Nahum 1:14
The LORD has issued a command concerning you, O Nineveh: "There will be no descendants to carry on your name. I will cut off the carved image and cast idol from the house of your gods; I will prepare your grave, for you are contemptible."
The LORD has issued a command
This phrase underscores the sovereignty and authority of God. The Hebrew word for "command" (צִוָּה, tsavah) implies a definitive and authoritative decree. In the context of Nahum, this command is not merely a suggestion but a divine edict that will be fulfilled. Historically, this reflects the prophetic tradition where God's word is seen as powerful and unchangeable, emphasizing His control over nations and history.

concerning you, O Nineveh
Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire, was known for its grandeur and its cruelty. The mention of Nineveh specifically highlights the focus of God's judgment. Archaeological findings have revealed the city's vast size and its impressive fortifications, yet these physical attributes could not protect it from divine judgment. This serves as a reminder of the temporal nature of human power and the ultimate authority of God.

There will be no more descendants to carry on your name
This phrase signifies the complete eradication of Nineveh's legacy. The Hebrew concept of a "name" (שֵׁם, shem) is deeply tied to one's identity and legacy. In ancient cultures, having descendants was crucial for maintaining one's name and honor. The prophecy that Nineveh will have no descendants is a declaration of total obliteration, both physically and historically, emphasizing the finality of God's judgment.

I will prepare your grave
The imagery of God preparing a grave for Nineveh is both vivid and personal. It suggests that God Himself is orchestrating the downfall of the city. The Hebrew word for "grave" (קֶבֶר, qeber) often denotes a burial place, symbolizing death and finality. This phrase indicates that Nineveh's destruction is not just a military defeat but a divine act of judgment, sealing its fate.

for you are contemptible
The term "contemptible" (קָלָל, qalal) in Hebrew conveys a sense of being despised or considered worthless. This reflects God's view of Nineveh's moral and spiritual state. Historically, Nineveh was notorious for its violence and idolatry, which made it contemptible in the eyes of God. This serves as a moral lesson on the consequences of pride and wickedness, reminding believers of the importance of humility and righteousness before God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD
The sovereign God of Israel, who is issuing a decree against Nineveh.

2. Nineveh
The capital city of Assyria, known for its wickedness and idolatry, and the primary subject of God's judgment in the book of Nahum.

3. Descendants
Refers to the lineage or future generations of Nineveh, which God declares will cease.

4. Carved Images and Cast Idols
Represent the false gods and idols worshiped by the people of Nineveh, which God promises to destroy.

5. Grave
Symbolizes the impending destruction and end of Nineveh as a city and power.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Judgment
God is in control and His decrees are final. He has the authority to judge nations and individuals based on their actions.

The Futility of Idolatry
Idolatry leads to destruction. Trusting in anything other than the one true God is ultimately futile and leads to judgment.

The End of Wickedness
God will not allow wickedness to continue indefinitely. There is a time when God will act decisively against sin.

The Importance of Legacy
Our actions and faithfulness to God impact our legacy. Unlike Nineveh, we should strive to leave a legacy of faith and obedience.

Repentance and Redemption
While Nahum 1:14 speaks of judgment, it serves as a reminder of the opportunity for repentance before judgment comes.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the judgment pronounced on Nineveh in Nahum 1:14 reflect God's character and His view of sin?

2. In what ways can we identify and eliminate "idols" in our own lives, drawing from the example of Nineveh's downfall?

3. How does the prophecy against Nineveh encourage us to trust in God's justice and timing, especially when we see wickedness around us?

4. What lessons can we learn about the importance of leaving a godly legacy, considering God's declaration of the end of Nineveh's descendants?

5. How can we apply the message of Nahum 1:14 to our understanding of repentance and the opportunity for redemption before God's judgment?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 37:38
This verse describes the assassination of Sennacherib, king of Assyria, in the temple of his god, highlighting the futility of idol worship and the fulfillment of God's judgment.

Zephaniah 2:13-15
These verses also prophesy the destruction of Nineveh, emphasizing the certainty and completeness of God's judgment against the city.

Exodus 20:4-5
The commandment against idolatry, which Nineveh violated, leading to God's judgment as seen in Nahum 1:14.
Antagonism to God and His RuleS.D. Hilman Nahum 1:8-15
Spiritual Redemption SymbolizedS.D. Hilman Nahum 1:8-15
Corrupt KingsHomilistNahum 1:11-14
Corrupt KingsD. Thomas Nahum 1:11-14
People
Nahum
Places
Bashan, Carmel, Lebanon, Nineveh
Topics
Abroad, Appoint, Bear, Carved, Cast, Command, Commanded, Commandment, Completely, Contemptible, Cut, Descendants, Destroy, Engraved, Evil, Gods, Grave, Graven, Hast, Idol, Idols, Image, Images, Issued, Longer, Metal, Molten, Nineveh, Order, Perpetuated, Pictured, Planted, Prepare, Resting-place, Shame, Sown, Spread, Temple, Vile, Worthless
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Nahum 1:14

