Nahum 1:12

Thus saith the LORD; Though [they be] quiet, and likewise many, yet thus shall they be cut down, when he shall pass through. Though I have afflicted thee, I will afflict thee no more.

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}; Though they be quiet {H8003}, and likewise many {H7227}, yet thus shall they be cut down {H1494}, when he shall pass through {H5674}. Though I have afflicted {H6031} thee, I will afflict {H6031} thee no more.

Here is what ADONAI says: "Though they be many and strong, they will be cut down, they will pass; and though I have made you suffer, I will make you suffer no more.

This is what the LORD says: “Though they are allied and numerous, yet they will be cut down and pass away. Though I have afflicted you, O Judah, I will afflict you no longer.

Thus saith Jehovah: Though they be in full strength, and likewise many, even so shall they be cut down, and he shall pass away. Though I have afflicted thee, I will afflict thee no more.

Nahum 1:12 presents a powerful prophetic declaration from the LORD, contrasting the impending doom of Assyria, symbolized by its capital Nineveh, with a comforting promise of relief and restoration for Judah, God's people.

Context of Nahum 1:12

The Book of Nahum is a prophetic oracle primarily directed against Nineveh, the capital of the mighty Assyrian Empire. This empire was notorious for its brutality and oppression, having previously conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel and severely afflicted the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Nahum's prophecy, delivered likely in the late 7th century BC, comes after the Assyrians had terrorized the ancient Near East for centuries. While the book opens with a description of God's terrible wrath against His enemies, this verse specifically pivots to offer hope amidst the impending judgment, addressing both the oppressor and the oppressed.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment on Oppressors: The first part of the verse, "Though [they be] quiet, and likewise many, yet thus shall they be cut down, when he shall pass through," highlights God's absolute sovereignty over nations. Even though Assyria was vast in number and felt secure or "quiet" in its power, their destruction was decreed. This underscores that no empire, however mighty, can escape God's ultimate justice. This theme of divine judgment against wicked nations is prevalent throughout prophetic literature.
  • God's Comfort and Restoration for His People: The latter part, "Though I have afflicted thee, I will afflict thee no more," is a direct word of comfort to Judah. God acknowledges the suffering His people endured, often at the hands of Assyria, sometimes as a divine chastisement for their own sins. However, He promises an end to this specific period of affliction. This demonstrates God's covenant faithfulness and His deep care for His chosen people, promising them rest and relief after a period of trial. This promise resonates with other passages of God's unwavering support for His people.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "quiet" (shalem) can mean "complete," "whole," "at peace," or "undisturbed." Here, it likely implies that Assyria felt secure and prosperous, believing itself unassailable. The phrase "cut down" (gazaz) is vivid, often used for shearing sheep or cutting grass, suggesting a swift and thorough removal or destruction. The idea of "he shall pass through" ('abar) often carries the connotation of an irresistible force, whether God Himself or an agent empowered by Him, bringing judgment, similar to the Lord's 'passing through' in the Passover judgment.

Practical Application

Nahum 1:12 offers profound lessons for believers today. It reminds us that God is just and sovereign over all human affairs. No injustice goes unnoticed, and no oppressor will ultimately prevail against His will. For those who are experiencing hardship or oppression, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God sees their affliction and promises an end to their suffering, offering hope and ultimate deliverance. It encourages trust in God's perfect timing and His ultimate plan for justice and restoration. It also challenges us to consider our own actions, knowing that God holds all accountable.

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.

  • Joel 2:19

    Yea, the LORD will answer and say unto his people, Behold, I will send you corn, and wine, and oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith: and I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen:

  • Isaiah 10:32

    As yet shall he remain at Nob that day: he shall shake his hand [against] the mount of the daughter of Zion, the hill of Jerusalem.

  • Isaiah 10:34

    And he shall cut down the thickets of the forest with iron, and Lebanon shall fall by a mighty one.

  • Isaiah 31:8

    Then shall the Assyrian fall with the sword, not of a mighty man; and the sword, not of a mean man, shall devour him: but he shall flee from the sword, and his young men shall be discomfited.

  • Isaiah 8:8

    And he shall pass through Judah; he shall overflow and go over, he shall reach [even] to the neck; and the stretching out of his wings shall fill the breadth of thy land, O Immanuel.

  • Isaiah 7:20

    In the same day shall the Lord shave with a razor that is hired, [namely], by them beyond the river, by the king of Assyria, the head, and the hair of the feet: and it shall also consume the beard.

  • Nahum 1:15

    Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace! O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off.

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