Nahum 1:5

KJV

The mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein.

KJV (with Strong's)

The mountains {H2022} quake {H7493} at him, and the hills {H1389} melt {H4127}, and the earth {H776} is burned {H5375} at his presence {H6440}, yea, the world {H8398}, and all that dwell {H3427} therein.

Complete Jewish Bible

The mountains quake before him, and the hills dissolve; the earth collapses in his presence, the world and everyone living in it.

Berean Standard Bible

The mountains quake before Him, and the hills melt away; the earth trembles at His presence— the world and all its dwellers.

American Standard Version

The mountains quake at him, and the hills melt; and the earth is upheaved at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nahum 1:5 powerfully depicts the awesome and terrifying might of God, portraying a cosmic upheaval where mountains quake, hills melt, and the earth is consumed by His presence. This vivid imagery serves to underscore the absolute sovereignty and irresistible power of the Lord, establishing His character as a formidable judge before the prophet announces His impending judgment upon the wicked city of Nineveh. The verse highlights that no created thing, however grand or steadfast, can withstand the divine majesty and wrath.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nahum 1:5 is an integral part of an introductory poetic section (Nahum 1:2-8) that sets the theological stage for the entire book. This section, often considered an incomplete acrostic poem in Hebrew, describes the character and attributes of Yahweh, particularly His jealousy, vengeance, power, and slowness to anger, yet His unwavering commitment to justice. Before directly addressing Nineveh's destruction, Nahum establishes the nature of the God who is about to execute judgment. Verse 5, with its cataclysmic imagery, amplifies the preceding declarations of God's power (e.g., [Nahum 1:3](/nahum/1-3 "Nahum 1:3 - The Lord's Power and Justice")) and prepares the reader for the severity of the coming divine wrath against Assyria. It is a dramatic illustration of the "great in power" aspect of God's character, demonstrating that His might is not merely theoretical but has tangible, earth-shaking effects.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Nahum is an oracle against Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire, a dominant and notoriously cruel power in the ancient Near East during the 7th century BC. Assyria was known for its brutal military campaigns, mass deportations, and severe treatment of conquered peoples, including Israel and Judah. Their idolatry and oppressive practices had made them a symbol of wickedness. The imagery of cosmic dissolution in Nahum 1:5 would have resonated with the common ancient Near Eastern understanding of divine power, where gods were often associated with natural phenomena. However, Nahum's portrayal transcends mere polytheistic concepts, presenting Yahweh as the singular, supreme deity whose power over creation far surpasses that of any local or national god. This divine display of power would have been a source of terror for Nineveh and immense hope for the oppressed nations, particularly Judah, who had suffered under Assyrian tyranny.
* **Key Themes:** Nahum 1:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book and broader biblical theology. One primary theme is **God's Absolute Sovereignty and Omnipotence**. The verse unequivocally asserts that God's power extends over all creation, from the most imposing mountains to the entire inhabited earth. This echoes the biblical portrayal of God as the Creator and Sustainer, whose word alone can bring about cosmic change, as seen in [Psalm 29](/psalms/29 "Psalm 29 - The Voice of the Lord"). Another crucial theme is **Divine Judgment**. The imagery of quaking, melting, and burning is not merely a display of power but a terrifying manifestation of God's righteous wrath against sin. This serves as a stark warning to Nineveh and all who defy God's justice, reinforcing the principle that "the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished" ([Nahum 1:3](/nahum/1-3 "Nahum 1:3 - The Lord Will Not Leave the Guilty Unpunished")). Finally, the verse evokes a profound sense of **Cosmic Awe and Reverence**. The hyperbolic and vivid language is designed to instill a deep sense of fear and worship before a God whose presence can cause such universal upheaval. It underscores that no human strength, military might, or natural barrier can stand against the divine will, emphasizing the necessity of humility and submission before such an awesome God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **quake (Hebrew, _râʻash'_):** (H7493) This primitive root signifies a violent undulation, shaking, or trembling. It is often used to describe the earth shaking, as in an earthquake, or the trembling of people due to fear. In Nahum 1:5, its application to "mountains" emphasizes the sheer, overwhelming force of God's presence, suggesting that even the most stable and imposing features of the natural world are utterly destabilized and terrified by Him.
* **melt (Hebrew, _mûwg'_):** (H4127) This root means to melt, dissolve, or flow down, often implying a softening or disappearing. Figuratively, it can describe fear or fainting, as if one's resolve or strength melts away. When applied to "hills" in this verse, it vividly portrays their complete dissolution and vulnerability before God's power, like wax melting before fire, signifying that no natural barrier can offer resistance or shelter from His presence.
* **presence (Hebrew, _pânîym'_):** (H6440) This word, literally meaning "face," is used in a vast array of applications, often denoting proximity, appearance, or the very being of an individual. Here, "at his presence" signifies not merely God's physical proximity but the active manifestation of His divine being, His active engagement with creation. It is the direct encounter with God's inherent power and holiness that causes the cosmic elements to react with such terror and dissolution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The mountains quake at him":** This opening clause immediately establishes the immense, terrifying power of God. Mountains, typically symbols of strength, permanence, and stability, are depicted as trembling violently, as if in fear or agony, at the mere approach or manifestation of the Lord. This imagery conveys that nothing in creation, however mighty or unyielding, is impervious to God's power.
* **"and the hills melt":** Following the quaking mountains, the hills are shown to "melt," suggesting a complete dissolution or liquefaction. This intensifies the imagery of divine power, indicating that even lesser, but still significant, geographical features are utterly undone and rendered formless by God's overwhelming presence, like wax before a consuming fire.
* **"and the earth is burned at his presence":** The scope expands from specific geological features to the entire "earth," which is described as being "burned." This implies a devastating, consuming fire or intense heat emanating from God's "presence," leading to desolation and purification. The phrase "at his presence" directly links the destructive power to God Himself, emphasizing that His very being is the source of this cataclysmic effect.
* **"yea, the world, and all that dwell therein.":** This final clause broadens the scope to the entirety of the "world" (the inhabited globe) and specifically includes "all that dwell therein"—humanity and all living creatures. This universalizes the impact of God's presence, making it clear that His power affects not only the physical landscape but also all life within it. It underscores the inescapable and comprehensive nature of divine judgment and sovereignty.

