Affliction No More Nahum 1:12

Nahum the prophet declared the destruction that was pending for the city of Nineveh, and although the LORD's judgment was to come upon them, there came “out of” them, “that imagines evil against the LORD”. Nahum called him “a wicked counselor”, and in chapter one and verse twelve of his prophesy, Nahum shares how there will be “affliction no more” where we read:

Thus says the LORD; Though they be quiet, and likewise many, yet thus shall they be cut down, when he shall pass through. Though I have afflicted you, I will afflict you no more.

The verse begins, “Thus says the LORD; Though they be quiet, and likewise many, yet thus shall they be cut down,...” Nahum began with the words, “Thus says” or “utters, speaks and declares” “the LORD” which refers to “Yehovah or Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the one true God”; “Though they” which refers to “the people within the city of Nineveh” “be quiet” or “complete, safe, peaceful, perfect, whole, full and at peace”, “and likewise many” which means “much, abounding, numerous and greatly enough”, “yet thus shall they be cut down” which is all one Hebrew word and means “to shear, mow and be destroyed”. Even though the people of Nineveh were to act as though they were completely at peace, they were destined to be “destroyed” by the LORD.

The verse goes on to say, “...when he shall pass through. Though I have afflicted you, I will afflict you no more.” Nahum added, “when he shall pass through” which refers to “the LORD bringing, alienating, carrying, doing away with and crossing over”. “Though I have afflicted you” which means “be occupied with, busied with, bowed down, depressed, downcast and stooped”, “I will afflict you no more” which means “never again be occupied with, busied with, bowed down, depressed, downcast and stooped”. When the LORD brings His judgment upon the people of Nineveh, it will be so complete that He will never have to bring it again.

When we consider these words of Nahum, we realize the extent of the LORD's pending judgment for the city of Nineveh. Even if the people were to cease from the wickedness, they were still to be annihilated. Jesus Christ gives every living person who hears the gospel the opportunity to receive Him as LORD and Savior, and if they do, they shall escape the pending judgment that awaits them after death. However, if those who are exposed to the “good news” of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection for their sins reject it continually, they will not be able to avoid the wrath of God. May we see the example of the city of Nineveh as a warning for all who read, and let us turn to the LORD Jesus before there will be “affliction no more”.

Next time Nahum shares about “breaking yokes and bursting bonds”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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