Nahum 1:9

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nahum 1:9 powerfully declares the futility of human opposition against the sovereign LORD, asserting His unassailable authority and the certainty of His decisive judgment. It conveys a dual message: a stern warning that God will bring a complete and irreversible end to those who plot against Him, specifically the oppressive Assyrian Empire, and a comforting promise that for His people, the season of suffering and affliction at the hands of such enemies will permanently cease, never to rise again.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nahum 1:9 is situated within the opening chapter of the Book of Nahum, which serves as a majestic and terrifying oracle against Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. The preceding verses (Nahum 1:2-8) establish the character of Yahweh as a jealous and avenging God, slow to anger but great in power, who will by no means clear the guilty. His wrath is depicted through cosmic imagery – mountains quake, hills melt, and the earth is laid waste before Him. Verse 9, therefore, acts as a pivotal rhetorical question, directly challenging the audacity of Nineveh's schemes against such an omnipotent God, and introduces the theme of their complete destruction, which is then elaborated upon in the subsequent prophecies (Nahum 1:10-15). It transitions from a general declaration of God's might to a specific application of His judgment against the oppressor.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Nahum was likely written in the late 7th century BC, probably between 663 BC (after the fall of Thebes, mentioned in Nahum 3:8) and 612 BC (before the fall of Nineveh). During this period, the Assyrian Empire was the dominant world power, notorious for its brutal military campaigns, cruel treatment of conquered peoples, and extensive imperial expansion. Nineveh, its capital, was a symbol of this oppressive power, having inflicted immense suffering upon Judah and other nations, including the earlier destruction of the Northern Kingdom of Israel in 722 BC. The people of Judah lived under constant threat and experienced significant affliction from Assyrian aggression and tribute demands. Nahum's prophecy, therefore, speaks directly into a context of deep national despair and longing for divine intervention against a seemingly invincible foe. The "imagining against the LORD" refers to Assyria's arrogant defiance and their belief in their own invincibility.
* **Key Themes:** Nahum 1:9 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**, asserting that no human power, no matter how formidable, can ultimately thwart the purposes of the Almighty. God's plans for judgment and deliverance will prevail, highlighting the futility of human rebellion as seen in [Psalm 2](/psalms/2 "Psalm 2 - The Reign of God's Anointed"). Another crucial theme is **God's Vengeance and Wrath** against unrighteousness and oppression, demonstrated by His promise to "make an utter end" of Nineveh. This is balanced by the theme of **God's Compassion and Deliverance** for His suffering people, as the cessation of affliction signifies His protective care and faithfulness to His covenant promises, a theme echoed in [Isaiah 25:8](/isaiah/25-8 "Isaiah 25:8 - God Wipes Away Tears"). Finally, the verse underscores the **Certainty of Prophetic Fulfillment**, assuring that God's word concerning both judgment and salvation will infallibly come to pass.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Imagine (Hebrew, _châshab'_):** This primitive root means to plait or interpenetrate, to weave or fabricate, but figuratively, it means to plot or contrive, often in a malicious sense. It implies mental effort, to think, regard, value, or compute. In Nahum 1:9, it conveys the idea of devising, plotting, or scheming against the LORD. It highlights the deliberate and arrogant nature of Nineveh's opposition, not just a casual transgression but a calculated defiance.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the self-Existent or Eternal God, the Jewish national name of God, Jehovah. It is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, unchanging nature and His covenant relationship with Israel. By plotting "against the LORD," Nineveh is not merely opposing a human kingdom but defying the sovereign, covenant-keeping God of all creation, making their schemes utterly futile.
* **Utter end (Hebrew, _kâlâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to complete," this word signifies a completion, consumption, or annihilation. As an adverb, it means "completely." Its use here emphasizes the totality, finality, and irreversible nature of the destruction God intends to bring upon Nineveh. It is not a partial defeat but a comprehensive riddance, ensuring that the source of affliction is permanently removed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"What do ye imagine against the LORD?"**: This is a powerful rhetorical question, directly addressing Nineveh (or any entity) that dares to plot or scheme against the Almighty. It highlights the utter foolishness, arrogance, and futility of such opposition. It implies that any human plan or power, no matter how formidable, is utterly insignificant and doomed to fail when set against the sovereign will and might of Yahweh.
* **"he will make an utter end"**: This clause serves as the divine answer and declaration of judgment. It is a definitive statement of God's intention to bring about a complete, total, and irreversible destruction upon those who oppose Him. For Nineveh, this meant their complete annihilation as a world power, leaving no remnant of their oppressive reign.
* **"affliction shall not rise up the second time."**: This is a profound promise of comfort and assurance, particularly for God's people, Judah, who had suffered greatly under Assyrian oppression. It signifies that once God's judgment is executed upon the oppressor, the suffering caused by that specific source of affliction will be permanent and will not be repeated. It speaks to a future of lasting peace and freedom from the specific terror that Assyria represented.

