Nahum 1:6
Who can withstand His indignation? Who can endure His burning anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; even rocks are shattered before Him.
Who can withstand His indignation?
The word "withstand" in Hebrew is "עָמַד" (amad), which means to stand or remain. This phrase emphasizes the absolute power and sovereignty of God. In the context of Nahum, God’s indignation is directed towards Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, known for its cruelty and idolatry. Historically, Assyria was a dominant empire, feared by many. Yet, Nahum reminds us that no earthly power can stand against the righteous anger of God. This serves as a sobering reminder of God’s ultimate authority and the futility of opposing His will.

Who can endure His burning anger?
The term "endure" comes from the Hebrew "כּוּן" (kun), meaning to be firm or established. "Burning anger" is a vivid depiction of God’s intense displeasure with sin and injustice. The imagery of fire is often used in the Bible to symbolize purification and judgment. In the historical context, the Assyrians were known for their brutal conquests, and God’s anger is portrayed as a consuming fire that none can withstand. This phrase calls believers to reflect on the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin, urging repentance and humility before Him.

His wrath is poured out like fire
The word "poured" in Hebrew is "נָשַׁךְ" (nashak), which conveys the idea of being emptied or spilled out. This imagery of fire represents God’s judgment being unleashed in full measure. In ancient times, fire was a common method of destruction, symbolizing total devastation. The historical context of Nahum is the impending judgment on Nineveh, which was fulfilled when the city fell in 612 BC. This serves as a powerful reminder of the certainty of God’s justice and the eventual downfall of all who oppose Him.

and the rocks are shattered before Him
The phrase "rocks are shattered" uses the Hebrew "נָתַץ" (nathats), meaning to break down or demolish. Rocks, often seen as symbols of strength and permanence, are depicted as being easily broken by God’s power. This illustrates the overwhelming might of God’s judgment, where even the most formidable obstacles are reduced to nothing. In the broader scriptural context, this imagery reassures believers of God’s ability to overcome any force or opposition. It inspires awe and reverence, reminding us that God is a refuge for those who trust in Him, but a consuming fire to those who resist His will.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nahum
A prophet who delivered God's message of judgment against Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, known for its wickedness and oppression.

2. Nineveh
The capital city of the Assyrian Empire, notorious for its cruelty and idolatry, which faced God's impending judgment.

3. God's Indignation
Represents God's righteous anger and judgment against sin and injustice.

4. The Rocks
Symbolic of the seemingly strong and unmovable entities that are shattered by God's power.

5. Assyrian Empire
A dominant power during Nahum's time, known for its military might and oppression of Israel and other nations.
Teaching Points
The Reality of God's Judgment
God's wrath is real and directed against sin and injustice. It serves as a warning to turn from wickedness and seek righteousness.

The Power of God
God's power is unmatched; even the strongest elements of creation cannot withstand His judgment. This should inspire awe and reverence.

The Call to Repentance
Understanding God's wrath should lead us to repentance and a desire to align with His will, avoiding the fate of those who oppose Him.

God's Justice and Mercy
While God is just in His anger, He is also merciful to those who turn to Him. This duality should encourage us to seek His grace.

The Assurance of God's Sovereignty
In a world where evil seems to prevail, Nahum assures us that God is ultimately in control and will bring justice.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding God's indignation and wrath in Nahum 1:6 affect your view of His character?

2. In what ways can the imagery of God's wrath as a consuming fire influence your daily walk with Him?

3. How can the certainty of God's judgment against Nineveh encourage you in facing injustices today?

4. What steps can you take to ensure you are living in a way that aligns with God's righteousness, avoiding His wrath?

5. How do the connections to other scriptures enhance your understanding of God's power and justice as described in Nahum 1:6?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 15:7
This verse speaks of God's power to overthrow His enemies, similar to Nahum's depiction of God's wrath.

Psalm 76:7
Highlights the fear and reverence due to God, echoing the theme of who can stand before His anger.

Isaiah 30:27-28
Describes God's anger as a consuming fire, reinforcing the imagery used in Nahum.

Revelation 6:17
Discusses the great day of God's wrath and questions who can stand, paralleling Nahum's rhetorical questions.

Hebrews 12:29
Refers to God as a consuming fire, aligning with the imagery of God's wrath in Nahum.
Repentance Through FearH. Melvill, B. D.Nahum 1:6
The Divine VengeanceS.D. Hilman Nahum 1:2-6
God's Control Over Nature, and Deliverance of His PeopleHugh Hughes, B. D.Nahum 1:3-6
God's PowerHomilistNahum 1:3-6
God's PowerD. Thomas Nahum 1:3-6
People
Nahum
Places
Bashan, Carmel, Lebanon, Nineveh
Topics
Abide, Anger, Apart, Asunder, Broken, Burning, Endure, Fierce, Fierceness, Fire, Fury, Heat, Indignation, Loose, Open, Passion, Poured, Riseth, Rocks, Shattered, Stand, Thrown, Undergo, Wrath
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Nahum 1:6

