Nahum 1:4

KJV

He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth.

KJV (with Strong's)

He rebuketh {H1605} the sea {H3220}, and maketh it dry {H2717}, and drieth up {H3001} all the rivers {H5104}: Bashan {H1316} languisheth {H535}, and Carmel {H3760}, and the flower {H6525} of Lebanon {H3844} languisheth {H535}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He rebukes the sea and leaves it dry, he dries up all the rivers. Bashan and the Karmel languish; the flower of the L'vanon withers.

Berean Standard Bible

He rebukes the sea and dries it up; He makes all the rivers run dry. Bashan and Carmel wither, and the flower of Lebanon wilts.

American Standard Version

He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel; and the flower of Lebanon languisheth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nahum 1:4 powerfully declares the Lord's absolute and overwhelming sovereignty over all creation, portraying Him as the divine warrior who effortlessly commands the most formidable elements of nature and causes the most fertile lands to wither. This verse functions as a foundational statement of God's unmatched power, setting an awe-inspiring stage for the prophet's subsequent message of impending, inescapable judgment upon Nineveh, demonstrating that if God can humble the natural world, He can certainly bring low any human empire.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nahum 1:4 is an integral part of the opening acrostic poem (Nahum 1:2-8), which serves as a majestic and terrifying introduction to the character of Yahweh before the specific pronouncement of judgment against Nineveh. The preceding verses establish God as a "jealous God and avenger" ([Nahum 1:2](/nahum/1-2 "Nahum 1:2 - God as a Jealous and Avenging God")), who is "slow to anger, and great in power" ([Nahum 1:3](/nahum/1-3 "Nahum 1:3 - God's Power and Patience")). Verse 4 immediately follows this declaration, providing concrete, vivid illustrations of this "great power" by showcasing God's dominion over the natural world. It transitions from abstract attributes of God to tangible demonstrations of His might, thereby justifying the certainty and severity of the judgment that follows. The imagery of drying up seas and rivers and the languishing of fertile lands foreshadows the utter desolation awaiting Nineveh.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Nahum is directed against the Assyrian Empire, specifically its capital city, Nineveh, which was at the height of its brutal power in the 7th century BCE. Assyria was notorious for its military might, ruthless conquests, and the terror it inflicted upon its conquered peoples, including Israel and Judah. The imagery of God controlling the sea and drying up rivers would have resonated deeply with an ancient Near Eastern audience, as water sources were vital for life and often associated with divine power or chaos. Furthermore, Bashan, Carmel, and Lebanon were renowned regions within the Levant, celebrated for their exceptional fertility, lush forests, and natural beauty. Bashan was known for its rich pastures and oaks, Carmel for its vineyards and olive groves, and Lebanon for its majestic cedars. For these symbols of natural abundance and strength to "languish" under God's rebuke would have been a profoundly shocking and potent image of complete devastation, signaling that even the most secure and prosperous entities were vulnerable to divine judgment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Nahum and the broader prophetic literature. Primarily, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence**, asserting God's absolute control not only over human history and nations but also over the very forces of nature. His ability to "rebuke" the sea and "dry up" rivers echoes ancient Near Eastern myths where gods struggled with chaotic waters, but here, Yahweh effortlessly commands them, highlighting His unique, unparalleled power. Secondly, the verse introduces the theme of **Judgment and Desolation**, using the imagery of parched lands and withered flora as a vivid metaphor for the destruction that awaits those who oppose God. The "languishing" of Bashan, Carmel, and Lebanon serves as a stark premonition of the complete ruin that will befall Nineveh, a city that once seemed as impregnable and flourishing as these fertile regions. This reinforces the message that no power, natural or human, can withstand the Lord's wrath, a truth consistently proclaimed throughout the prophetic books, such as in [Isaiah 40:23-24](/isaiah/40-23-24 "Isaiah 40:23-24 - God Brings Princes to Nothing").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **rebuketh (Hebrew, _gâʻar'_):** This verb (H1605) signifies a strong, authoritative command, often used in contexts where God silences, restrains, or brings something under control. It implies a direct, forceful intervention rather than a passive observation of natural processes. When God "rebukes" the sea, it is not a suggestion but an irresistible decree that brings about immediate submission and transformation. This word highlights God's active, personal involvement in controlling creation.
* **maketh it dry (Hebrew, _chârab'_):** This root (H2717) conveys the idea of parching through drought, leading to desolation, destruction, or waste. It is a powerful term indicating complete cessation of vitality and abundance. The Lord's action of "making dry" is a deliberate act of rendering barren, signifying not just a lack of water but a profound state of ruin and lifelessness. This word underscores the destructive aspect of God's power when wielded in judgment.
* **languisheth (Hebrew, _ʼâmal'_):** This verb (H535) describes the act of drooping, withering, fading, or becoming feeble. Its repetition in the verse ("Bashan languisheth... and the flower of Lebanon languisheth") emphasizes the comprehensive and irreversible loss of vitality, beauty, and strength. It paints a picture of once-vibrant, flourishing entities losing all their vigor and succumbing to a state of weakness and decay, a stark image of the consequences of divine judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He rebuketh the sea":** This clause establishes God's absolute authority over the chaotic and powerful forces of nature. The "sea" often symbolizes untamed power or even cosmic chaos in ancient thought. God's "rebuke" is a direct, verbal command, demonstrating His immediate and unquestionable dominion over what is seemingly uncontrollable.
* **"and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers":** Following the rebuke, the consequence is immediate and total desiccation. The "sea" and "all the rivers" represent vast and essential water sources, symbolizing life and sustenance. Their drying up signifies a complete reversal of natural order, leading to barrenness and desolation. This action underscores the comprehensive and devastating nature of God's power when exercised.
* **"Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth":** This final clause extends the impact of God's power from water bodies to the most fertile and celebrated land regions. Bashan, Carmel, and Lebanon were proverbial for their lushness, beauty, and agricultural richness. Their "languishing" (repeated for emphasis) vividly portrays the complete loss of vitality, beauty, and productivity, symbolizing utter devastation and the universal reach of God's judgment, affecting even the most vibrant and seemingly secure places.

