Nahum 1:7

KJV

The LORD [is] good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} is good {H2896}, a strong hold {H4581} in the day {H3117} of trouble {H6869}; and he knoweth {H3045} them that trust {H2620} in him.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI is good, a stronghold in time of trouble; he takes care of those who take refuge in him.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of distress; He cares for those who trust in Him.

American Standard Version

Jehovah is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that take refuge in him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nahum 1:7 offers a profound theological anchor amidst the prophet's severe pronouncements of judgment against Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. This verse pivots from divine wrath to divine grace, assuring Judah of God's inherent goodness, His unwavering protection as an impenetrable refuge in times of distress, and His intimate, personal knowledge of those who faithfully place their trust in Him. It serves as a comforting declaration of God's steadfast character and covenantal faithfulness to His people, even as He executes justice upon the wicked.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nahum 1:7 stands as a pivotal statement within the larger oracle of Nahum, which is primarily a declaration of God's impending judgment against Nineveh. The preceding verses (Nahum 1:2-6) vividly portray the Lord as a jealous, avenging God, slow to anger but great in power, who will by no means clear the guilty. His wrath is depicted with powerful imagery of storms, mountains melting, and the earth quaking before Him. In this context of overwhelming divine power directed towards destruction, Nahum 1:7 introduces a crucial counterpoint, revealing the other side of God's character: His goodness and protection for His own. It functions as a theological hinge, demonstrating that while God is a consuming fire to His enemies, He is a secure fortress to those who trust Him, thereby providing hope and assurance to the oppressed people of Judah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Nahum is set against the backdrop of the late 7th century BCE, a period dominated by the brutal Assyrian Empire. Nineveh, its formidable capital, was notorious for its cruelty, military might, and oppressive rule over conquered nations, including Judah. The people of Judah had suffered greatly under Assyrian subjugation, enduring tribute, deportation, and the constant threat of invasion. For them, the Assyrians represented an overwhelming, seemingly invincible force. In this atmosphere of fear and despair, Nahum's prophecy of Nineveh's utter destruction would have been a message of immense comfort and liberation. Nahum 1:7 specifically addresses the plight of Judah, assuring them that despite the global turmoil and the terror of Assyrian power, their God remains a reliable refuge, intimately aware of their suffering and faithful to protect them, contrasting sharply with the transient power of human empires.
* **Key Themes:** Nahum 1:7 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book and broader biblical theology. It underscores the **sovereignty and justice of God**, demonstrating that He is in control of nations and will bring judgment upon wickedness, as seen in the broader message of Nineveh's fall. Simultaneously, it highlights God's **covenant faithfulness and protective care** for His people, even amidst a world steeped in sin and violence. The verse emphasizes the **contrast between divine wrath and divine grace**, showcasing that the same God who is a terrifying force to His enemies is a benevolent guardian to His own. Furthermore, it stresses the **importance of trust in God** as the proper response to His character, distinguishing those who will experience His protection from those who will face His judgment, a theme echoed in passages like [Psalm 9:10](/psalms/9-10 "Psalm 9:10 - Trust in the Lord") which proclaims, "And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee." This confidence in God's character provides a foundation for hope, even in the "day of trouble," a concept often explored in the wisdom literature, such as [Proverbs 18:10](/proverbs/18-10 "Proverbs 18:10 - The Name of the Lord is a Strong Tower").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** This word, derived from H2896, encompasses a vast semantic range, indicating not merely moral uprightness but also that which is beneficial, pleasant, prosperous, beautiful, and bountiful. When applied to the LORD, it signifies His inherent benevolence, His perfect character, and His disposition to act for the well-being of His creation, especially His covenant people. It is the very essence of His being, informing all His actions, including His judgments, which are ultimately for a good and righteous purpose.
* **Strong hold (Hebrew, _mâʻôwz'_):** From H4581, this term denotes a fortified place, a defense, a fortress, or a rock. It evokes imagery of an impregnable stronghold, a secure refuge providing ultimate safety and protection against external threats. In the context of Nahum 1:7, it portrays God as an unassailable sanctuary for those who seek Him, offering stability and security in times of intense distress and danger, when human defenses prove futile.
* **Knoweth (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** Derived from H3045, this verb signifies a deep, intimate, and experiential knowledge, far exceeding mere intellectual acquaintance. It implies personal recognition, affectionate care, and covenantal commitment. When God "knows" those who trust in Him, it means He has chosen them, entered into a relationship with them, and actively cares for their well-being, providing for and protecting them based on this profound, relational bond.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD is good":** This foundational declaration establishes God's inherent nature. It asserts His perfect moral character and His benevolent disposition towards His creation, particularly His covenant people. His goodness is not circumstantial but essential, meaning all His actions, including His judgments, flow from this righteous and loving core.
* **"a strong hold in the day of trouble":** Building on His goodness, this phrase portrays the practical manifestation of God's character. He is depicted as an unshakeable fortress, an impenetrable refuge that provides ultimate safety and stability for His people when they face distress, adversity, or danger. The "day of trouble" can refer to personal crises, national calamities (like the Assyrian threat), or the broader context of divine judgment upon the wicked, from which His faithful are shielded.
* **"and he knoweth them that trust in him":** This final clause clarifies *who* benefits from God's goodness and protection. The word "knoweth" (Hebrew: _yâdaʻ_) signifies a deep, intimate, and personal relationship, far beyond mere intellectual awareness. It implies God's affectionate recognition, His active care, and His covenantal commitment to those who place their faith, reliance, and refuge in Him. Their trust initiates and sustains this profound relationship, making them the beneficiaries of His protective presence.

