Nahum 1 Commentary

Nahum 1 briefly introduces the prophet and predicts God's judgment on the Assyrian city of Nineveh. It describes the appearance of God as an avenging warrior who has come to deliver the people of Judah while He destroys their adversaries. Although the Ninevites were God's instrument to punish Judah, they did more than they were supposed to do. They even plotted against God and His covenant people. Therefore, God will destroy them to stop their wickedness and allow Judah to live in peace and security. The chapter's outline is as follows:

1. Nahum receives a revelation from God concerning Nineveh (v. 1).
2. Nahum describes the character of God, who will act as an avenging warrior to punish Nineveh and rescue Judah (vv. 2–8).
3. Nahum states that the Ninevites will fall under God's judgment because they have made evil plans against Him and His covenant people (vv. 9–11).
4. Nahum encourages the people of Judah to rejoice because God will destroy Nineveh to give them peace and freedom (vv. 12–15).