612 BCReading time: ~2 minVerses: 15

Divine WrathJusticeSovereigntyJudgmentComfortVengeance

Places in This Chapter

Assyria(Region)Bashan(Region)Elkosh(Settlement)Lebanon(Region)Mount Carmel(Mountain)Nineveh(Settlement)

King James Version

Nahum 1

15 verses with commentary

The Lord's Anger Against Nineveh

1

The burden of Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.

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KJV Study Commentary

Nahum's superscription identifies this prophecy as both a 'burden' (massa) concerning Nineveh and a 'book of the vision' (sepher chazon) of Nahum the Elkoshite. The term massa carries the weight of divine judgment—a heavy, burdensome oracle announcing doom. Unlike most prophetic books addressing Israel or Judah, Nahum focuses exclusively on God's judgment against the pagan Assyrian capital, Nineve...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(1) **The burden of Nineveh**—*i.e.*, the *sentence* against Nineveh (see Isaiah 13:1, Note). On the names Nahum and Elkoshite see Introduction.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**46. fell upon ... face, and worshipped Daniel--**worshipping God in the person of Daniel. Symbolical of the future prostration of the world power before Messiah and His kingdom (Php 2:10). As other servants of God refused such honors (Ac 10:25, 26; 14:13-15; Re 22:8, 9), and Daniel (Da 1:8) would not taste defiled food, nor give up prayer to God at the cost of his life (Da 6:7, 10), it seems lik...

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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. God: or, The LORD is a jealous God, and a revenger, etc is furious: Heb. that hath fury

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KJV Study Commentary

Nahum opens with a fierce description of God's character: "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." The Hebrew <em>El qanno unoqem YHWH noqem YHWH uva'al chemah noqem YHWH letzarav venoter hu le'oyevav</em> (אֵל קַנּוֹא וְנֹקֵם יְהוָה נֹקֵם יְהוָה וּבַעַל חֵמָה נֹקֵם יְהוָה ...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2-8) God’s character a pledge that the oppressor of His servants shall be destroyed. (2) **God** . . . **furious.**—Better, *A jealous and vengeful God is Jehovah, an avenger is Jehovah, aye, wrathful.* This verse lays the groundwork for the declaration of God’s sentence against the offending city. There are, of course, several passages in the Law which attribute the same character to Jehovah, *e...

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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**47. Lord of kings--**The world power shall at last have to acknowledge this (Re 17:14; 19:16); even as Nebuchadnezzar, who had been the God-appointed "king of kings" (Da 2:37), but who had abused the trust, is constrained by God's servant to acknowledge that God is the true "Lord of kings."

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.

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KJV Study Commentary

Nahum balances God's wrath with His patience: "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." The Hebrew <em>YHWH erekh appayim ugdol-koach venaqeh lo yenaqqeh YHWH besupah uvise'arah darko ve'anan avaq raglav</em> (יְהוָה אֶרֶךְ אַפַּיִם וּגְדָל־כֹּחַ וְנַקֵּה ...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) **And great in power.**—Better, *but great in power.* Jehovah’s forbearance is not attributable to weakness. To vindicate His power, Nahum, after the manner of other Hebrew poets and prophets, reverts to the wonders of the Exodus (Nahum 1:4-5). The pillars of cloud and fire in the desert march; the quaking cliffs of Sinai; the Red Sea and Jordan divided at His word; Canaan succumbing at every ...

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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

48. One reason for Nebuchadnezzar having been vouchsafed such a dream is here seen; namely, that Daniel might be promoted, and the captive people of God be comforted: the independent state of the captives during the exile and the alleviation of its hardships, were much due to Daniel.

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.

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KJV Study Commentary

This verse depicts divine theophany—God's visible manifestation in creation. 'He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry' (go'er bayam vayabbishehu) recalls God's power over chaos waters demonstrated at creation, the Red Sea crossing, and Jordan's parting. God's mere rebuke dries up seas and rivers, showing absolute sovereignty over nature's most powerful forces. This isn't poetic exaggeration but the...

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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**49. Daniel requested--**Contrast this honorable remembrance of his humble friends in his elevation with the spirit of the children of the world in the chief butler's case (Ge 40:23; Ec 9:15, 16; Am 6:6). **in the gate--**the place of holding courts of justice and levees in the East (Es 2:19; Job 29:7). So "the Sublime Porte," or "Gate," denotes the sultan's government, his counsels being forme...

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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong> This majestic verse describes the overwhelming power of God's presence when He appears in judgment. The Hebrew verb <em>ra'ashu</em> (רָעֲשׁוּ, "quake") depicts violent trembling and convulsions, while <em>mugu</em> (מֹגוּ, "melt") suggests complete ...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(5) **Is burned.**—Better, *heaves.*

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. abide: Heb. stand up

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KJV Study Commentary

Two rhetorical questions escalate the terror of divine judgment: 'Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger?' The Hebrew charah (burning anger) depicts fury like fire, while za'am (indignation) suggests righteous wrath against moral evil. The implied answer is: no one. When God rises in judgment, no human power can resist or endure. The imagery intensif...

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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 3 Da 3:1-30. Nebuchadnezzar's Idolatrous Image; Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego Are Delivered from the Furnace. Between the vision of Nebuchadnezzar in the second chapter and that of Daniel in the seventh, four narratives of Daniel's and his friends' personal history are introduced. As the second and seventh chapters go together, so the third and sixth chapters (the deliverance from the...

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The Lord is Good

7

The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. strong hold: or, strength

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KJV Study Commentary

Amidst Nahum's fierce prophecy of Nineveh's destruction, this verse shines as a beacon of hope for the faithful. Coming immediately after describing God's wrath and power (verses 2-6), verse 7 reveals the dual nature of God's character: terrifying to His enemies, yet good and protective to those who trust Him. "The LORD is good" (tov YHWH) is an unqualified declaration of God's essential goodness—...

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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**2. princes--**"satraps" of provinces [Gesenius]. **captains--**rulers, not exclusively military. **sheriffs--**men learned in the law, like the Arab mufti [Gesenius].

8

But with an overrunning flood he will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue his enemies.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>But with an overrunning flood he will make an utter end of the place thereof</strong> (<em>uveshetef over kalah ya'aseh meqomah</em>, וּבְשֶׁטֶף עֹבֵר כָּלָה יַעֲשֶׂה מְקוֹמָהּ). The <em>shetef</em> (שֶׁטֶף, "flood") imagery likely refers both to literal flooding and metaphorical overwhelming judgment. Historical accounts suggest the Tigris River flooded during Nineveh's siege (612 BC), we...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(8) **But.**—Better, *and.* Jehovah protects His afflicted servants, and therefore He exterminates their oppressor. **Overrunning flood.**—On the propriety of this figure see Nahum 2:6, Note. **The place thereof**—*i.e.,* that of Nineveh. The verse ends, “*and he shall drive his enemies into darkness.*”

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**3. stood before the image--**in an attitude of devotion. Whatever the king approved of, they all approve of. There is no stability of principle in the ungodly.

9

What do ye imagine against the LORD? he will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time.

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KJV Study Commentary

Nahum challenges Nineveh directly: "What do ye imagine against the LORD? he will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time." The Hebrew <em>mah-techashevun el-YHWH kalah hu oseh lo-taqum pa'amayim tzarah</em> (מָה־תְּחַשְּׁבוּן אֶל־יְהוָה כָּלָה הוּא עֹשֶׂה לֹא־תָקוּם פַּעֲמַיִם צָרָה) is both taunt and warning.<br><br>"What do ye imagine against the LORD?" (<em>mah-techashev...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(9-15) The first revelation of God’s judgment, by the awful overthrow of Sennacherib’s invading army in the reign of Hezekiah. (9) **Affliction**—*i.e.,* Nineveh’s affliction of Israel, the same Hebrew word being used in Nahum 1:7 to denote Israel’s “trouble” or “affliction” proceeding from Nineveh. (See also Nahum 1:12.) Nineveh shall not afflict Israel a second time. Applying the whole passage t...

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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

4. The arguments of the persecutor are in brief, Turn or burn.

For while they be folden together as thorns, and while they are drunken as drunkards, they shall be devoured as stubble fully dry.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>For while they be folden together as thorns</strong> (<em>ki ad-sirim sevukim</em>, כִּי עַד־סִירִים סְבֻכִים). <em>Sirim</em> (סִירִים, "thorns") and <em>sevukim</em> (סְבֻכִים, "entangled/interwoven") create an image of dense, twisted thornbushes—impossible to penetrate but easily burned. This may describe Nineveh's defenders packed tightly together in formation, seeming formidable but a...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(10) **For while.**—Better, *For they shall be even as bundles of thorn fagots, and even while steeped in their drink they shall be burnt up like stubble fully dry.* Dry thorn cuttings were commonly used as fuel. (See Psalm 58:9; Psalm 118:12; Ecclesiastes 7:6.) The verse compares the victims of Jehovah’s wrath, first, to a compact bundle of thorn fagots; secondly, to a material equally combustibl...

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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**5. cornet--**A wind instrument, like the French horn, is meant. **flute--**a pipe or pipes, not blown transversely as our "flute," but by mouthpieces at the end. **sackbut--**a triangular stringed instrument, having short strings, the sound being on a high sharp key. **psaltery--**a kind of harp. **dulcimer--**a bagpipe consisting of two pipes, thrust through a leathern bag, emitting a s...

