What is the meaning of Nahum 1:11?

From you, O Nineveh

• Nahum singles out the city itself—“From you, O Nineveh”—making clear that the source of the problem is internal, not an outside influence.

• Nineveh had already been called to repentance in Jonah’s day (Jonah 3:5-10) and had relapsed into violent cruelty (Nahum 3:1).

• The phrase echoes Genesis 6:5, where evil springs “from” the heart of man, underscoring personal responsibility.

• God’s focus on a specific place shows His intimate knowledge of nations and cities (Jeremiah 1:10; Acts 17:26).

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comes forth

• Evil is not merely present; it “comes forth,” signaling active emergence and escalation (James 1:15).

• Assyrian aggressions had spilled over borders—sieges, deportations, and forced tribute (2 Kings 15:19, 17:5-6).

• The verb anticipates judgment: what Nineveh sends out will return upon it (Obadiah 1:15; Galatians 6:7).

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a plotter of evil

• Likely pointing to the king of Assyria—historically Sennacherib or one of his successors—who schemed against Judah (2 Kings 18:13-17; 19:22-23).

• The term “plotter” highlights deliberate, calculated hostility rather than impulsive sin (Psalm 2:1-3; Micah 2:1).

• God exposes hidden motives; no strategy escapes His notice (Psalm 94:11; Hebrews 4:13).

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against the LORD

• Assyria’s arrogance was ultimately theological: taunting Yahweh as powerless (2 Kings 18:33-35; Isaiah 37:23-25).

• Any assault on God’s people is an assault on God Himself (Zechariah 2:8; Acts 9:4).

• The LORD’s name and glory are at stake, guaranteeing He will act (Exodus 9:16; Ezekiel 36:23).

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a counselor of wickedness

• “Counselor” recalls Assyria’s diplomatic intimidation—letters, envoys, and propaganda (2 Kings 18:19-27).

• Isaiah calls Assyria’s plans “arrogant” and “boastful” (Isaiah 10:7-13), contrasting with the Messiah who is “Wonderful Counselor” (Isaiah 9:6).

• Human counsel opposed to God always collapses (Psalm 33:10; Proverbs 21:30).

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summary

Nahum 1:11 identifies Nineveh as the birthplace of a deliberate, calculated enemy who dares to confront the LORD. By exposing the city’s origin (“from you”), the active emergence of hostility (“comes forth”), the intentional scheming (“plotter of evil”), its theological target (“against the LORD”), and its corrupt strategies (“a counselor of wickedness”), the verse announces both guilt and impending judgment. God sees, names, and will overthrow every counsel that sets itself against Him, assuring His people that arrogant evil never gets the final word.