Nahum 1:12, commentary and pictures

The prophecy was given in the latter days of Isaiah and is chiefly concerned with Nineveh, the wicked capital city of Assyria, which is a type of many later cities. “Though they be quiet, and likewise many” means that even if Nineveh’s forces are undisturbed and numerous, the Lord will cut them down when He comes against them, while “I will afflict thee no more” assures Judah that the Lord’s affliction of them will end.

The chapter portrays the second advent and the day of God, when the Lord cuts down those opposing Him as He passes through and ends the affliction of His people. The day of preparation described in Nahum 2 is preparation for that judgment and deliverance.

Though God has afflicted His people because of sin, He will afflict them no more; when He passes through to bring judgment and deliverance He will make an utter end of their troubles. The wicked, though quiet and many, shall be cut down and consumed utterly as dry stubble in the flames of final justice, making a full end of the history of sin so that affliction shall not rise up the second time and the universe is secure from any return of rebellion. God will break Satan’s yoke from off His people and burst their bonds in sunder, so that Satan shall no more pass through them for he is utterly cut off.

God’s saving work through Christ reveals His love so fully that all created beings freely choose His service forever. The end of the reign of sin is not the end for those who have kept fealty to God and stood faithful to their vows, but the beginning of published peace and good tidings, when wars and rumors of wars will trouble them no more. The people’s present suffering is temporary, and they can face it with courage while awaiting deliverance.