#### Literary Devices
Nahum 1:4 is rich in literary artistry, employing several devices to amplify its message of divine power and impending judgment. **Personification** is evident in "He rebuketh the sea," treating the vast body of water as if it were a sentient entity capable of receiving and obeying a command. This elevates God's authority beyond mere natural processes to a direct, personal confrontation with creation. The use of **Hyperbole** is also prominent, particularly in the phrases "drieth up all the rivers" and the languishing of three distinct, famously fertile regions (Bashan, Carmel, Lebanon). This exaggeration emphasizes the limitless extent of God's power and the comprehensive nature of the desolation He can inflict. Furthermore, the verse is replete with vivid **Imagery**, painting a stark picture of parched landscapes, withered flora, and a world stripped of its vitality. This sensory language evokes a powerful sense of awe at God's might and dread at the consequences of His judgment. Finally, **Parallelism** is employed, particularly in the repetition of "languisheth," creating a rhythmic emphasis that underscores the widespread and complete decay. The structure of the verse, moving from the rebuke of the sea to the drying of rivers and then to the withering of lands, also demonstrates a climactic progression, building from a singular act of control to widespread, devastating effects.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nahum 1:4 serves as a profound theological statement on the absolute sovereignty and omnipotence of God. It asserts that Yahweh is not merely a regional deity but the cosmic Lord, whose power extends over all creation, from the tumultuous seas to the most fertile lands. This divine control over nature is not arbitrary but purposeful, often serving as a prelude or a metaphor for His righteous judgment upon nations and individuals. The drying up of waters and the desolation of vibrant lands are consistent biblical symbols of divine wrath and the undoing of creation, signaling that no entity, no matter how mighty or prosperous, can withstand the Lord's determined will. This verse thus establishes the foundational premise for Nahum's prophecy: if God can effortlessly command the elements and humble the earth's most celebrated regions, He can certainly bring about the downfall of a formidable empire like Assyria, fulfilling His justice and protecting His people.