     1025   God, anger of
     4354   rock
     5484   punishment, by God

Nahum 1:1-6

     5203   acquittal

Nahum 1:5-6

     4027   world, fallen
     4254   mountains

Library
What are the Clouds?
I. Well, the first remark I make upon this shall be--the way of God is generally a hidden one. This we gather from the text, by regarding the connection, "the Lord hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet." When God works his wonders he always conceals himself. Even the motion of his feet causes clouds to arise; and if these; clouds are but the dust of his feet," how deep must be that dense darkness which veils the brow of the Eternal. If the small dust
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855

Mercy, Omnipotence, and Justice
Now, this is especially true with regard to certain lights and shadows in the character of God, which he has so marvelously blended in the perfection of his nature: that although we can not see the exact point of meeting, yet (if we have been at all enlightened by the Spirit) we are struck with wonder at the sacred harmony. In reading holy Scripture, you can say of Paul, that he was noted for his zeal--of Peter, that he will ever be memorable for his courage--of John, that he was noted for his lovingness.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

Of Seeking Divine Help, and the Confidence of Obtaining Grace
"My Son, I the Lord am a stronghold in the day of trouble.(1) Come unto Me, when it is not well with thee. "This it is which chiefly hindereth heavenly consolation, that thou too slowly betakest thyself unto prayer. For before thou earnestly seekest unto Me, thou dost first seek after many means of comfort, and refresheth thyself in outward things: so it cometh to pass that all things profit thee but little until thou learn that it is I who deliver those who trust in Me; neither beside Me is there
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

The Poetical Books (Including Also Ecclesiastes and Canticles).
1. The Hebrews reckon but three books as poetical, namely: Job, Psalms, and Proverbs, which are distinguished from the rest by a stricter rhythm--the rhythm not of feet, but of clauses (see below, No. 3)--and a peculiar system of accentuation. It is obvious to every reader that the poetry of the Old Testament, in the usual sense of the word, is not restricted to these three books. But they are called poetical in a special and technical sense. In any natural classification of the books of the
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Whether it is Right that Schismatics Should be Punished with Excommunication?
Objection 1: It would seem that schismatics are not rightly punished with excommunication. For excommunication deprives a man chiefly of a share in the sacraments. But Augustine says (Contra Donat. vi, 5) that "Baptism can be received from a schismatic." Therefore it seems that excommunication is not a fitting punishment for schismatics. Objection 2: Further, it is the duty of Christ's faithful to lead back those who have gone astray, wherefore it is written against certain persons (Ezech. 34:4):
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether an Accuser who Fails to Prove his Indictment is Bound to the Punishment of Retaliation?
Objection 1: It would seem that the accuser who fails to prove his indictment is not bound to the punishment of retaliation. For sometimes a man is led by a just error to make an accusation, in which case the judge acquit the accuser, as stated in Decret. II, qu. iii. [*Append. Grat., ad can. Si quem poenituerit.] Therefore the accuser who fails to prove his indictment is not bound to the punishment of retaliation. Objection 2: Further, if the punishment of retaliation ought to be inflicted on one
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Punishment of Sacrilege Should be Pecuniary?
Objection 1: It would seem that the punishment of sacrilege should not be pecuniary. A pecuniary punishment is not wont to be inflicted for a criminal fault. But sacrilege is a criminal fault, wherefore it is punished by capital sentence according to civil law [*Dig. xlviii, 13; Cod. i, 3, de Episc. et Cleric.]. Therefore sacrilege should not be awarded a pecuniary punishment. Objection 2: Further, the same sin should not receive a double punishment, according to Nahum 1:9, "There shall not rise
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether after the Judgment that Takes Place in the Present Time, There Remains yet Another General Judgment?
Objection 1: It would seem that after the Judgment that takes place in the present time, there does not remain another General Judgment. For a judgment serves no purpose after the final allotment of rewards and punishments. But rewards and punishments are allotted in this present time: for our Lord said to the thief on the cross (Lk. 23:43): "This day thou shalt be with Me in paradise": and (Lk. 16:22) it is said that "the rich man died and was buried in hell." Therefore it is useless to look forward
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether There Will be a General Judgment?
Objection 1: It would seem that there will not be a general judgment. For according to Nahum 1:9, following the Septuagint version, "God will not judge the same thing a second time." But God judges now of mans' every work, by assigning punishments and rewards to each one after death, and also by rewarding and punishing certain ones in this life for their good or evil deeds. Therefore it would seem that there will be no other judgment. Objection 2: Further, in no judicial inquiry is the sentence carried
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Necessity of Contemplating the Judgment-Seat of God, in Order to be Seriously Convinced of the Doctrine of Gratuitous Justification.
1. Source of error on the subject of Justification. Sophists speak as if the question were to be discussed before some human tribunal. It relates to the majesty and justice of God. Hence nothing accepted without absolute perfection. Passages confirming this doctrine. If we descend to the righteousness of the Law, the curse immediately appears. 2. Source of hypocritical confidence. Illustrated by a simile. Exhortation. Testimony of Job, David, and Paul. 3. Confession of Augustine and Bernard. 4. Another
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

