Scripture Reading: Nahum 1:1-15, 2 Kings 19:8–19
“God is great, God is good, let us thank Him for our food.”
I don’t remember when I was first taught this prayer, but I do remember spending my childhood cheerfully chanting it each week in Sunday School over clear Dixie cups half filled with trail mix and graham crackers. This simple prayer was replaced by others as I grew older, but the essential truth it teaches about God in its opening line remains the same.
God is great. He is powerful, sovereign, and holy. We see this on full display in the opening verses of Nahum. Back in the book of Jonah, we read about Nineveh—how God responded with forgiveness and grace when the people of the city humbled themselves before God and turned away from their evil deeds.
But in the years after that deliverance, Nineveh, a city in the brutal, domineering nation of Assyria, had turned turned back to its sin. The redemptive work of God in their city was forgotten. In 2 Kings 2:10, we read how their king, Sennacherib, mocked the living God and His promises with a taunt: “Don’t let your God, on whom you rely, deceive you… will you be rescued?”
In Nahum chapter 1, the prophet shares God’s response to the actions of this unrepentant people: judgment will come to Nineveh. Our great God is just, slow to anger but righteous in dealing with sin, oppression, and plots against Him (vv.3,9).
I sometimes feel whispers of Sennacherib’s taunt slipping into my thoughts as I read the Minor Prophets. The descriptions of the greatness of God remind me of my own rebellion, my own sinful nature. And so I wonder, Is this God I claim to rely on really to be trusted? Will I really be rescued? But the declaration of Nahum 1:7 drowns out those whispers:
“The LORD is good,
a stronghold in a day of distress;
he cares for those who take refuge in him.”
This verse reminds us that God’s greatness is entwined with another essential truth: God is good. He is close to His people, a stronghold in days of distress. He is compassionate and gracious, abounding in mercy and kindness (Psalm 86:15). He is faithful even when we are not (2 Timothy 2:13). Through the work of Jesus, God invites us to know Him and belong to Him—extending the invitation even while we were sinners, rescuing us from suffering, despair, and the punishments our sins deserve (Romans 5:8).
This is our God, and He is always fully Himself. While passages like the judgment of Nineveh in Nahum show us the devastating consequences of sin, they also paint a picture of a God who is fully just, fully loving, and fully good in His response to wayward hearts and brokenness.
As we read through these Minor Prophets, we’ll read about God’s character, how He is present and active. He mourns, hurts, and acts in righteous anger. He comforts, rebukes, and restores. God reveals all this and more to us through His Word, which has the power to change us as we reflect on who He is: a God who is great, good, and fully invested in His people.
Jessica Lamb consumes books, tea, and street-style tacos with equal ferocity. When she’s not working as the managing editor for She Reads Truth, she can be found singing Broadway tunes off-key or traveling. She lives with her husband, daughter, beloved mutt, and tolerated chickens in Nashville, TN.
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134 thoughts on "God’s Vengeance"
I am so excited for this study! I feel that the minor prophets can be easy to miss or skip over for what we may perceive to be more thrilling/easier books of the Bible, but God chose these Words for a reason to be in the Bible! How beautiful is the unchanging character of God!
Powerful truths that are still relevant today
After many years away from the Word, it’s good to hear that when we finally take refuge in him he is there and has never been unfaithful to us, even after setting forth other things before him.
Breaks my heart how unbelievably relevant this still is in todays world… Sin has not changed… but thankfully, neither has God’s character ♥️
I was looking for a bible study to do on my own and when I mentioned it in my cell group (house group) the vicar’s wife pointed me to “she reads truth” so here I am giving it ago. Long may it continue.
I have been going to church from being a baby, but only became a Christian in 2009 I think it was. When I got confirmed. I really enjoy listening to a good sermon.
Wow- powerful. I love when I can find references I didn’t know were referring to the Bible. ☺️
First time doing SRT study. I stumbled upon these amazing books just looking through my new bible that SRT made. I kept coming back to these 3 books and read the intro. The summaries of the books and this study sums up exactly what we need and how to lean into God more during this time that we are in.
The 2 Kings 2:10 Verse is actually 2 Kings 19:10
So excited to read about God’s blazing justice against the evil and the arrogant. It brings so much hope to know that the suffering of His people will not go unpunished, and that the evil regimes of this age who oppress the righteous will be crushed, but His people will be spared.
God is always close to those who love him!
I am just now doing this study and God’s timing is always perfect. He is fully invested in me! That’s why I need to reciprocate this to Him and this study. All In, make this one life count, so that it will have generational effect. I took a break from the SRT studies for financial reasons because I love having the books, and it wasn’t fitting into the budget, but thank you SRT for your many options for doing the studies. Have a great week!