* [Psalm 106:9](/psalms/106-9 "Psalm 106:9 - God Rebukes the Red Sea"): "He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness."
* [Jeremiah 4:23-26](/jeremiah/4-23-26 "Jeremiah 4:23-26 - Desolation of the Land"): "I beheld the earth, and, lo, it was without form, and void; and the heavens, and they had no light... for the cities thereof are laid waste because of the Lord, and because of his fierce anger."
* [Job 26:12](/job/26-12 "Job 26:12 - God Stills the Sea"): "He divideth the sea with his power, and by his understanding he smiteth through the proud."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nahum 1:4 offers a sobering yet ultimately comforting truth about God's character and power. For those who stand in opposition to God's will, this verse serves as a stark and inescapable warning: the same divine power that can effortlessly dry up vast seas and wither the most fertile lands will inevitably bring judgment upon all unrighteousness. No human strength, military might, or perceived security can stand against the Lord of hosts. This should prompt a profound sense of humility and a call to repentance. Conversely, for those who trust in the Lord, this verse provides immense comfort and security. The God who possesses such unparalleled power over creation is the same God who is a "stronghold in the day of trouble" ([Nahum 1:7](/nahum/1-7 "Nahum 1:7 - God is a Stronghold")). He is capable of overcoming any obstacle, fulfilling every promise, and ultimately delivering His people from all adversaries. This truth invites us to place our complete reliance on Him, knowing that His power is not only for judgment but also for salvation and protection, ensuring that His purposes will always prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of God rebuking the sea and drying up rivers challenge our perception of what is truly powerful or secure in the world?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to surrender control, trusting in God's ultimate sovereignty as depicted in this verse?**
* **How does understanding God's immense power, as described in Nahum 1:4, provide comfort and hope amidst personal struggles or global crises?**

### FAQ
**Why does God "rebuke" the sea, as if it were a person?**

Answer: The use of "rebuketh" (Hebrew: _gâʻar_) for the sea is a powerful example of **personification**, a literary device that attributes human qualities or actions to inanimate objects or abstract concepts. In this context, it emphasizes God's absolute and direct authority over creation. It's not that the sea literally has a will to defy God, but rather that God's command is so potent and immediate that it's akin to silencing a rebellious entity. This highlights His effortless dominion over even the most chaotic and formidable elements of nature, underscoring His unparalleled power, as also seen when Jesus rebukes the wind and sea in [Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm").

**What is the significance of Bashan, Carmel, and Lebanon languishing?**

Answer: Bashan, Carmel, and Lebanon were regions in ancient Israel renowned for their exceptional fertility, lush vegetation, and natural beauty. Bashan was known for its rich pastures and strong oaks, Carmel for its vineyards and olive groves, and Lebanon for its majestic cedar forests. Their "languishing" (Hebrew: _ʼâmal_, meaning to wither or become feeble) is a powerful **symbolic image** of complete desolation and the reversal of natural abundance. It signifies that nothing, not even the most vibrant and seemingly secure places, is immune to God's judgment. This imagery serves to underscore the comprehensive and devastating nature of God's power when wielded in wrath, foreshadowing the utter ruin that would befall Nineveh.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nahum 1:4, with its majestic portrayal of God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His power to bring desolation, finds its ultimate fulfillment and most profound expression in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as the Father "rebuketh the sea," so too did Jesus demonstrate this divine authority when He "rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still" ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")), instantly calming a violent storm and astonishing His disciples. This miraculous act revealed His inherent deity and His shared power with the Father over the natural world. Furthermore, the theme of God's power to bring desolation and judgment is fulfilled in Christ, who is appointed by the Father to be the judge of all mankind ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One, but Has Given All Judgment to the Son")). Yet, in a redemptive twist, Christ's work also reverses the "languishing" and desolation. Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, He inaugurates a new creation, where the spiritual barrenness of humanity is transformed into flourishing life, foreshadowing the day when all things will be made new and the "new heaven and new earth" will appear, where there is no more curse or decay ([Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - New Heaven and New Earth")). Thus, the power displayed in Nahum 1:4 is not merely destructive but ultimately serves the redemptive purposes of God, culminating in Christ's triumph over sin, death, and the fallen creation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 33:9

The earth mourneth [and] languisheth: Lebanon is ashamed [and] hewn down: Sharon is like a wilderness; and Bashan and Carmel shake off [their fruits].

Psalms 106:9

He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness.

Psalms 104:7

At thy rebuke they fled; at the voice of thy thunder they hasted away.

Joshua 3:13

And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan, [that] the waters of Jordan shall be cut off [from] the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap.

Joshua 3:15

And as they that bare the ark were come unto Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water, (for Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest,)

Isaiah 50:2

Wherefore, when I came, [was there] no man? when I called, [was there] none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinketh, because [there is] no water, and dieth for thirst.

Isaiah 50:3

I clothe the heavens with blackness, and I make sackcloth their covering.