Nahum 1:7 The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knows them that trust in him. The sentiment of the passage is, that the same power which the Almighty displays for the destruction of His enemies, He employs for the protection of His friends. I. THE BENIGNITY OF THE EVER-BLESSED GOD. "The Lord is good." Goodness is associated with every idea it is possible to form of the Most High. Goodness is the perfection of His nature, the foundation of His actions, and comprehends all His other attributes, When His goodness supplies the needy, it is bounty; when it visits the miserable, it is pity; when it pardons the guilty, it is mercy; when it performs His promises, it is faithfulness; when it protects our persons, it is His power; when it orders events to our advantage, it is His wisdom; and when it converts and saves the soul, it is His grace. But where shall we look for its especial display? Not in providence but in redemption. His goodness here is love. This love is, — 1. Comprehensive in its objects. 2. Satisfying in its nature. 3. Exalting in its influence. 4. Perpetual in its existence. II. THE REFUGE HE AFFORDS HIS AFFLICTED PEOPLE. "He is a stronghold." 1. The distressing period to which the text refers. Such as national calamities; family trouble; soul trouble. 2. The refuge unfolded to our view. A stronghold, i.e., a fortification, a place of strength and defence. III. THE APPROBATION HE EXPRESSES IN THEIR CONFIDENCE. "He knoweth them that trust in Him." It is supposed that we betake ourselves to the shelter which Divine goodness provides foe our safety. A refuge, unless it be embraced, is no refuge at all. 1. What is the trust of which the text speaks? It is the fruit of faith. 2. What is the import of the term, "He knoweth them"? It is designed to express a distinguishing and an approving knowledge. He regards their confidence in Him with peculiar favour. (J. B. Good.) Parallel Verses KJV: The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.WEB: Yahweh is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knows those who take refuge in him. |
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