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There is one come out of thee, that imagineth evil against the LORD, a wicked counsellor. a wicked: Heb. a counsellor of Belial

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>There is one come out of thee, that imagineth evil against the LORD</strong> (<em>mimekh yatsa choshev al-YHWH ra'ah</em>, מִמֵּךְ יָצָא חֹשֵׁב עַל־יְהוָה רָעָה). The "one" likely refers to a specific Assyrian king, possibly Sennacherib who invaded Judah (701 BC) and blasphemed YHWH (2 Kings 18:28-35; Isaiah 36-37), or could represent Assyrian imperial policy generally. <em>Chashav</em> (ח...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(11) **Come out of thee.**—Another possible rendering is, *He has retired from thee* [*i.e., Jerusalem*]*, who imagineth . . .* We prefer the rendering of the Authorised Version, and regard the verse as addressed to Nineveh. The reference in the verses following is sufficiently plain for us to identify this enemy of God with Sennacherib. (Comp. the language used by his envoy Rabsbakeh in 2 Kings 1...

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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

6. No other nation but the Jews would feel this edict oppressive; for it did not prevent them worshipping their own gods besides. It was evidently aimed at the Jews by those jealous of their high position in the king's court, who therefore induced the king to pass an edict as to all recusants, representing such refusal of homage as an act of treason to Nebuchadnezzar as civil and religious "head" ...

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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. Though: or, If they would have been at peace, so should they have been many, and so should they have been shorn, and he should have passed away cut down: Heb. shorn

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Thus saith the LORD; Though they be quiet, and likewise many</strong> (<em>koh amar YHWH im-shelemim vekhen rabbim</em>, כֹּה אָמַר יְהוָה אִם־שְׁלֵמִים וְכֵן רַבִּים). The prophetic formula "thus saith the LORD" introduces divine speech. <em>Shalem</em> (שָׁלֵם, "complete/at peace") can mean intact, at ease, or feeling secure. <em>Rabbim</em> (רַבִּים, "many/numerous") emphasizes multitud...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(12) **Thus saith the Lord.**—Better, *Thus saith Jehovah, Though they be of unimpaired strength and ever so numerous, yet just in that state shall they be cut down, and he* [viz., the evil counsellor of Nahum 1:11] *shall* *pass away. Though I have afflicted thee* [Jerusalem], *I* *will afflict thee no more.* Destruction comes upon the Assyrian army in the very hour of prosperity, while unscathed...

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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

7. None of the Jews seem to have been present, except the officers, summoned specially.

For now will I break his yoke from off thee, and will burst thy bonds in sunder.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>For now will I break his yoke from off thee</strong> (<em>ve'attah eshbor mottehu me'alayikh</em>, וְעַתָּה אֶשְׁבֹּר מֹטֵהוּ מֵעָלָיִךְ). The <em>mot</em> (מֹט, "yoke") symbolizes Assyrian domination and oppression—heavy tribute, political subjugation, and constant threat. <em>Shavar</em> (שָׁבַר, "break") indicates violent shattering, not gradual loosening. "Now" (<em>attah</em>, עַתָּה)...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(13) **Now will I break.**—Similarly Isaiah, “I will break the Assyrian in my land, and upon my mountain tread him under foot: then shall his yoke depart from off them, and his burden depart from off their shoulders” (Isaiah 14:25; comp. Jeremiah 30:8).

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**8. accused the Jews--**literally, "ate the rent limbs," or flesh of the Jews (compare Job 31:31; Psa 14:4; 27:2; Jr 10:25). Not probably in general, but as Da 3:12 states, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. Why Daniel was not summoned does not appear. Probably he was in some distant part of the empire on state business, and the general summons (Da 3:2) had not time to reach him before the dedicat...

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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the LORD hath given a commandment concerning thee</strong> (<em>vetsivah aleyka YHWH</em>, וְצִוָּה עָלֶיךָ יְהוָה). The verb <em>tsavah</em> (צָוָה, "command/decree") indicates sovereign, irrevocable decision. God pronounces judicial sentence against Nineveh. This isn't negotiable—it's divine decree that will certainly be fulfilled. The direct address "concerning thee" personalizes ju...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(14) **And the Lord hath given.**—Sudden changes of person are a common feature in Hebrew poetry. The denunciation of the Assyrian here passes from the third to the second person. Sennacherib is told that the royal line of Nineveh is to be suddenly exterminated—a prediction accomplished when his great-grandson Saracus, the last king of Nineveh, destroyed himself in despair. He is also told that th...

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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**9. live for ever--**A preface of flattery is closely akin to the cruelty that follows. So Ac 24:2, 3, &c., Tertullus in accusing Paul before Felix.

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. keep: Heb. feast the wicked: Heb. Belial

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KJV Study Commentary

Amid prophecies of Nineveh's doom, Nahum offers hope to Judah: "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." The Hebrew <em>hinneh al-heharim raglei mevasser mashmia shalom chogi Yehudah chaggayikh shallemî nedarayikh ki lo-yosif...

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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(15) **Behold upon the mountains.**—It is not plain why this verse has been made the first of Nahum 3 in the Hebrew. It is evidently the finale of the proclamation against the Assyrian invader, and rightly stands in the LXX. as the last verse of Nahum 2. It portrays the announcement of Sennacherib’s fate to the towns and villages of Judah. “From mountain-top to mountain-top by beacon fires they sp...

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