Excited to learn more about these minor prophets as I being to prepare my heart for the Job study and Lent season.
I love getting to read and learn about the full character of God. As a church we often don’t hear very much about the justice and wrath of God, only His love and grace. God is just.
Amen and amen! Good is good and great!
I have read very little of these minor prophets. I am excited for God to reveal more of himself to me through this study!
Praise God that he is our Stinghold and we can utterly trust him. I thank God that where I can’t trust others I can trust him.
No need for me to seek revenge on others! God sees all and knows all and will take care of it!
❤❤❤❤
He is jealous for me. He is fully invested in me. He is kind. He is gracious. And He is just. I need this. I need him. I’m excited for this!
I’m excited to go through this plan. This year has been t o u g h. I feel more alone and disconnected from everything than I ever have before. I feel like no one could possibly know what’s going on or how I feel. I’ve pushed away God, and I’m excited to begin to lift my eye from my pit and see His hands reaching out to me.
I love this so much. Our God is slow to anger but great in power. His response to things that don’t well with Him is far different that how we would handle it; and definitely far better. But I love this because it’s like He doesn’t get bothered by the petty, but He also doesn’t allow wrong to get by. His way is I’m the whirlwind and storm. He is powerful.
Wow God is just so great!
I don’t know much about the minor prophets so I’m very excited about this plan and letting God reveal Himself to me through this study.
I think that Kings passage was supposed to be either chapter 18 or 19, or possibly something in Chronicles.
I’m so thankful that He’s there loving me and rescuing me when I don’t deserve it…He’s an Awesome God
Amen …Cassie you really spoke to my soul. Thank you
Thank you for today’s study, i haven’t read the minor prophets before and am really excited about reading this plan. Today what a blessing to be learn just a written glimpse of just how powerful and holy God is. Fully present, perfect in power, immovably just and a refuge to those who trust him. I trust you Lord, show me more of yourself and I pray i would be fully convinced of just who you really are, and not who I perceive in my mind xoxo
We’re so glad that you’re here reading along with us Jennie! -Margot, The SRT Team
So sorry to hear about your student, as well as family friend, Sissy. Praying for everyone involved. <3
God is great and holy meaning He’s unchanging. That’s hard to remember on a day-to-day basis but keeping his promises and his word fresh in the forefront of my mind helps keep the doubts at bay. He will rescue me! He always has and He always will.
Amen!!
Amen
Great reminder to always keep my full hope, confidence, and rest in who God says He is and will do. He created this world and everything with His words, so we can say that we see His word manifested everyday. As we see this evidently, we know that we can always trust what God’s word says.
A strong fortress – such a great reminder of who my Creator is and how I can rest in Him when I feel so tired and burdened.
Thankful for the reminder that He is a God who loves us, but won’t put up with our crap. Good reminder for both me as His child and with my own children.
This is what I needed. God is great… And God is good.
It’s so amazing that we don’t have to fear God’s judgment because Jesus took it for us! There’s literally nothing else that separates me from the people being condemned in this passage — simply that God has included me in his Covenant people. Gratitude.
Amen
God is good. Rest in the peace that He is all powerful and has it in hand, even the evil in the world. God is good all the time.
God is a just god. He is slow to anger, but proven to be the “thing” I need each and every day. This just reminds me to focus on the simple truths: God is great & God is good. Those are the simple terms He gives us, but it’s up to us to dissect these truths and dive deeper into their meanings and search for the hidden revelations beneath them.
God is truly proven to be my refuge and I’m so thankful for that.
Take refuge in Him and He will fully embrace you with open arms!! Such a good reminder of why I need to trust and believe in Him. He is sososo good.
God is fully invested in me. Strong assurance …blessed assurance because Jesus is mine.
Needed to read these words today! I’m a few days behind but right on schedule… if you know what I mean! God is GREAT!
That was what I needed .
Same
So thankful that God acts to defend His sovereignty, and that we can rest assured the wicked will have their day of reckoning. Throwing my hands up in trusting God’s goodness, and believing His ways and thoughts are higher than mine.
Very timely and encouraging Word
Thank you Sarah! I’m hoping to join a local celebrate recovery and have reached out to a counselor. I’m so glad I decided to do this study. God is good and knew I needed to admit I had a problem and start taking steps to get better.
praying for you as you own your issues and reach out to Jesus
God is a just God. Not only is he just but he is also loving. God loves us enough not to allow us to stay in our sin. He gives us the Holy Spirit to convict, guide and comfort us and sometimes disciplines us as only a Father can.
