Many people are familiar with the story of Jonah, who was swallowed by a great fish when he disobeyed God’s call to preach in the city of Nineveh. After the fish deposited Jonah on the shores of his divinely appointed destination, a widespread repentance of the people led to an amazing display of God’s grace. The city was spared the forecast judgment. But one hundred years later, the prophet Nahum announces the certain destruction of this same city. Apparently, the repentance was short-lived and soon forgotten. A new generation of Ninevites has fallen into such gross sin and opposition to God that they will find no pardon. Judgment is inevitable. While Jonah preached his message directly to Nineveh, leading to their repentance and salvation, there is no indication that Nineveh ever heard Nahum’s declaration of doom. This is a reminder that God is gracious to whom He is gracious, but He withholds mercy from whom He wills. The LORD is sovereign in both salvation and judgment. Sinners of every time and place must learn not to trifle with God, and saints of every age must learn to rest securely in His wise plan, while urgently proclaiming His gospel to a lost world. Nahum preaches to God’s people, who would have been encouraged to know that judgment is coming upon perpetrators of evil. Nineveh was the capital city of Assyria, the nation that destroyed Samaria, Israel’s capital city, in 722 BC. With their people scattered by the Assyrian invasion, the ten northern tribes basically ceased to exist as a nation. But faithful believers, whether left behind, carried into exile, or watching from the southern kingdom, “needed to know that God does not stop reigning or holding people to account, just because He uses them to chasten His people” (D.A. Carson). The New Testament reiterates the truths highlighted in Nahum 1. “The LORD takes vengeance on His adversaries and keeps wrath for His enemies” (v 2b). While He is “slow to anger,” God’s patience should not be misinterpreted, for He “will by no means clear the guilty” (v 3). Yes, “the LORD is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in Him. But He will sweep away His enemies in an overwhelming flood” (v 7-8a, NLT). Many times in history, when believers have been crushed under wicked regimes, or when innocent nations have been destroyed by brutal enemies, Nahum’s words have sustained the people of God. He is entirely just, and He will hold every violent oppressor accountable. For further meditation: