Nahum 1:2, “The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord takes vengeance on his foes and maintains his wrath against his enemies.”
One lesson every student of the Bible needs to learn is that the Lord identifies with his people. Therefore, God’s people should always identify with the Lord, that is, his word (plans and purposes).
For example, we read in Acts 9:3-5, “As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’ ‘Who are you, Lord?’ Saul asked. ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied.”
Before reaching the passage above we read verse 1 and learned that “Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples.” In other words, Saul was determined to persecute disciples of Jesus and do away with them. Here we learn that persecuting disciples of Jesus is persecuting Jesus himself because the Lord identifies with his people.
With this understanding, let’s turn back to Nahum 1:2. The structure of the verse is revealing: 2a is the main statement -I take it for the thesis of the book, as it were: “The Lord is a jealous and avenging God;”. 2b is apposite to 2a: The Lord takes vengeance as a jealous God and he avenges by pouring out his wrath. 2c clarifies, as to avoid confusion, the object of the Lord’s vengeance, namely, his foes (enemies). The Lord pours out his wrath on his enemies out of vengeance.
Few verses down the chapter, the prophet hints at Nineveh. Nahum 1:7, “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him, but with an overwhelming flood he will make an end of Nineveh; he will pursue his foes into darkness.” Accordingly, Nineveh or the people of Nineveh are the Lord’s foes (enemies). The context clearly indicates that Nineveh became a threat to God’s people (Israelites).
Romans 12:19 (NKJV) comes to mind: “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. It is interesting to note that in this verse apostle Paul applies Deuteronomy 32:35 (the principle) asking disciples of Jesus to refrain from one thing in Oder to do another.
Refrain from seeking revenge or avenging yourselves in order to give place to wrath or God’s vengeance. In other words, we give place to God’s vengeance by refraining from avenging ourselves. Hence, Nahum 1:7 mentions the Lord being a refuge in times of trouble, trouble from enemies or anyone who seeks your destruction and failure.
You’re reading this message and you are a child of God according to John 1:12-13, let me remind you that God is jealous for your sake. He will not permit that your enemies rejoice over you at your expense. Are you threatened and fearful on that account? Seek refuge in him for he is good.
Refrain from avenging yourself if you want to see God’s hand fighting your battles
May God help us all.
