Matthew Henry Commentary Nahum 1:9-15

"What do ye devise against Jehovah? he will make a full end; affliction shall not rise up the second time. For entangled like thorns, and drunken as with their drink, they are consumed utterly as dry stubble. There is one gone forth out of thee, that deviseth evil against Jehovah, that counselleth wickedness. Thus saith Jehovah: Though they be in full strength, and likewise many, even so shall they be cut down, and he shall pass away. Though I have afflicted thee, I will afflict thee no more. And now will I break his yoke from off thee, and will burst thy bonds in sunder. And Jehovah hath given commandment concerning thee, that no more of thy name be sown: out of the house of thy gods will I cut off the graven image and the molten image; I will make thy grave; for thou art vile. Behold, upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace! Keep thy feasts, O Judah, perform thy vows; for the wicked one shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off." — Nahum 1:9-15 (ASV)

There is a great deal plotted against the Lord by the gates of hell, and against his kingdom in the world, but it will prove to be in vain. With some sinners God acts quickly; and one way or another, he will make an utter end of all his enemies. Though they are quiet, and many very secure and without fear, they will be cut down like grass and grain when the destroying angel passes through.

God would thus work great deliverance for his own people. But those who make themselves vile by scandalous sins, God will make vile by shameful punishments. The tidings of this great deliverance will be welcomed with abundant joy. These words are applied to the great redemption accomplished by our Lord Jesus and the everlasting gospel (Romans 10:15). Christ's ministers are messengers of good tidings, who preach peace by Jesus Christ. How welcome to those who see their misery and danger by sin!

And the promises they made in the day of trouble must be fulfilled. Let us be thankful for God's ordinances and gladly attend them. Let us look forward with cheerful hope to a world where the wicked can never enter, and sin and temptation will no longer be known.