Nahum 1:9
What do you plot against the LORD? He will make a complete end; trouble will not rise up a second time.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "affliction shall not rise up a second time" isn't just about a single devastating blow; it highlights that the source of the affliction—Nineveh's oppressive power—will be utterly extinguished, never able to rise and trouble God's people again. This means the judgment is not just a punishment, but a complete removal of the threat.
Nahum is addressing the Assyrians, likely referring to their past actions and current arrogance. He's speaking about a specific moment when the Assyrian army, led by Sennacherib, threatened Judah after already conquering other nations. The prophet declares that any plots the Assyrians conceive against God or His people will utterly fail, promising a decisive and final destruction that will not need to be repeated.
When you think you're just facing a human enemy, you're missing the real battle. What does it mean to plot 'against the LORD'?
Targeting the Almighty
The verse opens with a bold question: "What do you plot against the LORD?" This isn't just about a nation planning against another nation. The scholars point out that Nineveh's actions against God's people, Israel (or Judah), were seen as a direct challenge to the LORD Himself.
God promises an 'utter end' to His enemies' schemes. What does this finality mean, and why is it so crucial for understanding His justice?
A Judgment That Doesn't Need Repeating
The phrase "He will make a complete end" (or "utter end") speaks powerfully about the decisive nature of God's judgment. It’s not a hesitant or partial action; it’s absolute and final.
The verse addresses the hubris of the Assyrians, specifically their king Sennacherib, who 'plotted against the LORD' by invading Judah and blaspheming God. The 'complete end' and 'trouble not rising a second time' refer to the miraculous destruction of Sennacherib's army, preventing a second invasion and signaling the eventual downfall of Nineveh itself.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire, under Tiglath-Pileser III and Shalmaneser V, conquers the Northern Kingdom of Israel and deports many of its inhabitants. This event significantly weakens the region and emboldens the Assyrians.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Sennacherib's Invasion of Judah
Assyrian king Sennacherib invades Judah, captures many fortified cities, and besieges Jerusalem. He boasts of his power and mocks the God of Israel, similar to the taunts mentioned in the prophetic literature.
c. 701 BC
Overthrow of Assyrian Army
A sudden and catastrophic plague or disaster strikes Sennacherib's army outside Jerusalem, forcing him to withdraw his forces and abandon the siege. This event is seen as direct divine intervention.
c. 663 BC - 612 BC
Assyrian Empire's Decline
This passage directly parallels Nahum's message, describing how God uses powerful nations like Assyria as instruments of judgment but will ultimately hold them accountable for their arrogance and 'imagining' against Him.
2 Kings 19:35-36This passage describes the miraculous destruction of Sennacherib's army, fulfilling the prophecy in Nahum 1:9 that 'trouble will not rise up a second time' for Judah against this specific threat, as the Assyrian army is 'made an utter end'.
Jeremiah 17:18This verse contrasts Nahum's promise of a final end for Nineveh with God's warning to Judah, showing that 'affliction will not rise up a second time' is a statement of final destruction for the wicked, not for those who might repent and be chastened.
Psalm 37:12-13This psalm echoes the sentiment of Nahum 1:9 by stating that the wicked 'plots against the just and gnashes his teeth at him; the Lord laughs at him, for he sees that his day is coming,' highlighting God's ultimate sovereignty and the futility of evil plans.
cambridgeNahum 1:9: "What do ye imagine against the LORD? he will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time."
9 . What do ye imagine against the Lord ] Compare Nahum 1:11 : “out of thee came forth one that imagined evil against the Lord.” This sense, though the natural one, does not connect well with the next clause. Possibly the meaning is, What do ye imagine (think) of the Lord? in regard to Him and His operations. The next words then explain how He is to be thought of, and what…
barnesNahum 1:9: "What do ye imagine against the LORD? he will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time."
The prophet had in few words summed up the close of Nineveh; he now upbraids them with the sin, which should bring it upon them, and foretells the destruction of Sennacherib. Nineveh had, before this, been the instrument of chastising Israel and Judah. Now, the capture of Samaria, which had cast off God, deceived and emboldened it. Its king thought that this was the might o…
The phrase "affliction shall not rise up a second time" isn't just about a single devastating blow; it highlights that the source of the affliction—Nineveh's oppressive power—will be utterly extinguished, never able to rise and trouble God's people again. This means the judgment is not just a punishment, but a complete removal of the threat.
Nahum is addressing the Assyrians, likely referring to their past actions and current arrogance. He's speaking about a specific moment when the Assyrian army, led by Sennacherib, threatened Judah after already conquering other nations. The prophet declares that any plots the Assyrians conceive against God or His people will utterly fail, promising a decisive and final destruction that will not need to be repeated.
Nahum is addressing the Assyrians, likely referring to their past actions and current arrogance. He's speaking about a specific moment when the Assyrian army, led by Sennacherib, threatened Judah after already conquering other nations. The prophet declares that any plots the Assyrians conceive against God or His people will utterly fail, promising a decisive and final destruction that will not need to be repeated.
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This finality isn't just about punishment; it's about establishing God's ultimate authority and vindicating His people.
Following Sennacherib's failed campaign, the Assyrian Empire experiences internal struggles and increasing pressure from surrounding powers, including Babylonians and Medes.
612 BC
Fall of Nineveh
The capital city of Nineveh is conquered and destroyed by a coalition of Babylonians and Medes, marking the definitive end of the Assyrian Empire.
"What do you plot against the LORD? He will make a complete end; trouble will not rise up a second time." — The phrase "affliction shall not rise up a second time" isn't just about a single devastating blow; it highlights that the source of the affliction—Nineveh's oppressive power—will be utterly exting…
