Nahum 1:3

The LORD [is] slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit [the wicked]: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds [are] the dust of his feet.

The LORD {H3068} is slow {H750} to anger {H639}, and great {H1419} in power {H3581}, and will not at all {H5352} acquit {H5352} the wicked: the LORD {H3068} hath his way {H1870} in the whirlwind {H5492} and in the storm {H8183}, and the clouds {H6051} are the dust {H80} of his feet {H7272}.

ADONAI is slow to anger, but great in power; and he does not leave the guilty unpunished. ADONAI's path is in the whirlwind and storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.

The LORD is slow to anger and great in power; the LORD will by no means leave the guilty unpunished. His path is in the whirlwind and storm, and clouds are the dust beneath His feet.

Jehovah is slow to anger, and great in power, and will by no means clear the guilty: Jehovah hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.

Nahum 1:3 from the King James Version presents a profound declaration of God's character, balancing His infinite patience with His unwavering justice and supreme power. This verse serves as a foundational statement in the prophetic book of Nahum, which primarily announces God's impending judgment on Nineveh, the capital of Assyria.

Context

The book of Nahum is a prophetic oracle specifically directed against the city of Nineveh, a formidable enemy of Israel known for its cruelty and idolatry. While God had previously shown mercy to Nineveh through the prophet Jonah, their repentance was temporary. Nahum's prophecy reveals that God's patience has a limit, and His justice will ultimately prevail. This verse, Nahum 1:3, is part of an introductory acrostic poem (Nahum 1:2-8) that establishes the character of the God who is about to execute judgment, emphasizing both His forbearance and His might.

Key Themes

  • Divine Patience and Justice: The opening phrase, "The LORD [is] slow to anger," highlights a compassionate aspect of God's nature, often reiterated throughout Scripture (Exodus 34:6, Psalm 103:8). However, this is immediately balanced by the declaration that He "will not at all acquit [the wicked]." This signifies that while God is patient, His justice is absolute, and sin will not go unpunished. There is no ultimate impunity for those who persist in wickedness.
  • Omnipotence and Sovereignty: The verse asserts that the LORD is "great in power." This power is vividly illustrated by His command over natural phenomena: "the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds [are] the dust of his feet." This imagery portrays God's majestic control over creation, emphasizing that even the most chaotic forces of nature are mere instruments in His hand. It underscores His absolute sovereignty, particularly in executing His divine will and judgment, as seen in God speaking from the whirlwind in Job.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "slow to anger" is a translation of the Hebrew 'arek 'appayim, literally meaning "long of nostrils" or "long of face," an idiom signifying great patience and forbearance.
  • "Acquit" comes from the Hebrew verb naqah, which means "to be clean," "to be innocent," or "to be unpunished." The strong negation "will not at all acquit" emphasizes that God will not declare the guilty innocent or allow their transgressions to go unpunished, reinforcing His perfect righteousness.

Practical Application

For believers, Nahum 1:3 offers both comfort and a call to reverence. God's slowness to anger provides hope for repentance and reassures us of His grace and mercy. Yet, His unwavering commitment to justice reminds us of the seriousness of sin and the certainty of accountability for those who reject His ways. This verse encourages a profound respect for God's power and sovereignty, recognizing that He is ultimately in control of all things, including the destinies of nations and individuals. It serves as a powerful reminder that while God's mercy is vast, His justice is equally sure, urging us to seek Him and walk in righteousness before His mighty presence.

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.

  • Psalms 147:5

    Great [is] our Lord, and of great power: his understanding [is] infinite.

  • Exodus 34:6

    And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,

  • Exodus 34:7

    Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear [the guilty]; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth [generation].

  • Nehemiah 9:17

    And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou [art] a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.

  • Psalms 104:3

    Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind:

  • Psalms 145:8

    The LORD [is] gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.

  • Psalms 103:8

    The LORD [is] merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

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