Consult our introduction to the book: Survey of the Book of Nahum
Nahum 1:2-3a
A jealous and avenging God is the Lord; The Lord is avenging and [a]wrathful. The Lord takes vengeance on His adversaries, And He reserves wrath for His enemies. 3 The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, And the Lord will by no means leave the guilty unpunished.
Establish the need: Why do God judge the nations? We need to understand who God is and His attributes.
Purpose: We need to know God will judge sin because of His attributes, five we will see here in Nahum so that we will repent and trust in Christ to be saved.
- We need to know this is about God and not about Judah, Judah’s nationalism, not even about politics and foreign policies per se; but its about sin against God.
- Note: All three instances of “Lord” is “Yahweh,” God’s personal name.
- First two attributes are presented as doublets: “A jealous and avenging God”
- For those who know their Hebrew Scripture they would have seen that the phrase “jealous and avenging” echoes Exodus 20:5 (Timmer, 74).
- Also “jealous and avenging” in Hebrew are nuanced, appearing before the subject “God” (Timmer, 74).
- These are attributes that the readers would know and so we see that God is the same God with Jews or Gentiles.
- First characteristics of God: “A jealous … God” (v.2a)
- The adjective “jealous” in the Hebrew when it is used to talk about God refers to his commitment to His glory and holiness in the face of direct opposition (Timmer, 75).
- As an adjective refers to God’s anger reacting to the violation of His covenant and laws; examples include the sins of idolatry (Exodus 20:5), worship of other gods (Exodus 34:14) (Timmer, 74).
- Important in talking about God’s judgment of Nineveh is the term used to describe God’s response to nations abusing Israel; see Zechariah 1:14, Ezekiel 38:19.
- Second characteristics of God: “…avenging God” (v.2a)
- The root for the word “avenging” in the Hebrew refers to retribution/punishment where God takes a judging and fighting mode (Timmer, 75).
- While people are caution not to take revenge this is the prerogative, right and duty of God.
- Elsewhere in the Bible it teaches God is a God of vengeance: “Lord, God of vengeance, God of vengeance, shine forth! 2 Rise up, Judge of the earth, Pay back retribution to the proud.” (Psalm 94:1)
- This characteristic of God is important: Three times this attribute is mentioned in verse 2! The trio appearance of this word is for strong emphasis (Cook, 8).
- Third characteristics: “The Lord is .. wrathful” (v.3a)= Wrath is mentioned twice, in verse 2 and verse 3 (Timmer, 75).
- Fourth characteristics: “The Lord is slow to anger …” (v.3a)
- This same attribute was mentioned earlier in Jonah 4:2.
- The similarities with Jonah 4:2 is not only the same attributes but both deal with Nineveh.
- While God is slowed to anger there is also a limit (Cook, 23).
- One might ask isn’t the truth that God slow to anger the opposite of attributes of God that is involved with judgment? The attribute of God’s patience is important for salvation but also judgment, as those who do not repent when God is slow to anger will incur punishment for not repenting when God is merciful.
- Fifth characteristics: “The Lord is .. great in power” (v.3a)
- This character will be discussed more when we look at Nahum 1:3b-8.
- For now it is sufficient to say that those four other attributes of God is why God must judge any sinful nations, and this attribute indicate He can judge.
- Last two attributes are presented as doublets for a reason: “The Lord is slow to anger and great in power”
- These two attributes along with the phrase “the Lord will by no means leave the guilty unpunished” (3a) are meant to invoke memories of two previous moments in Biblical history where the same three phrases were previously mentioned: Exodus 34:6-7 and Numbers 14:17-18 (Cook, 16).
- In both Exodus 34:6-7 and Numbers 14:17-18 they record two incident Israel sinned, the first with Israel’s action with the golden calf rebellion and the second with sinful inaction by not believing God and attack Canaan (Cook, 17).
- The point here is even as certain as God judges Israel in history, God will judge Nineveh.
- All five attributes lead God to action: “And the Lord will by no means leave the guilty unpunished” (v.3a)
- These attributes of God are important since Nahum focuses on who God is and what He does before even naming Nineveh as the subject matter (Timmer, 78).
Practice
- Do you realize who God is? Does that lead you to see the sinfulness of your sins?
- Do you treat sins lightly?
- If you find yourself seeing your sinful predicament and wish to be saved, turn to trust in Jesus as your Savior. Confess your sins and trust in Jesus only to save you! Jesus died for sinners who would place their trust in Him!
The Domain for Truth 
Love this brother. God has many attributes, and it is extremely helpful to see the scope of them. Excellent insight.
Blessings for a stunning day in paradise.
Many people don’t know that the God of mercy is also the God of judgement. God is love, but he’s also a consuming fire. And this is where I tremble at the person of the Almighty.
I truly think we all need to FEAR God just as much as we claim to LOVE him.
Great post.
Amen to this: “ I truly think we all need to FEAR God just as much as we claim to LOVE him.” Amen. Thanks for sharing that
What is your position on this guy:
blog.reaction.la
Seems there’s a lot of data and it’s beyond my area of expertise is this your site??
This is my site. The blog described wants to roll back feminism by installing a “Christian” theocracy. He opposes young earth creationism and fiercely upholds darwinism.
Oops!