     5043   names, significance
     5211   art
     5288   dead, the
     7471   temples, heathen
     7530   foreigners
     8748   false religion
     8771   idolatry, objections

Nahum 1:11-14

     7216   exile, in Assyria

Library
What are the Clouds?
I. Well, the first remark I make upon this shall be--the way of God is generally a hidden one. This we gather from the text, by regarding the connection, "the Lord hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet." When God works his wonders he always conceals himself. Even the motion of his feet causes clouds to arise; and if these; clouds are but the dust of his feet," how deep must be that dense darkness which veils the brow of the Eternal. If the small dust
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855

Mercy, Omnipotence, and Justice
Now, this is especially true with regard to certain lights and shadows in the character of God, which he has so marvelously blended in the perfection of his nature: that although we can not see the exact point of meeting, yet (if we have been at all enlightened by the Spirit) we are struck with wonder at the sacred harmony. In reading holy Scripture, you can say of Paul, that he was noted for his zeal--of Peter, that he will ever be memorable for his courage--of John, that he was noted for his lovingness.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

Of Seeking Divine Help, and the Confidence of Obtaining Grace
"My Son, I the Lord am a stronghold in the day of trouble.(1) Come unto Me, when it is not well with thee. "This it is which chiefly hindereth heavenly consolation, that thou too slowly betakest thyself unto prayer. For before thou earnestly seekest unto Me, thou dost first seek after many means of comfort, and refresheth thyself in outward things: so it cometh to pass that all things profit thee but little until thou learn that it is I who deliver those who trust in Me; neither beside Me is there
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

The Poetical Books (Including Also Ecclesiastes and Canticles).
1. The Hebrews reckon but three books as poetical, namely: Job, Psalms, and Proverbs, which are distinguished from the rest by a stricter rhythm--the rhythm not of feet, but of clauses (see below, No. 3)--and a peculiar system of accentuation. It is obvious to every reader that the poetry of the Old Testament, in the usual sense of the word, is not restricted to these three books. But they are called poetical in a special and technical sense. In any natural classification of the books of the
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Whether it is Right that Schismatics Should be Punished with Excommunication?
Objection 1: It would seem that schismatics are not rightly punished with excommunication. For excommunication deprives a man chiefly of a share in the sacraments. But Augustine says (Contra Donat. vi, 5) that "Baptism can be received from a schismatic." Therefore it seems that excommunication is not a fitting punishment for schismatics. Objection 2: Further, it is the duty of Christ's faithful to lead back those who have gone astray, wherefore it is written against certain persons (Ezech. 34:4):
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether an Accuser who Fails to Prove his Indictment is Bound to the Punishment of Retaliation?
Objection 1: It would seem that the accuser who fails to prove his indictment is not bound to the punishment of retaliation. For sometimes a man is led by a just error to make an accusation, in which case the judge acquit the accuser, as stated in Decret. II, qu. iii. [*Append. Grat., ad can. Si quem poenituerit.] Therefore the accuser who fails to prove his indictment is not bound to the punishment of retaliation. Objection 2: Further, if the punishment of retaliation ought to be inflicted on one
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Punishment of Sacrilege Should be Pecuniary?
Objection 1: It would seem that the punishment of sacrilege should not be pecuniary. A pecuniary punishment is not wont to be inflicted for a criminal fault. But sacrilege is a criminal fault, wherefore it is punished by capital sentence according to civil law [*Dig. xlviii, 13; Cod. i, 3, de Episc. et Cleric.]. Therefore sacrilege should not be awarded a pecuniary punishment. Objection 2: Further, the same sin should not receive a double punishment, according to Nahum 1:9, "There shall not rise
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether after the Judgment that Takes Place in the Present Time, There Remains yet Another General Judgment?
Objection 1: It would seem that after the Judgment that takes place in the present time, there does not remain another General Judgment. For a judgment serves no purpose after the final allotment of rewards and punishments. But rewards and punishments are allotted in this present time: for our Lord said to the thief on the cross (Lk. 23:43): "This day thou shalt be with Me in paradise": and (Lk. 16:22) it is said that "the rich man died and was buried in hell." Therefore it is useless to look forward
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether There Will be a General Judgment?
Objection 1: It would seem that there will not be a general judgment. For according to Nahum 1:9, following the Septuagint version, "God will not judge the same thing a second time." But God judges now of mans' every work, by assigning punishments and rewards to each one after death, and also by rewarding and punishing certain ones in this life for their good or evil deeds. Therefore it would seem that there will be no other judgment. Objection 2: Further, in no judicial inquiry is the sentence carried
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Necessity of Contemplating the Judgment-Seat of God, in Order to be Seriously Convinced of the Doctrine of Gratuitous Justification.
1. Source of error on the subject of Justification. Sophists speak as if the question were to be discussed before some human tribunal. It relates to the majesty and justice of God. Hence nothing accepted without absolute perfection. Passages confirming this doctrine. If we descend to the righteousness of the Law, the curse immediately appears. 2. Source of hypocritical confidence. Illustrated by a simile. Exhortation. Testimony of Job, David, and Paul. 3. Confession of Augustine and Bernard. 4. Another
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

