The first chapter of the book of Nahum describes God’s unique nature and incredible power. Nahum directs his prophecy and warning toward the city of Nineveh, a declaration of their destruction and God’s perfect justice.
As his book begins, Nahum says God is both “jealous and avenging” (Nahum 1:2). We know God is “a jealous God” in that He desires our commitment, obedience, and worship before and above anything else (Exodus 20:5). The people of Nineveh had come to know and worship God in their past, following the preaching of Jonah. They had repented of their sins, and God had relented concerning their destruction (Jonah 3:10). But, as Nahum preaches, they have once again fallen into the practice of sin.
Nahum then says, “The Lord is slow to anger and great in power” (Nahum 1:3). This statement is a reminder that God’s patience should not be mistaken for weakness. God has been patient with Nineveh, but His justice will ultimately come.
Finally, we read, “the Lord is good” (Nahum 1:7). Everything thing that God does and every decision that God makes is right. God is always good in that He both protects and cares for the faithful and ultimately punishes those who choose wickedness.
Today we serve the very same God about whom Nahum wrote. He is the God who demands our worship, who is both patient and all-powerful, and whose justice is always perfect.
Matt Langfield