My reply was also to Sissi M.
A day late with my reading but will pray for you and the little ones you lead today too. And for the family of the boy. Much love and strength to you. ❤️
Hi HRT team, there is an issue with the posts. I tried to reply to Sissy M’s post, but when I clicked on the button, it brought me to somebody else’s post from 20 months ago.
Hi Natasha, we appreciate you reaching out to let us know. We will be sure to pass this along to our developers. We’re so glad that you’re here reading along with us! -Margot, The SRT Team
Sissy M, I am praying for you, your students, and the poor child’s family today. I pray that you have the strength and the wisdom to guide your kindergarteners through this. ❤️
Many prayers! I also taught Kindergarten, and I cannot imagine losing one of my students. My God give you the right words to say to them, and to be a comfort to them during this time.
Every Sunday at church, our pastor says “God is good!” And we respond “All the time” Our pastor says “And all the time” and we respond “God is good!” I love that we reiterate this every single Sunday. It is a great reminder that no matter what is going on in this world, God and His love for us is unchanged. We remain His people whom He loves. He is our refuge and our strength, we only need ask.
The contrast portrayed here is fascinating to me. God will destroy His enemies (v2 “The Lord is a jealous God, filled with vengeance and rage. He takes revenge on all who oppose him and continues to rage against his enemies!”) but He is a refuge and a fortress of strength and security for His children (v7 “The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him”). I am so thankful to be His child! In the uncertainties and upheavals of life He will hold me fast. I can run TO Him in confidence instead of running FROM Him in fear. Praise God!
Amen! There are so many uncertainties in life but my heart can rest easy knowing how GREAT God is!
The Lord is to be feared and revered and honoured. We live in freedom because He is good and merciful. This reading is a reminder of what we have escaped as a result of Christ death . It also helps to get words to describe Honour. Nahum 1:3
I’m excited for a new study! Adding Nahum 1:7 to my journal to memorize and use in prayer when anxiety strikes
It is comforting to read others with the same response to this verse. (Nahum 1:7). In these troubling times it is reassuring to know others are also focusing on trusting Him to care for those taking refuge in Him.
First, I want to say I am excited to begin another study with you. I am fairly new to SRT but learned so much with the Hebrews study and really appreciate everyone’s comments.
Today I found the story of Hezekiah to be so fitting with what has just happened with the the attacks on Pittsburgh. In 2 Kings, when Hezekiah received the taunting letter from the messengers, Hezekiah’s response was to go to the temple to pray.
Hezekiah acknowledged God is great, powerful, sovereign, and holy, but also that God is our stronghold in the day of distress.
May we follow Hezekiah’s example and may we first go to God in prayer, and “God, please save us …so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you alone, O Lord, are God.”
I am from Pittsburgh. We must pray for the Jewish people. I just heard a message today that says everyone needs Jesus!
Praying for you❤️
I feel like I’m in this cycle of asking for things in prayer and then living in the bad habits I promised I would give up and then wonder why my prayers are not answered. I never thought of myself as having a problem with alcohol but I also have a hard time giving it up. If I do have too many drinks I’m not a nice person. I needed to hear this today, that God is slow to anger, that he wants what’s best for me, and wants me to lean on him not food or alcohol. I need a lot of prayer to overcome this struggle.
Praying for you. Hold tightly to Jesus, he can break any chain.
*He
Praying for you. Admitting your need for help and change is the first step. God bless you.
You have taken the first step. You go girl, you can do it and our prayers and support are with you.
Thank you Dorothy! Admitting it is the hardest part
Praying in Jesus¨ name for your freedom from this stronghold Christina. Jesus was the only one who was able to save me from completely drowning in my own addiction. It’s been 2 years now and I give God all of the glory for showing me how to live in liberty, to enjoy each moment, and to find peace in His forgiving, loving presence that dwells within me.
I haven’t had a drink in 3 years. I was told I was a mean drunk. It is so hard to give up, I have learned that I do have an addicting personality. Trust in the Lord and pray, pray, pray. Plz feel free to email. You can do this! I will add you to my prayers. [email protected]
Thank you Bunny! I’m trying to pray my way through this.
Nahum 1:7 – Will definitely be a scripture I will mediate on this week as my husband and I are waiting an answered to prayer regarding his job situation and his desire to be home full time with our family.
I, too will memorize Nahum 1:7. My anxiety is different. We travel from Idaho to Colorado this upcoming Thursday and Friday. I do not travel well, and am fearful at times on the road. I need calmness and peace, and trust in the Lord that he will guide my husband’s driving and keep him alert.
