Nahum 1:2
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.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Nahum prophesied between 663 BC (after Assyria's conquest of Thebes, mentioned in 3:8) and 612 BC (before Nineveh's fall). For over a century, Assyria had terrorized the ancient Near East with brutal military campaigns. They destroyed Israel's northern kingdom (722 BC) and nearly conquered Judah during Hezekiah's reign (701 BC). Assyrian inscriptions boast of horrific atrocities—impaling victims, burning cities, deporting entire populations. Nahum announces God's judgment against Nineveh for their violence and cruelty. Unlike Jonah's earlier message that brought Nineveh to temporary repentance (c. 760 BC), Nahum declares judgment is now irreversible. The prophecy was precisely fulfilled in 612 BC when Babylon and Media destroyed Nineveh so completely that its location was lost for over 2,000 years.
Nahum demonstrates God's sovereign justice over nations—He judged Israel for covenant unfaithfulness through Assyria, then judged Assyria for exceeding their mandate with excessive cruelty. The book assures God's people that He sees oppression and will vindicate them. While fierce in judgment against the wicked, God remains 'a stronghold in the day of trouble' for those who trust Him (1:7).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Nahum 1:2 deepen your understanding of God's character, particularly His holiness, justice, and mercy?
- What specific attitudes, thought patterns, or behaviors does this verse call you to examine and change in light of the gospel?
- How does this passage point forward to Christ and His redemptive work, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
Analysis & 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 El qanno unoqem YHWH noqem YHWH uva'al chemah noqem YHWH letzarav venoter hu le'oyevav (אֵל קַנּוֹא וְנֹקֵם יְהוָה נֹקֵם יְהוָה וּבַעַל חֵמָה נֹקֵם יְהוָה לְצָרָיו וְנוֹטֵר הוּא לְאֹיְבָיו) uses repetition to emphasize God's holy wrath.
"God is jealous" (El qanno) uses qanna (קַנָּא), meaning zealous or jealous—God's passionate commitment to His glory and His people. This isn't petty envy but righteous zeal defending what belongs to Him. Exodus 34:14 declares: "The LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God." God won't tolerate rivals or share glory with idols.
"The LORD revengeth" (noqem YHWH) appears three times, using naqam (נָקַם), meaning to avenge, take vengeance, or execute justice. Repetition emphasizes certainty and intensity. "Is furious" (uva'al chemah) uses ba'al chemah (master/possessor of wrath)—God is characterized by righteous fury against wickedness. "Reserveth wrath" (venoter... le'oyevav) uses natar (נָטַר), meaning to keep, guard, or maintain—God remembers every offense and will settle accounts.
This verse combats sentimentalized views of God that emphasize love while ignoring holiness and justice. The same God who is "slow to anger" (verse 3) is also jealous, vengeful, and furious. These aren't contradictions but complementary truths. God's love for His people demands wrath against their oppressors. His holiness requires judgment on sin. Nineveh had brutalized nations for centuries; now God announces retribution. This demonstrates that God governs morally—evil doesn't go unpunished forever.