#### Literary Devices
Nahum 1:7 is rich in **Imagery**, particularly the vivid depiction of God as "a strong hold." This metaphor transforms an abstract theological concept (God's protection) into a concrete, relatable image of an impregnable fortress, conveying absolute security and reliability. This imagery stands in stark **Contrast** to the preceding verses that describe God's destructive power against His enemies, highlighting His dual nature as both judge and protector. Furthermore, the phrase "he knoweth them that trust in him" employs **Personification**, attributing to God the human-like quality of intimate knowledge and personal recognition. This device emphasizes the relational aspect of God's character, assuring believers that they are not merely abstract entities but individuals intimately known and cherished by their Creator. The verse also functions as an **Antithesis**, juxtaposing the "day of trouble" with God as a "strong hold," underscoring that even in the midst of chaos and adversity, divine refuge is available.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nahum 1:7 profoundly articulates God's dual nature as both a righteous judge and a compassionate deliverer, a tension central to biblical theology. While the immediate context is God's impending judgment on Nineveh, this verse assures His covenant people that His goodness and protective power are specifically directed towards them. It speaks to the unwavering faithfulness of God, who, despite His terrifying power and wrath against sin, remains intimately concerned with the well-being of those who seek refuge in Him. This intimate knowledge is not passive awareness but an active, covenantal relationship that guarantees His intervention and preservation. The verse thus serves as a powerful reminder that while God's justice is universal, His mercy and protection are specifically extended to those who respond to Him in faith and trust.

* [Psalm 91:2](/psalms/91-2 "Psalm 91:2 - God as My Refuge and Fortress"): "I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust."
* [Proverbs 18:10](/proverbs/18-10 "Proverbs 18:10 - The Name of the Lord is a Strong Tower"): "The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe."
* [Isaiah 25:4](/isaiah/25-4 "Isaiah 25:4 - God as a Strength to the Poor"): "For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nahum 1:7 offers profound comfort and practical guidance for believers navigating a world filled with uncertainty, suffering, and spiritual opposition. In moments of personal crisis, societal turmoil, or existential dread—our own "day of trouble"—this verse calls us to remember the unchanging character of God. He is inherently good, meaning His motives are always pure and His actions ultimately benevolent, even when His ways are mysterious. This truth provides a stable anchor for our souls, allowing us to trust His providence even when circumstances are difficult. Furthermore, the imagery of a "strong hold" invites us to actively seek Him as our ultimate refuge. We are encouraged to run to Him, not just intellectually acknowledge His power, but to depend on Him for our safety, peace, and stability. This reliance is not passive but an active, moment-by-moment surrender of our fears and anxieties to His sovereign care. The assurance that He "knoweth" us deeply and personally transforms our faith from a distant concept into an intimate relationship, reminding us that we are never forgotten or overlooked, but are cherished and protected by a God who truly sees and cares.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific "days of trouble" are you currently experiencing or anticipating, and how does the truth of God as a "strong hold" speak to your situation?**
* **What does it mean for you, practically, to "trust in Him" in a way that allows God to "know" you intimately and protectively?**
* **How does understanding God's inherent "goodness" influence your perspective on difficult circumstances or unanswered prayers?**
* **How can you more consistently run to the LORD as your refuge, rather than relying on your own strength or worldly solutions?**