I will be praying for your safe travels
Yes! I’m anxious, too. Praying for you!
Our God is all powerful. Excited to start this study!
Praying for you Laura!
Thankful and grateful for my God who is faithful even when I am not. I take refuge in HIM.
Praying for you sissy H. Strength from our REFUGE and comfort from Him!!
Praying for you, and each heart affected by each tragedy you mentioned. I pray you are strengthened, comforted, held, and renewed in the midst of it all. He is good, He is faithful, and He is close to each of you ❤.
Sending prayers.
Praise God. Please pray for my dog’s ear to be healed and pray that I start my new job this week. Thank you sisters
sending prayers
Good luck. ❤️
Sending prayers.
Prayers for you today. May the Holy Spirit wash over you with comfort and peace!
Sister you are in my heart and prayers today. May you put on Gods armor today and be strong for these children. I pray that through this pain there is a way to witness Gods love, forgiveness and everlasting life to the families and children in your class
It is dark out at this early hour. I look out over the city of Pittsburgh and see all the beautiful lights of the buildings – several are lit in blue and white in solidarity with the Jewish community here. I’m reminded once again that evil lurks amongst us seeking to kill, steal and destroy. It reared its ugly vicious head here just two days ago. We cannot be complacent in our prayers as we persist in spiritual warfare. How grateful I am that our God is great and ever on His throne. How grateful I am that He is good and is revealing Himself through so many who are rallying to help those who are suffering from this tragedy. Praying that all would realize the power of their words and that words of Light and hope and healing take center stage. Praying that we would reach out to truly know our neighbors and befriend them. Mister Rogers lived in Squirrel Hill. He would be so sad and yet he would remind us all to “look for the helpers” for they remind us that in tragedy there is hope. Looking again at the twinkling blue lights across my city, it is a beautiful day in the neighborhood – because He reigns. May we be His hands and His feet and His mouthpiece of comfort and strength, wherever our neighborhood lies. May we be beacons of hope. May we be the helpers.
Amen! Not sure if you saw my post earlier or not Churchmouse, but I too live in Pittsburgh, and al saddened, yet hopeful for our city! Praying for you as you navigate this as well!
Beautifully written. Words *do* matter. Solidarity is scarce these days. Yes, God help us be helpers and instruments of your peace.
praying with you <3 love and hugs from Minnesota my friend!
Praying the Lord will enfold y’all in His loving embrace and bring healing.
Kansas City, the heart of the midwest sends it love and prays. About 4 years ago we had a shoot at our Jewish Community Center and at a Jewish retirement village. Those killed were Christians, the man who did it said he meant to kill Jews.
Hi Churchmouse! I live in Pittsburgh too. I look for your posts, and never realized we are neighbors. We must pray for our city and remember that everyone needs Jesus. May they find Him, and His peace!
Same here Kristen! Living in pittsburgh and loving churchmouse’s posts! Praying for you too neighbor!!
Beautifully said.
What a beautiful promise, take refuge in ME and I will take care of YOU. Thank you Father for your mercy, grace and most definitely for your love us all. Beautiful, reckless love.
What hard, but good words to read this morning. About God’s vengeance and His comfort and restoration. I live in Pittsburgh, where over the weekend so much evil showed it’s face. But it has been beautiful to see God’s people rally in love, compassion and prayer to help our Jewish neighbors. We may never understand why these things happen, but may we ever look to the one who does and can give us all Hope, all Peace. Please pray for our city and all of those who are grieving.
To those who love God, His mercy is a refuge, supply all our needs without diminishing his supply. But to God’s enemies he is an overwhelming flood that will sweep them away.
The relationship we have with God is up to us…….
my heart breaks for your community afflicted with this darkness, but I now see that your community is now “glowing in the dark” and love has overtaken. Every now and then, as certain happenings of our world cross my mind, a prayer is sent from heart to that situation, as well as your community.
I too call Pittsbugh home. And my husband and I first lived in Squirrel Hill, within walking distance of the Tree of Life synagogue. My heart is heavy yet hope is every in the Lord. He is near the broken hearted. President Trump is coming and I pray the response of the city will focus on healing, not further divisiveness.
Praying for God’s love poured out on Pittsburgh. Our refuge is ever full of hope. Thankful for all of you who are there being Christ to those who are hurting. May Jesus give you strength and much love to help those who are suffering and afraid. Our God is so needed in all of this.
Having been praying and will continue to pray
God is fully invested in His people!
