Nahum 1:8

The place thereof] If this poem is an original part of the book we expect such references, though it comes abruptly here: cp. Nahum 1:14. On this view, the line of thought is the opposition of Jehovah to the proud oppressor and his favour towards judgment, with emphasis laid on the radical nature of the judgment.

9, 10. 'Not twice does He take vengeance on His enemies; He makes a full end of them for ever.' You cannot easily set fire to the damp, closely packed thorns, but the fire of His vengeance will burn them up as dry stubble.

13-15. These vv., along with Nahum 2:2, must be grouped together. Read the last of these four vv., as in RV, 'For Jehovah bringeth again the excellency of Jacob,' etc. In these four vv. we have evidently an address to Judah; she is called upon to rejoice over her ancient foe to keep the feasts and carry out the vows made in the days of sorrowful oppression: cp. Isaiah 52:7; Nahum 1:14 is a denunciation of the Assyrian.

The whole chapter is difficult from the linguistic point of view; the technical problems have called forth much ingenuity, but the main outline is clear. Jehovah is coming to judgment; this Coming means a day of terror and darkness for the proud oppressors, but the lowly believers shall find new hope. When freed from narrow patriotism and sectarian bitterness this is a great and abiding truth; behind it there lies a keen faith in the true meaning of history and a righteous order of the world.