Nahum 1:11

There is [one] come out of thee, that imagineth evil against the LORD, a wicked counsellor.

There is one come out {H3318} of thee, that imagineth {H2803} evil {H7451} against the LORD {H3068}, a wicked {H1100} counsellor {H3289}.

Out of you, [Ninveh,] he came, one who plots evil against ADONAI, who counsels wickedness.

From you, O Nineveh, comes forth a plotter of evil against the LORD, a counselor of wickedness.

There is one gone forth out of thee, that deviseth evil against Jehovah, that counselleth wickedness.

Context of Nahum 1:11

Nahum 1:11 is part of a prophetic oracle against Nineveh, the formidable capital of the Assyrian Empire. The book of Nahum, whose name means "comfort" or "consolation," delivers a message of impending judgment and destruction upon Assyria, bringing comfort to the oppressed people of Judah. The preceding verses (Nahum 1:9-10) speak of the Lord making a "full end" of Nineveh and His adversaries. This verse specifically identifies the source of evil as coming "out of thee" (Nineveh), highlighting the deep-seated wickedness and deliberate malice inherent in the Assyrian power structure that continually plotted against God and His people.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Awareness of Evil Schemes: This verse underscores God's omniscience, demonstrating that He is fully aware of every evil plot and malicious intent devised by nations and individuals. The phrase "imagineth evil against the LORD" reveals the direct affront to God's sovereignty and righteousness.
  • The Nature of Wicked Counsel: The description "a wicked counsellor" emphasizes the deliberate and strategic nature of Assyria's hostility. It wasn't merely impulsive aggression but calculated malice, seeking to undermine God's plans and harm His chosen people. This counsel is fundamentally opposed to divine wisdom and justice.
  • God's Imminent Judgment: By identifying the source of this evil, Nahum sets the stage for the inevitable divine retribution. The Lord, having observed their schemes, is preparing to execute His righteous judgment, ensuring that no wicked counsel ultimately prevails against His will.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "imagineth" is ḥāshav (חָשַׁב), which carries the meaning of to think, devise, plot, or scheme. It implies a deliberate, premeditated act of evil, not merely an accidental or spontaneous wrongdoing. This is a crucial distinction, highlighting the intentionality behind Nineveh's opposition to the Lord. The term "wicked counsellor" further reinforces this, pointing to a source of perverse advice and strategy that is inherently corrupt and destructive, in stark contrast to the unwavering counsel of the Lord Himself.

Related Scriptures

Practical Application

Nahum 1:11 serves as a timeless reminder that God sees and knows the hidden intentions and malicious plots of individuals and nations. For believers, this offers great comfort, knowing that no scheme against them or against God's purposes will ultimately succeed. It also calls for self-examination: are our own thoughts and counsels aligned with God's will, or are we, even subtly, devising our own plans that run contrary to His righteousness? This verse encourages trust in divine sovereignty and warns against the dangers of seeking or offering wicked counsel, emphasizing that only God's counsel will stand the test of time.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Nahum 1:9

    ¶ What do ye imagine against the LORD? he will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time.

  • 2 Chronicles 13:7

    And there are gathered unto him vain men, the children of Belial, and have strengthened themselves against Rehoboam the son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was young and tenderhearted, and could not withstand them.

  • 1 Samuel 2:12

    Now the sons of Eli [were] sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.

  • 2 Samuel 20:1

    ¶ And there happened to be there a man of Belial, whose name [was] Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite: and he blew a trumpet, and said, We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tents, O Israel.

  • 2 Chronicles 32:15

    Now therefore let not Hezekiah deceive you, nor persuade you on this manner, neither yet believe him: for no god of any nation or kingdom was able to deliver his people out of mine hand, and out of the hand of my fathers: how much less shall your God deliver you out of mine hand?

  • 2 Chronicles 32:19

    And they spake against the God of Jerusalem, as against the gods of the people of the earth, [which were] the work of the hands of man.

  • 2 Kings 18:30

    Neither let Hezekiah make you trust in the LORD, saying, The LORD will surely deliver us, and this city shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.

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