The Cause and Cure of Earthquakes
"O come hither, and behold the works of the Lord; what destruction he hath brought upon the earth!" Ps. 46:8. Of all the judgments which the righteous God inflicts on sinners here, the most dreadful and destructive is an earthquake. This he has lately brought on our part of the earth, and thereby alarmed our fears, and bid us "prepare to meet our God!" The shocks which have been felt in divers places, since that which made this city tremble, may convince us that the danger is not over, and ought
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

Whether at the Coming Judgment the Angels Will be Judged?
Objection 1: It would seem that the angels will be judged at the coming judgment. For it is written (1 Cor. 6:3): "Know you not that we shall judge angels?" But this cannot refer to the state of the present time. Therefore it should refer to the judgment to come. Objection 2: Further, it is written concerning Behemoth or Leviathan, whereby the devil is signified (Job 40:28): "In the sight of all he shall be cast down"; and (Mk. 1:24)* the demon cried out to Christ: "Why art Thou come to destroy us
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Under the Shepherd's Care.
A NEW YEAR'S ADDRESS. "For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls."--1 Peter ii. 25. "Ye were as sheep going astray." This is evidently addressed to believers. We were like sheep, blindly, willfully following an unwise leader. Not only were we following ourselves, but we in our turn have led others astray. This is true of all of us: "All we like sheep have gone astray;" all equally foolish, "we have turned every one to his own way." Our first
J. Hudson Taylor—A Ribband of Blue

The History Books
[Illustration: (drop cap T) Assyrian idol-god] Thus little by little the Book of God grew, and the people He had chosen to be its guardians took their place among the nations. A small place it was from one point of view! A narrow strip of land, but unique in its position as one of the highways of the world, on which a few tribes were banded together. All around great empires watched them with eager eyes; the powerful kings of Assyria, Egypt, and Babylonia, the learned Greeks, and, in later times,
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
SHOWING WHAT IT IS, AND HOW DISTINGUISHED FROM THAT WHICH IS NOT SO. ALSO, WHENCE IT COMES; WHO HAS IT; WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS; AND WHAT THE PRIVILEGES OF THOSE THAT HAVE IT IN THEIR HEARTS. London: Printed for N. Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, over against the Stocks market: 1679. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," and "a fountain of life"--the foundation on which all wisdom rests, as well as the source from whence it emanates. Upon a principle
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
BY JOHN BUNYAN. London: Printed for Benjamin Alsop, at the Angel and Bible in the Poultry, 1684. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. THIS valuable treatise was first published in a pocket volume in 1684, and has only been reprinted in Whitfield's edition of Bunyan's works, 2 vols. folio, 1767. No man could have been better qualified to give advice to sufferers for righteousness' sake, than John Bunyan: and this work is exclusively devoted to that object. Shut up in a noisome jail, under the iron hand of
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Christian's God
Scripture References: Genesis 1:1; 17:1; Exodus 34:6,7; 20:3-7; Deuteronomy 32:4; 33:27; Isaiah 40:28; 45:21; Psalm 90:2; 145:17; 139:1-12; John 1:1-5; 1:18; 4:23,24; 14:6-11; Matthew 28:19,20; Revelation 4:11; 22:13. WHO IS GOD? How Shall We Think of God?--"Upon the conception that is entertained of God will depend the nature and quality of the religion of any soul or race; and in accordance with the view that is held of God, His nature, His character and His relation to other beings, the spirit
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian

There is a Blessedness in Reversion
Blessed are the poor in spirit. Matthew 5:3 Having done with the occasion, I come now to the sermon itself. Blessed are the poor in spirit'. Christ does not begin his Sermon on the Mount as the Law was delivered on the mount, with commands and threatenings, the trumpet sounding, the fire flaming, the earth quaking, and the hearts of the Israelites too for fear; but our Saviour (whose lips dropped as the honeycomb') begins with promises and blessings. So sweet and ravishing was the doctrine of this
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Nature of Covenanting.
A covenant is a mutual voluntary compact between two parties on given terms or conditions. It may be made between superiors and inferiors, or between equals. The sentiment that a covenant can be made only between parties respectively independent of one another is inconsistent with the testimony of Scripture. Parties to covenants in a great variety of relative circumstances, are there introduced. There, covenant relations among men are represented as obtaining not merely between nation and nation,
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Nahum
Poetically the little book of Nahum is one of the finest in the Old Testament. Its descriptions are vivid and impetuous: they set us before the walls of the beleaguered Nineveh, and show us the war-chariots of her enemies darting to and fro like lightning, ii. 4, the prancing steeds, the flashing swords, the glittering spears, iii. 2,3. The poetry glows with passionate joy as it contemplates the ruin of cruel and victorious Assyria. In the opening chapter, i., ii. 2, Jehovah is represented as coming
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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