#### Literary Devices
Nahum 1:5 is rich in **Vivid Imagery**, painting a dramatic and terrifying picture of God's power. The descriptions of mountains quaking, hills melting, and the earth burning create a powerful sensory experience for the reader, conveying the overwhelming nature of the divine presence. The use of **Hyperbole** is evident in the exaggerated effects attributed to God's presence; while God's power is absolute, the literal melting of hills and burning of the entire earth are hyperbolic expressions designed to emphasize the *magnitude* of His might and the *severity* of His judgment. **Personification** is also employed, as the mountains are depicted as "quaking" at Him, attributing a human-like reaction of fear or trembling to inanimate geological features. This device serves to underscore the profound and terrifying impact of God's arrival, suggesting that even the most stoic elements of creation cannot remain indifferent to His majesty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nahum 1:5 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of God, echoing themes found throughout the Old and New Testaments. It affirms God's absolute sovereignty over creation and His role as the ultimate judge. The imagery of cosmic upheaval at God's presence is a recurring motif in biblical prophecy, signifying the manifestation of divine power, often in the context of judgment or deliverance. This verse reminds us that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is not merely a local deity but the transcendent Lord of all, whose power is unrivaled and whose justice is inescapable. His presence brings both comfort to His people and terror to His enemies, establishing the foundation for the coming judgment on Nineveh and, by extension, on all who oppose His righteous will.

* [Psalm 97:5](/psalms/97-5 "Psalm 97:5 - The Hills Melt Like Wax")
* [Micah 1:4](/micah/1-4 "Micah 1:4 - Mountains Melt Under the Lord's Feet")
* [Revelation 6:14](/revelation/6-14 "Revelation 6:14 - The Sky Vanishes Like a Scroll")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nahum 1:5 is a powerful reminder of the God with whom we have to do: a God of immense, uncontainable power. For those who are in Christ, this verse offers profound comfort and security. The God who can make mountains quake and hills melt is the same God who is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble ([Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength")). Knowing that such a powerful God is on our side, defending His people and executing justice, should inspire deep trust and unwavering faith, especially when facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles or oppressive forces. For those who stand in opposition to God, or who are complacent in their sin, Nahum 1:5 serves as a solemn and terrifying warning. It underscores the inescapable reality of divine judgment and the utter futility of resisting the Almighty. This verse calls all humanity to a posture of humility, repentance, and reverence, recognizing that true safety and peace are found only in seeking reconciliation with this awe-inspiring God, rather than defying His righteous standards. It compels us to live lives of obedience, motivated by both awe for His power and gratitude for His mercy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of mountains quaking and hills melting deepen your understanding of God's power and sovereignty?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge any complacent or casual attitudes you might have about God?**
* **How does the terrifying nature of God's presence, as depicted here, relate to His character as a God of love and mercy?**
* **What practical implications does the inescapable nature of God's judgment have for your daily life and choices?**