#### Literary Devices
Nahum 1:9 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message. The opening phrase, "What do ye imagine against the LORD?", is a striking **Rhetorical Question**, designed not to elicit an answer but to emphasize the absurdity and futility of human rebellion against divine omnipotence. It draws the reader into the prophet's perspective, highlighting the sheer arrogance of Nineveh's defiance. The phrase "he will make an utter end" utilizes **Hyperbole** to underscore the totality and finality of God's judgment; while Nineveh was indeed destroyed, the language conveys a sense of absolute and irreversible annihilation. Similarly, "affliction shall not rise up the second time" employs a form of **Personification**, giving the abstract concept of "affliction" the ability to "rise up," making the promise of its permanent cessation more vivid and impactful. This declaration also functions as a **Divine Pronouncement** or **Oracle**, a direct statement from God through His prophet, carrying the weight of divine authority and certainty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nahum 1:9 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering justice and His ultimate control over human history. It reveals a God who is not passive in the face of evil and oppression but actively intervenes to bring about righteousness. The "utter end" signifies that divine judgment is not merely punitive but redemptive in its broader scope, clearing the way for the peace and security of His people. This verse beautifully balances the terrifying aspect of God's wrath against His enemies with the comforting assurance of His steadfast love and protection for those who trust in Him. It teaches that while suffering may be part of the human experience, it is not God's final word for His faithful, and that He will indeed bring a definitive end to the sources of their deepest anguish.

* [Psalm 2:4](/psalms/2-4 "Psalm 2:4 - The Lord Laughs at Nations' Schemes")
* [Jeremiah 46:28](/jeremiah/46-28 "Jeremiah 46:28 - God's Judgment and Preservation")
* [Isaiah 25:8](/isaiah/25-8 "Isaiah 25:8 - God Swallows Up Death and Wipes Away Tears")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nahum 1:9 offers profound comfort and a sobering warning. For those who feel overwhelmed by oppressive forces, whether societal injustices, personal struggles, or the schemes of evil, this verse is a beacon of hope. It reminds us that God is actively engaged in the affairs of humanity, and no power, no matter how formidable, can ultimately thwart His sovereign will. We are encouraged to place our trust in His unfailing justice, knowing that He will ultimately bring an end to all forms of injustice and suffering. For those who might be tempted to live in defiance of God's commands or to plot against His purposes, this verse serves as a stark reminder of the futility and inevitable consequence of such actions. It calls us to align our lives with God's righteous character, to trust in His providence, and to find peace in the certainty that He will have the final, victorious word, ensuring that the "affliction shall not rise up the second time" for His beloved.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or in the world do you see "imagining against the LORD" taking place, and how does Nahum 1:9 challenge that?**
* **How does the promise that "affliction shall not rise up the second time" bring you comfort or hope in the midst of current struggles?**
* **What does this verse teach you about the balance between God's justice and His compassion?**
* **How might understanding God's "utter end" for evil impact your prayers or actions regarding injustice?**

### FAQ
**Does Nahum 1:9 mean that believers will never experience any suffering or trouble again after a certain point?**

Answer: While the promise "affliction shall not rise up the second time" brings immense comfort, it is crucial to interpret it within its immediate context and broader biblical theology. In Nahum, it specifically refers to the permanent cessation of the *particular* affliction caused by the Assyrian Empire for God's people, Judah. It assures them that the terror and oppression from Nineveh would not recur. Broadly, it points to God's ultimate victory over the sources of evil and suffering. However, it does not mean that individual believers will never face any form of trouble or hardship in this present age. The New Testament clearly teaches that believers will endure various trials and tribulations (e.g., [John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - In the World You Will Have Tribulation"), [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Suffering with Christ")). The ultimate fulfillment of "affliction shall not rise up the second time" is found in the eschatological reality of God's new heavens and new earth, where all tears will be wiped away and there will be no more pain or sorrow (as promised in [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears")). So, while specific, divinely-ordained afflictions may cease, the full and final end of all suffering awaits the consummation of God's kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nahum 1:9 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "utter end" that God makes of His enemies and the permanent cessation of affliction are fully realized in Christ's victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness. Jesus, as the incarnate LORD, is the one against whom all human and demonic "imaginings" are ultimately futile, for He possesses all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). His crucifixion and resurrection represent the decisive blow against the spiritual forces that cause affliction and oppression, making an "utter end" of their dominion ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ provides the means for humanity's reconciliation with God, thereby addressing the root cause of all suffering—sin. The promise that "affliction shall not rise up the second time" is ultimately secured in Christ's future return and the establishment of His eternal kingdom, where He will judge the living and the dead ([2 Timothy 4:1](/2_timothy/4-1 "2 Timothy 4:1 - Christ Will Judge the Living and the Dead")) and usher in a new creation where there will be no more sorrow, crying, or pain ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears")). Thus, Nahum's prophecy, while historically fulfilled in Nineveh's demise, points forward to the comprehensive and everlasting peace and justice secured by the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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

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.