The Lord Is a Jealous and Avenging God

Nahum opens with a theological statement so raw it is rarely read aloud in church: 'The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord takes vengeance and is filled with wrath. The Lord takes vengeance on his foes and vents his wrath against his enemies.' He does not temper it with mercy — there is no pivot to compassion in Nahum. 'Who can withstand his indignation? Who can endure his fierce anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; the rocks are shattered before him.' Then the contrast: 'The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble.' Good and terrifying at once. The same God who would not relent against Nineveh is a stronghold to those who trust in him.