### FAQ

**Is the imagery in Nahum 1:5 meant to be taken literally, or is it figurative?**

Answer: The imagery in Nahum 1:5 is primarily **figurative and hyperbolic**, designed to convey the overwhelming and incomparable power of God. While God certainly has the power to literally cause such cosmic events, the prophet uses these dramatic depictions of mountains quaking, hills melting, and the earth burning to emphasize the *magnitude* of God's presence and the *severity* of His judgment. It's a poetic way of saying that no created thing, however mighty or stable, can stand against the Lord. Similar imagery is found elsewhere in Scripture, such as [Psalm 97:5](/psalms/97-5 "Psalm 97:5 - The Hills Melt Like Wax") and [Micah 1:4](/micah/1-4 "Micah 1:4 - Mountains Melt Under the Lord's Feet"), which also use natural phenomena to illustrate divine power and judgment. The purpose is not to predict a specific geological event but to instill awe and fear of the Lord.

**How does Nahum 1:5 relate to God's judgment on Nineveh?**

Answer: Nahum 1:5 serves as a foundational theological statement that precedes and undergirds the specific prophecy of Nineveh's destruction. Before detailing the judgment itself, Nahum establishes the character of the Judge. By portraying God as so powerful that even the cosmos trembles at His presence, the prophet assures his audience (and warns Nineveh) that the Lord is fully capable of executing the severe judgment He has decreed. The destruction of Nineveh, though a historical event, is presented as a direct consequence of this awe-inspiring God's righteous wrath. It demonstrates that if the mountains and earth cannot stand before Him, neither can a wicked empire, no matter how formidable its military might or how fortified its cities. The verse essentially says, "This is the God who is coming for Nineveh."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Nahum 1:5 speaks of God's terrifying power and judgment in the Old Testament context, its ultimate fulfillment and most profound meaning are found in Jesus Christ. The God whose presence causes cosmic upheaval is the same God who, in Christ, entered into His creation. Jesus, as the Son of God, embodies the very power and authority described in Nahum. He is the one through whom "all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - All Things Created Through Christ")), demonstrating a creative power that dwarfs the destructive imagery of Nahum. More significantly, Christ is the one to whom all judgment has been committed by the Father ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Has Committed All Judgment to the Son")). The terrifying "presence" of God that burns the earth finds its ultimate, decisive manifestation in Christ's return, when He will come "with power and great glory" ([Matthew 24:30](/matthew/24-30 "Matthew 24:30 - The Sign of the Son of Man")), bringing final judgment upon all who reject Him and establishing a new heavens and a new earth where righteousness dwells ([2 Peter 3:10-13](/2_peter/3-10-13 "2 Peter 3:10-13 - The Day of the Lord and New Heavens and New Earth")). Thus, the cosmic trembling at God's presence in Nahum foreshadows the universal reckoning that will occur at the glorious and fearsome appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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

Micah 1:4

And the mountains shall be molten under him, and the valleys shall be cleft, as wax before the fire, [and] as the waters [that are] poured down a steep place.

2 Samuel 22:8

Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations of heaven moved and shook, because he was wroth.

Jeremiah 4:24

I beheld the mountains, and, lo, they trembled, and all the hills moved lightly.

Psalms 97:4

His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled.

Psalms 97:5

The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.

Judges 5:5

The mountains melted from before the LORD, [even] that Sinai from before the LORD God of Israel.

Psalms 68:8

The earth shook, the heavens also dropped at the presence of God: [even] Sinai itself [was moved] at the presence of God, the God of Israel.