Nahum 1:6 - The Oracle of Nineveh

Who can withstand His indignation?
This phrase emphasizes the overwhelming power and authority of God. In the context of Nahum, God’s indignation is directed towards Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, known for its cruelty and idolatry. The rhetorical question implies that no one can resist or oppose God’s righteous anger. This echoes similar sentiments found in other scriptures, such as Psalm 76:7, which speaks of God’s fearsome power. The historical context is significant, as Assyria was a dominant empire, yet even its might could not withstand God’s judgment.

Who can endure His burning anger?
The imagery of "burning anger" conveys the intensity and consuming nature of God’s wrath. This is not a capricious anger but a holy response to sin and injustice. The cultural context of the ancient Near East often depicted gods as having human-like emotions, but the God of Israel’s anger is always just and purposeful. This phrase connects to Deuteronomy 4:24, where God is described as a consuming fire, highlighting His holiness and the seriousness of sin.

His wrath is poured out like fire;
Fire is a common biblical metaphor for judgment and purification. In the prophetic literature, fire often symbolizes God’s purifying judgment, as seen in Isaiah 66:15-16. The pouring out of wrath suggests a deliberate and complete action, indicating that God’s judgment is both thorough and inescapable. This imagery would resonate with the original audience, familiar with the destructive power of fire in their environment.

even rocks are shattered before Him.
This phrase underscores the absolute power of God’s judgment. Rocks, often symbols of strength and permanence, are depicted as being shattered, illustrating that nothing in creation can withstand God’s will. This connects to other biblical passages, such as Jeremiah 23:29, where God’s word is likened to a hammer that breaks rock. The shattering of rocks also foreshadows the ultimate judgment and transformation of the world, as seen in eschatological passages like Revelation 6:15-17.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Nahum
A prophet who delivered God's message of judgment against Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, known for its wickedness and oppression.

2. Nineveh
The capital city of the Assyrian Empire, notorious for its cruelty and idolatry, which faced God's impending judgment.

3. God's Indignation
Represents God's righteous anger and judgment against sin and injustice.

4. The Rocks
Symbolic of the seemingly strong and unmovable entities that are shattered by God's power.

5. Assyrian Empire
A dominant power during Nahum's time, known for its military might and oppression of Israel and other nations.

Teaching Points

The Reality of God's Judgment
God's wrath is real and directed against sin and injustice. It serves as a warning to turn from wickedness and seek righteousness.

The Power of God
God's power is unmatched; even the strongest elements of creation cannot withstand His judgment. This should inspire awe and reverence.

The Call to Repentance
Understanding God's wrath should lead us to repentance and a desire to align with His will, avoiding the fate of those who oppose Him.

God's Justice and Mercy
While God is just in His anger, He is also merciful to those who turn to Him. This duality should encourage us to seek His grace.

The Assurance of God's Sovereignty
In a world where evil seems to prevail, Nahum assures us that God is ultimately in control and will bring justice.

Verse 6. - Who can stand? (Psalm 76:7; Joel 2:11; Malachi 3:2; comp. Revelation 6:17). His fury is poured out like fire (Deuteronomy 4:24); like the brimstone and fire that destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24), or like the molten lava that issues from a volcano (Jeremiah 7:20). Septuagint (reading differently), ὁ θυμὸς αὐτοῦ τήκει ἀρχάς: consumit principatus (Jerome). Are thrown down; rather, are rent asunder (comp. 1 Kings 19:11; Jeremiah 23:29). If such is the power of God, how shall Assyria resist it? Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Who
מִ֣י (mî)
Interrogative
Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix

can withstand
לִפְנֵ֤י (lip̄·nê)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

His indignation?
זַעְמוֹ֙ (za‘·mōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2195: Froth at the mouth, fury

Who
וּמִ֥י (ū·mî)
Conjunctive waw | Interrogative
Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix

can endure
יָק֖וּם (yā·qūm)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand

His burning anger?
בַּחֲר֣וֹן (ba·ḥă·rō·wn)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2740: A burning of anger

His wrath
חֲמָתוֹ֙ (ḥă·mā·ṯōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2534: Heat, anger, poison

is poured out
נִתְּכָ֣ה (nit·tə·ḵāh)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5413: To pour forth, be poured out

like fire;
כָאֵ֔שׁ (ḵā·’êš)
Preposition-k, Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 784: A fire

even rocks
וְהַצֻּרִ֖ים (wə·haṣ·ṣu·rîm)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6697: A cliff, a rock, boulder, a refuge, an edge

are shattered
נִתְּצ֥וּ (nit·tə·ṣū)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5422: To pull down, break down

before Him.
מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃ (mim·men·nū)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

Links

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Nahum 1:6 Catholic BibleOT Prophets: Nahum 1:6 Who can stand before his indignation? Who (Nah. Na)