THIS is my site:
oogenhand.wordpress.com
We should never take sin lightly. This is one of the greatest passages on God’s Wrath in all of Scripture. God’s Judgment on the nations was and will be total, complete, permanent. May we never forget that God’s judgment comes before His Mercy. I hope it is ok to share this https://bluecollartheologian.blog/2021/04/13/jealous-and-avenging-god/
So true: “ This is one of the greatest passages on God’s Wrath in all of Scripture.” I appreciate that post and that was a fond memory of your look at Nahum and the commentary and also reflection on God’s attributes. How is the weather and things today?
It’s cold, I have no desire to leave the house! When will you and Nancy get rest?! I sent Leeann some thoughts from her question last night. Will you have to travel for ministry this week?!
Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
Good reminder about the need to repent when God is merciful: “The attribute of God’s patience is important for salvation but also judgment, as those who do not repent when God is slow to anger will incur punishment for not repenting when God is merciful.”
May God’s mercy be motivation to repent rather than a license to sin. Thanks for noting that point in the post and quoting it! How is the winter snow for you going??
Aren’t we seeing this every day? Pay attention people …we may be in for arough ride before it’s over.
This is one of my favorite short books in the O.T., Pastor Jim. In college I did a study on it and, even though it speaks of destruction of the inhabitants of Nineveh which was a great city, it speaks of the completeness of God’s fulfillment of prophecy. Everything that Nahum pronounced happened just like God told Nahum it would. It is a testament of prophetic fulfillment down to the last jot and tittle.
It is indeed a testament to God being true and real to fulfill these prophecies!! Amazing if you ask me!!! Thanks for sharing your experience with this book; have you blogged about Nahum before on your blog?
Good question, Pastor Jim. I can’t remember ever doing a blog post on it. I’ll have to search my own site to see if I have!
It looks like I’ve mentioned Nahum in 4 different posts but it doesn’t look like I’ve done a specific post on it. I may have to do that one of these days. 🙂
I love the note I saw regarding the angry Psalms such as the Psalm you quoted, for those who are troubled by them and wonder why a man’s desire for revenge is included in Scripture. The note said, “Notice that the psalmnist is asking God to avenge him, not planning how he will do it himself.”
When Paul quotes the Lord in Romans 12:19 – “‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord,” it’s as much of a promise as it is a rebuke and warning to those of us who want to get even. Justice will be done in the end, by the only One who knows the whole truth.
Amen: “ When Paul quotes the Lord in Romans 12:19 – “‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord,” it’s as much of a promise as it is a rebuke and warning to those of us who want to get even.”. A big amen to that sister! Thanks for sharing that it is sobering , comforting and convicting all at once! As it should be amen?
You’re right, Jim, God’s Word says what we need when we need it – sobering, comforting, convicting, or anything else God wants it to be.
There was a story of a troubled man who read a verse of Scripture on a piece of paper, gave a sigh of relief, and walked away comforted. A second man looked at it and walked away upset. A third man, who saw the first two was puzzled and curious. He picked up the paper and read, “God is not mocked. Whatsoever a man sows, that he shall reap.”
Thanks for this good listen outline about how Holy God WILL judge sin, a Biblical doctrine that is receiving less and less attention at TBN-style churches.
RE: Thinking out loud RE: God judging nations
As you know more than I do, the OT refers to God judging cities and nations. Some have used those passages to promote the notion of some type of collective, “national redemption” via nationwide repentance. The idea of a nationwide revival has been preached from American pulpits since the Second Great Awakening. Preachers have appropriated 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If my people who are called by my name…” meant only for Israel and applied it to America.
No nation in history was ever collectively “Christian,” although there may have been a large percentage of Christians in European Protestant countries and the U.S. when churches had great influence – 16th thru early-20th centuries.
I guess my observation is many Christians living in America still believe in a type of collective, national salvation while incongruently holding to individual Biblical salvation.
“ many Christians living in America still believe in a type of collective, national salvation while incongruently holding to individual Biblical salvation.” it made me think of how some want national salvation but don’t evangelize. I’m hoping 2022 I get to evangelize more as 2020-2021 is rough. How goes your day, any snow blowing? How is your dog and what’s your dogs name?
It’s much milder today, currently 37F and no new snow. Doing several little chores today so I don’t have to do them tomorrow, my pre-work day.
RE: dog
Thanks! After “crisis” Monday, we’re settling into a routine where Gracie is a bit dizzy and unstable, and we have to help guide her with the leash when she goes outside to #1 & #2. Other than that’s she’s happy and not in pain and has a good appetite.
How’s your Wednesday going?
God…my “AVENGER”! It takes a load off of me when I feel I have been unfairly treated or misjudged. Truth will all be exposed in the end. I am glad God is a Jealous God. To have NO OTHER GODs before HIM is really a “simpler” life anyway. SONG: “Trust and obey. There is no other way.”( John H. Sammis- 1887)
Amen it takes a load off and it is spiritually liberating. Amen sister! How is the weather your neck of the woods?
Cold and snowy. I am sure you are enjoying 50-60 degrees. We are in the teens now and through the weekend. (Minnesota-St.Paul area)
I read the book of Nahum this morning. God had compassion on this great city at one time when he sent Jonah.
I praise His Holy Name
Praise the Lord! He is Holy and sovereign; hope you are doing well with your health?
Dr. says I am in good shape for the shape I am in. :))
The God of vengeance will shine forth very soon….
Sobering! May we be busy with the Lord’s work amen???
AAMEN !!
As Christians, we know God’s way is perfect, but as humans, sometimes we desire to know “who”, “what”, “when”, “why”, and “where”. Thank you for sharing some of these answers.
Job 38:4
Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?
Declare, if you have understanding.
Looking forward to this series especially since this is on the Minor prophet
God is merciful, but also just.