Nah 1 | MHCC | e4.org | 1-8 About a hundred years before, at Jonah's preaching, the Ninevites repented, and were spared, yet, soon after, they became worse than ever. Nineveh knows not that God who contends with her, but is told what a God he is. It is good for all to mix faith with what is here said concerning Him, which speaks great terror to the wicked, and comfort to believers. Let each take his portion from it: let sinners read it and tremble; and let saints read it and triumph. The anger of the Lord is contrasted with his goodness to his people. Perhaps they are obscure and little regarded in the world, but the Lord knows them. The Scripture character of Jehovah agrees not with the views of proud reasoners. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ is slow to wrath and ready to forgive, but he will by no means acquit the wicked; and there is tribulation and anguish for every soul that doeth evil: but who duly regards the power of his wrath?

‏ Nahum 1

** This prophet denounces the certain and approaching

destruction of the Assyrian empire, particularly of Nineveh,

which is described very minutely. Together with this is

consolation for his countrymen, encouraging them to trust in

God.

* The justice and power of the Lord. (1-8) The overthrow of the

Assyrians. (9-15)

1-8 About a hundred years before, at Jonah's preaching, the

Ninevites repented, and were spared, yet, soon after, they

became worse than ever. Nineveh knows not that God who contends

with her, but is told what a God he is. It is good for all to

mix faith with what is here said concerning Him, which speaks

great terror to the wicked, and comfort to believers. Let each

take his portion from it: let sinners read it and tremble; and

let saints read it and triumph. The anger of the Lord is

contrasted with his goodness to his people. Perhaps they are

obscure and little regarded in the world, but the Lord knows

them. The Scripture character of Jehovah agrees not with the

views of proud reasoners. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus

Christ is slow to wrath and ready to forgive, but he will by no

means acquit the wicked; and there is tribulation and anguish

for every soul that doeth evil: but who duly regards the power

of his wrath? 9-15 There is a great deal plotted against the Lord by the

gates of hell, and against his kingdom in the world; but it will

prove in vain. With some sinners God makes quick despatch; and

one way or other, he will make an utter end of all his enemies.

Though they are quiet, and many very secure, and not in fear,

they shall be cut down as grass and corn, when the destroying

angel passes through. God would hereby work great deliverance

for his own people. But those who make themselves vile by

scandalous sins, God will make vile by shameful punishments. The

tidings of this great deliverance shall be welcomed with

abundant joy. These words are applied to the great redemption

wrought out by our Lord Jesus and the everlasting gospel, #Ro

10:15|. Christ's ministers are messengers of good tidings, that

preach peace by Jesus Christ. How welcome to those who see their

misery and danger by sin! And the promise they made in the day

of trouble must be made good. Let us be thankful for God's

ordinances, and gladly attend them. Let us look forward with

cheerful hope to a world where the wicked never can enter, and

sin and temptation will no more be known.