The Cause and Cure of Earthquakes
"O come hither, and behold the works of the Lord; what destruction he hath brought upon the earth!" Ps. 46:8. Of all the judgments which the righteous God inflicts on sinners here, the most dreadful and destructive is an earthquake. This he has lately brought on our part of the earth, and thereby alarmed our fears, and bid us "prepare to meet our God!" The shocks which have been felt in divers places, since that which made this city tremble, may convince us that the danger is not over, and ought
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

Whether at the Coming Judgment the Angels Will be Judged?
Objection 1: It would seem that the angels will be judged at the coming judgment. For it is written (1 Cor. 6:3): "Know you not that we shall judge angels?" But this cannot refer to the state of the present time. Therefore it should refer to the judgment to come. Objection 2: Further, it is written concerning Behemoth or Leviathan, whereby the devil is signified (Job 40:28): "In the sight of all he shall be cast down"; and (Mk. 1:24)* the demon cried out to Christ: "Why art Thou come to destroy us
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Under the Shepherd's Care.
A NEW YEAR'S ADDRESS. "For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls."--1 Peter ii. 25. "Ye were as sheep going astray." This is evidently addressed to believers. We were like sheep, blindly, willfully following an unwise leader. Not only were we following ourselves, but we in our turn have led others astray. This is true of all of us: "All we like sheep have gone astray;" all equally foolish, "we have turned every one to his own way." Our first
J. Hudson Taylor—A Ribband of Blue

The History Books
[Illustration: (drop cap T) Assyrian idol-god] Thus little by little the Book of God grew, and the people He had chosen to be its guardians took their place among the nations. A small place it was from one point of view! A narrow strip of land, but unique in its position as one of the highways of the world, on which a few tribes were banded together. All around great empires watched them with eager eyes; the powerful kings of Assyria, Egypt, and Babylonia, the learned Greeks, and, in later times,
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
SHOWING WHAT IT IS, AND HOW DISTINGUISHED FROM THAT WHICH IS NOT SO. ALSO, WHENCE IT COMES; WHO HAS IT; WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS; AND WHAT THE PRIVILEGES OF THOSE THAT HAVE IT IN THEIR HEARTS. London: Printed for N. Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, over against the Stocks market: 1679. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," and "a fountain of life"--the foundation on which all wisdom rests, as well as the source from whence it emanates. Upon a principle
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
BY JOHN BUNYAN. London: Printed for Benjamin Alsop, at the Angel and Bible in the Poultry, 1684. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. THIS valuable treatise was first published in a pocket volume in 1684, and has only been reprinted in Whitfield's edition of Bunyan's works, 2 vols. folio, 1767. No man could have been better qualified to give advice to sufferers for righteousness' sake, than John Bunyan: and this work is exclusively devoted to that object. Shut up in a noisome jail, under the iron hand of
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Christian's God
Scripture References: Genesis 1:1; 17:1; Exodus 34:6,7; 20:3-7; Deuteronomy 32:4; 33:27; Isaiah 40:28; 45:21; Psalm 90:2; 145:17; 139:1-12; John 1:1-5; 1:18; 4:23,24; 14:6-11; Matthew 28:19,20; Revelation 4:11; 22:13. WHO IS GOD? How Shall We Think of God?--"Upon the conception that is entertained of God will depend the nature and quality of the religion of any soul or race; and in accordance with the view that is held of God, His nature, His character and His relation to other beings, the spirit
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian

There is a Blessedness in Reversion
Blessed are the poor in spirit. Matthew 5:3 Having done with the occasion, I come now to the sermon itself. Blessed are the poor in spirit'. Christ does not begin his Sermon on the Mount as the Law was delivered on the mount, with commands and threatenings, the trumpet sounding, the fire flaming, the earth quaking, and the hearts of the Israelites too for fear; but our Saviour (whose lips dropped as the honeycomb') begins with promises and blessings. So sweet and ravishing was the doctrine of this
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Nature of Covenanting.
A covenant is a mutual voluntary compact between two parties on given terms or conditions. It may be made between superiors and inferiors, or between equals. The sentiment that a covenant can be made only between parties respectively independent of one another is inconsistent with the testimony of Scripture. Parties to covenants in a great variety of relative circumstances, are there introduced. There, covenant relations among men are represented as obtaining not merely between nation and nation,
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Nahum
Poetically the little book of Nahum is one of the finest in the Old Testament. Its descriptions are vivid and impetuous: they set us before the walls of the beleaguered Nineveh, and show us the war-chariots of her enemies darting to and fro like lightning, ii. 4, the prancing steeds, the flashing swords, the glittering spears, iii. 2,3. The poetry glows with passionate joy as it contemplates the ruin of cruel and victorious Assyria. In the opening chapter, i., ii. 2, Jehovah is represented as coming
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Nahum 1:14 NIV
Nahum 1:14 NLT
Nahum 1:14 ESV
Nahum 1:14 NASB
Nahum 1:14 KJV

Nahum 1:14 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Nahum 1:13
Top of Page
Top of Page