Nahum 1:9

¶ What do ye imagine against the LORD? he will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time.

What do ye imagine {H2803} against the LORD {H3068}? he will make {H6213} an utter end {H3617}: affliction {H6869} shall not rise up {H6965} the second time {H6471}.

What are you planning against ADONAI? He is making an end [of it]; trouble will not arise a second time.

Whatever you plot against the LORD, He will bring to an end. Affliction will not rise up a second time.

What do ye devise against Jehovah? he will make a full end; affliction shall not rise up the second time.

Context of Nahum 1:9

The Book of Nahum is a prophetic oracle primarily directed against Nineveh, the formidable capital of the Assyrian Empire. Chapter 1 serves as an introduction, powerfully describing the character of God as both a jealous and avenging God, yet also slow to anger and great in power. This verse, Nahum 1:9, comes after a vivid portrayal of God's might and before the specific pronouncements of Nineveh's impending doom. It challenges the foolishness of those who would oppose the LORD, specifically the Assyrians who had for centuries cruelly oppressed Judah and other nations.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty and Justice: The rhetorical question, "What do ye imagine against the LORD?", highlights the utter futility and arrogance of any human scheme or rebellion against the Almighty. It asserts God's supreme authority; His plans will prevail regardless of human opposition. The subsequent declaration, "he will make an utter end," emphasizes God's decisive, complete, and irreversible judgment against His enemies, particularly Nineveh. This is not merely a threat but a divine decree of absolute justice.
  • End of Affliction for God's People: The powerful promise, "affliction shall not rise up the second time," speaks directly to the comfort and security of God's covenant people, Judah. The Assyrians had been a constant source of terror, war, and oppression. This verse assures that once God's judgment falls upon their oppressor, the suffering will be final and will not be repeated. It offers a glimpse of lasting peace and freedom from future oppression for those who trust in the LORD's ultimate triumph.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "utter end" translates from the Hebrew word kālâ (כָּלָה), which signifies completion, consumption, or annihilation. Its use here underscores the totality and finality of the destruction God intends to bring upon Nineveh. It implies that God's judgment will be so thorough that the source of affliction will be permanently removed, ensuring that the suffering it caused will not recur.

Related Scriptures

  • For the futility of opposing God's will: Psalm 2:4 similarly declares that the Lord laughs at the schemes of nations and their rulers who imagine a vain thing against Him.
  • Regarding God making a complete end of nations: Jeremiah 46:28 speaks of God making a "full end" of all the nations where He has scattered His people, yet not a full end of His own people.
  • For the promise of an end to all sorrow and affliction: Isaiah 25:8 beautifully describes a future where God will swallow up death in victory and wipe away tears from all faces, echoing the sentiment of permanent relief from suffering.

Practical Application

Nahum 1:9 serves as a powerful reminder that no human power, no matter how mighty or oppressive, can ultimately thwart God's sovereign purposes. For those who defiantly stand against Him, judgment is certain and complete. For believers, this verse offers immense comfort and assurance: God is absolutely in control, and He will ultimately bring an end to all suffering, injustice, and oppression. It encourages steadfast trust in His divine justice and His unwavering promise of lasting peace, knowing that our afflictions are temporary and He will have the final, victorious word.

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.

  • Proverbs 21:30

    ¶ [There is] no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

  • Psalms 33:10

    The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect.

  • Psalms 21:11

    For they intended evil against thee: they imagined a mischievous device, [which] they are not able [to perform].

  • 2 Corinthians 10:5

    Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

  • Psalms 2:1

    ¶ Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?

  • Psalms 2:4

    He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.

  • Nahum 1:11

    There is [one] come out of thee, that imagineth evil against the LORD, a wicked counsellor.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back