037. II. Jehovah’s Nature A Pledge Of His Vengeance Upon The Wicked (1:1–15; 2:2)
II JEHOVAH’S NATURE A PLEDGE OF HIS VENGEANCE UPON THE WICKED (Nahum 1:1-15;Nahum 2:2)
Jehovah’s stern attributes (Nahum 1:2-3a). Jehovah is a God of vengeance and a jealous God. He asserts himself in defense of his rightful dignity against those who have long been ill-treating his people. He inflicts deserved chastisement upon those who hinder his righteous purpose. He makes every allowance, he delays his disciplinary action to the very last, but eventually he gives the wicked their deserts. Their manifestation through nature (Nahum 1:3-6). The whirlwind and the storm are tokens of his presence; he treads upon the darkening clouds. At his voice of thunder the great deep is rolled back, and the rivers made dry. With the hot wind of the desert he parches the most fruitful fields. Terrific earthquakes and trembling mountains are signs of his awe-inspiring presence. Who can brave his just anger in all its fierceness? It devours like molten lava, which beats down every obstacle in its swift rush. The completeness of Jehovah’s judgments (Nahum 1:7-12). He protects those who put their trust in him, but overwhelms those who are rebellious,[59]and thrusts them into darkness. What do you think of Jehovah? He is thorough-going in his correction. Although his foes are as hard to destroy as a tangled thorn-hedge soaked with moisture, he will devour them as fire consumes dry stubble. Out of thee, O Nineveh, Sennacherib came forth long ago, who defied Jehovah and plotted evil; but, though his foes were like the ocean for multitude and in power, Jehovah would overcome them. He promises to give thee such an affliction that it need not be done a second time.
[59] Adopting the reading “those who rise up against him” in place of “the place thereof.” A promise to Judah of speedy deliverance (Nahum 1:13). “I am now about to deliver thee, O Judah,” saith Jehovah, “from the oppressive yoke of the Assyrian; I will loose thy fetters.”
Assyria’s sentence (Nahum 1:14). O Assyria, Jehovah himself commands that your nationality cease, and that your temples, dishonored by the loss of their idols, become your shameful tomb.
Peace and exaltation for Judah (Nahum 1:15;Nahum 2:2). Behold, O Judah, your fallen foe! The messenger is hastening with the glad tidings of peace. Hold your feasts of rejoicing and pay your vows, for the enemy shall never again raid through your borders; his end has come. Jehovah will exalt the dignity and strength of Judah to the standard of that of Israel in her best days. The plundering of her choice possessions shall be no more.