### FAQ
**How can God be "good" if He also brings judgment and wrath, as seen in the rest of Nahum?**

Answer: The Bible consistently portrays God as both perfectly good and perfectly just. His goodness (H2896, _ṭôwb_) is His inherent nature, meaning He is always righteous, benevolent, and seeks what is ultimately best. His judgment and wrath, as seen against Nineveh, are not arbitrary acts of malice but manifestations of His justice against profound evil, oppression, and unrepentant sin. For a God to be truly good, He must also be just and hold wickedness accountable. Thus, His judgment is an extension of His goodness, ensuring that evil does not prevail and that His moral order is upheld. For those who trust in Him, His goodness is expressed as protection and refuge; for those who defiantly oppose Him, it is expressed as righteous judgment, as seen in [Romans 2:5-8](/romans/2-5-8 "Romans 2:5-8 - God's Righteous Judgment").

**What is the difference between God "knowing" someone and simply being aware of them?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "knoweth" (H3045, _yâdaʻ_) in this context signifies far more than mere intellectual awareness. It denotes a deep, intimate, and relational knowledge, akin to the knowledge between a husband and wife ([Genesis 4:1](/genesis/4-1 "Genesis 4:1 - Adam Knew Eve")). When God "knows" those who trust in Him, it implies a covenantal relationship, a personal recognition, and an active, affectionate care. It means He has chosen them, entered into a bond with them, and is committed to their well-being and protection. It's the kind of knowledge that leads to active engagement and provision, as opposed to a detached observation. This intimate knowledge is the basis for His protective actions, distinguishing His own from those He does not "know" in this relational sense ([Matthew 7:23](/matthew/7-23 "Matthew 7:23 - I Never Knew You")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nahum 1:7 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of God's inherent goodness, perfectly revealing the Father's character to humanity ([John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Jesus Reveals the Father")). In Jesus, the abstract concept of God's goodness becomes tangible and accessible, demonstrated through His healing, teaching, and sacrificial love. Furthermore, Christ is the ultimate "strong hold in the day of trouble." He is our secure refuge, not merely from earthly calamities, but from the far greater trouble of sin, death, and the wrath of God. Through His atoning work on the cross, He provides an unshakeable fortress for all who trust in Him, offering eternal security and peace that transcends any earthly storm ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")). Most significantly, Jesus perfectly fulfills the promise that God "knoweth them that trust in him." As the Good Shepherd, He declares, "I am the good shepherd, and [I know my sheep and am known of mine](/john/10-14 "John 10:14 - The Good Shepherd Knows His Sheep")" and "My sheep hear my voice, and [I know them, and they follow me](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - Jesus Knows His Sheep")". This intimate, covenantal knowledge is the foundation of our salvation and eternal security, assuring us that in Christ, we are not merely known intellectually, but are deeply loved, recognized, and eternally cherished by God. He is the one in whom all God's promises of goodness, refuge, and intimate knowledge are perfectly realized for those who believe ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in 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

2 Timothy 2:19

¶ Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

John 10:27

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

Lamentations 3:25

The LORD [is] good unto them that wait for him, to the soul [that] seeketh him.

John 10:14

I am the good shepherd, and know my [sheep], and am known of mine.

Psalms 91:1

¶ He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalms 91:2

I will say of the LORD, [He is] my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

Psalms 100:5

For the LORD [is] good; his mercy [is] everlasting; and his truth [endureth] to all generations.