Today, I have my first official interview and my second is on Thursday. It doesn’t feel as if I will be leaving teaching (if a job is offered and accepted) but rather becoming available for my husband and family. Mom’s dementia has taken a turn and my Dad has been caring for her alone, all this time. Then there is our grandson, once our daughter-in-law has to return to work. I have such a peace about these interviews because God will direct me and no matter what, I will praise Him!
Praying for your interviews to go well and for you to have wisdom in your decision. Praying for strength as you balance the care of those who need you. So grateful you lean on our Lord, ever trusting in His love and power.
prayerful over your interviews my friend! Peace to you! <3
Praying
Kelly you are taking the right approach and letting God direct you. I applaud youu not everyone would do that.
I am always thankful for God’s glorious grace and mercy. I need it everyday! But I am also thankful that I serve a God who is holy and will not be mocked! We need to pray for this world that we live in. Sodom and Gomorrah have nothing on us!
I am reminded again that God does not take sin, any sin, lightly. On the other hand, I sometimes find myself ranking sin. “At least I haven’t murdered, committed adultery, stolen…” But, I do sometimes tell “little white lies”, gossip, speak words that are hurtful, that tear down rather than build up. Sometimes I’m apathetic, complacent; I don’t give Him my best. These things are also sin and separate me from God.
Right now I am really convicted about the words I use. Words matter. I teach high school and I sometimes find myself wanting to use words that tear down rather than build up. The passage in 2 Kings shows me two kings and their words. One king uses his words to instill fear and to disparage God. Hezekiah uses his words to praise God and to throw himself and his kingdom on God’s mercy.
Lord, make my words count today for Your Kingdom.
Be blessed!
Yes!
I also find myself using words as a weapon and always feel torn after I do. My heart hurts as I know I am asked to do better than that. Your words in this comment mean a lot to me today and I will also stop and think before I speak. Prayers for a wonderful day for you today as you lead our children!
I also teach! It’s a blessing, but can be a challenge. You are so right! Sin is sin! We all fall short, and my sin is just as bad as the next person. I’ve been convicted and thinking of that too. He is a Holy God that we fail. Thankfully, He sent Jesus! However, that should make me want to be more like Him. There is a lot of good messages on http://www.harverst.org by Pastor Greg Laurie. Just listened to one today that relates. Paul points out our sin, so we can see the good news of the Gospel. He’s a good teacher.
The Lord is so good! And I am so grateful that He is there when I Need him most, but I am so much more grateful that He is there even when I wander.
I love that God doesn’t promise we won’t experience distress, but he promises that WHEN we do, He is there and cares for us as we look to Him for comfort. This is such an important truth to remind us that God is good even when our circumstances aren’t.
amen
Amen
“The Lord is good, a stronghold in a day of distress; He cares for those who take refuge in Him” (Nahum 1v7)
Felt very apposite for today as have hospital tests for a breast lump. Not actually feeling at all distressed at the moment – am full of peace, and have so much confidence that whatever it is and whatever they may or may not find, my God is so much greater and has so much more power than whatever it is. Am also very aware that as it gets closer to 2.40 I may well not be quite so calm!! We’d both really value your prayers – for a positive outcome, absolutely (please!!) but also for us both to be able to hold on to this truth and take our strength from God today (because I suspect that come this afternoon, neither of us will have much earthly strength left!!)
Laura.. Sending prayers for you a and your family..
Praying for you, Laura.
Praying for you!
Praying for you and your husband. I pray that God will be a constant source of strength and peace today. That there will be a positive outcome but that no matter what the news you will hold on to the strength and power of God.
Please keep us posted.
Laura: I am praying God’s healing, strength, and peace for you and your family.
Praising God for the peace He is giving you! Praying for you and your loved ones!
Praying for you and your family, Laura.
Laura, I have walked this road. I will be praying that you feel God’s presence every single moment of this day, tomorrow, and always. Please please, reach out if you don’t have anyone to bounce thoughts/ideas off of. I’m here, always! https://www.facebook.com/groups/1859879690992880/?ref=bookmarks
Praying His strong arms holds you up as you go through the testing and add you hear the results. Praying for good news. I trust that no matter what the report is, He will continue to hold you and never let you go.
Praying for you Laura! Peace and healing!
Prayers for both of you Laura
Prayers for healing and prayers for peace for you and your husband. Our God is the Great Physician.
Three times yesterday I tried to add my prayers to all the shes here…
Hoping God the great physician, comforter, peace beyond peace giver, was close and that you knew and still know His presence Laura.. Sending you Laura and yours love wrapped hugs and prayers..