Protector and Stronghold

The prophecies of Nahum open with a reminder for all who do not know God, and particularly for those who fight against Him. They may take Him for granted, defy Him, or reject His Word. But He knows everything they do. He may be “slow to anger,” but Nahum reminds the guilty that they will not go “unpunished.”

They might not be able to discern His actions for His way is “in whirlwind and storm.” And He does what seems impossible. No natural force can resist Him: “He rebukes the sea and makes it dry; He dries up all the rivers.”

Nahum warns that God is “great in power.” That He is jealous, avenging, and wrathful, and “takes vengeance on His adversaries.” The giant forces of nature are no barrier for Him: “Mountains quake because of Him and the hills dissolve; indeed the earth is upheaved by His presence.” No one is immune for His actions impact “the world and all the inhabitants in it.”

His actions are terrifying: “Who can stand before His indignation? Who can endure the burning of His anger? His wrath is poured out like fire and the rocks are broken up by Him.” He is ready to send “an overflowing flood” against His enemies, and pursue them “into darkness.”

But, having presented this terrifying portrait, Nahum puts all of God’s actions in context. Yes, He is powerful. Yes, He is our Judge. But the reality is that He is “good.” Those who serve Him have nothing to fear. In fact, for them He is their protector and stronghold.

Both aspects of God are true. What part of His nature do we want to experience? His judgment? Or His mercy? The choice is up to us.