King James Version

What Does Nahum 1:13 Mean?

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

Context

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

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

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

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.

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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Commentary

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).

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Nahum. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Nahum 1:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.