NAHUM’S prophetic testimony especially refers to the judgment of God upon Nineveh. It is the Assyrian who has so often been brought before us by other prophets. Blessing, however, is held out to those who trust in Jehovah. “The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him.” (chapter 1:7.)
The prophet declares that “God is jealous, and the Lord revengeth;” and he looks forward to the execution of His judgments upon the world, saying, “The mountains quake at Him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at His presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein. Who can stand before His indignation? and who can abide the fierceness of His anger?” As to Nineveh, he speaks of her as one that imagineth evil against the Lord; but the one that will yet oppress His people shall be judged; for God says, “I will break his yoke from off thee, and will burst thy bonds asunder.” “O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off.” (chapter 1)
Nineveh must be judged and pass away. “Nineveh is of old like a pool of water: yet they shall flee away.” (Chap. 2) No doubt the overthrow will be complete. “I will make thee vile... All they that look upon thee shall flee from thee, and say, Nineveh is laid waste.... All thy strong holds shall be like fig trees with the first ripe figs.... Fire shall devour thee.... Thy shepherds slumber, O king of Assyria. ...There is no healing of thy bruise,” &c. (Chap. 3) Jehovah had humbled Jacob; for emptiers had emptied them out, and marred their vine branches. But the time will come for her oppressors to be judged, and the world also, while those who trust in Him find Him a strong hold, and prove His goodness.