Biblical Verses Biblical Verses & Resources

Book of Nahum - Chapter 1 - Verse 3

1:3
The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.

Meaning

This powerful verse from the Book of Nahum highlights the attributes of God as slow to anger, yet great in power. The verse emphasizes that God will not let the wicked go unpunished, as he has control over natural elements such as whirlwinds, storms, and clouds. The imagery of the whirlwind and storm represent the strength and might of God, while the clouds are described as the dust of his feet, symbolizing his authority and dominion over all creation. This verse serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and justice, as well as a warning against wrongdoing and disobedience. It showcases the balance between God's patience and his ultimate power, emphasizing the consequences of sin and the importance of living a righteous life. When reading this verse, we are reminded of the awe-inspiring nature of God and encouraged to seek his guidance and mercy in all aspects of our lives.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of Nahum, we see a vivid description of the power and majesty of the LORD. The text reveals that God is slow to anger, emphasizing His patience and longsuffering towards those who do wrong. However, it also highlights that God is great in power and will not leave the guilty unpunished. The imagery of the whirlwind, storm, and clouds symbolize the awesome and unpredictable nature of God's actions, showing that His ways are beyond our understanding and control. The word "whirlwind" can be interpreted as representing God's swift and unstoppable judgment, while the mention of the clouds as the dust of His feet conveys the idea of God's dominion and authority over all creation. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty, justice, and ultimate power over the forces of nature and humanity.

American Standard Version

Jehovah is slow to anger, and great in power, and will by no means clear [the guilty] : Jehovah hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.
Previous VerseNext Verse