Nahum 1 15

Nahum 1:15 kjv

Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace! O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off.

Nahum 1:15 nkjv

Behold, on the mountains The feet of him who brings good tidings, Who proclaims peace! O Judah, keep your appointed feasts, Perform your vows. For the wicked one shall no more pass through you; He is utterly cut off.

Nahum 1:15 niv

Look, there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace! Celebrate your festivals, Judah, and fulfill your vows. No more will the wicked invade you; they will be completely destroyed.

Nahum 1:15 esv

Behold, upon the mountains, the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace! Keep your feasts, O Judah; fulfill your vows, for never again shall the worthless pass through you; he is utterly cut off.

Nahum 1:15 nlt

Look! A messenger is coming over the mountains with good news!
He is bringing a message of peace.
Celebrate your festivals, O people of Judah,
and fulfill all your vows,
for your wicked enemies will never invade your land again.
They will be completely destroyed!

Nahum 1 verses

Nahum 1 15 Meaning

Nahum 1:15 (KJV/ESV) delivers a pivotal message of hope and restoration for Judah, contrasting sharply with the preceding verses' declaration of divine judgment upon Nineveh. It heralds the arrival of a messenger proclaiming "good tidings" and "peace," symbolizing the imminent end of Assyrian oppression. This liberation from their enemies would allow Judah to freely worship God, observing their sacred feasts and fulfilling vows made in times of distress. The verse culminates in the definitive promise that "the wicked" (referring to Assyria) would be completely annihilated and never again pose a threat to Judah.

Nahum 1 15 Context

Nahum chapter 1 focuses on God's character as both wrathful against His enemies and merciful towards His people. It opens with an oracle concerning Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, which had brutally oppressed Judah for generations. The prophet describes the Lord's fierce anger (Nah 1:2-8) and unwavering justice. Nahum 1:9-11 reassures Judah that the Assyrian enemy, though seemingly invincible, would be completely destroyed by God. Nahum 1:12-14 promises an end to Judah's affliction, assuring them that Assyria's power would be broken and their name extinguished. Thus, Nahum 1:15 serves as a direct, hopeful pivot from this promise of judgment on Assyria to the restoration and renewed freedom of Judah. It announces the liberation from a historical oppressor, allowing Judah to return to covenant faithfulness without fear of renewed invasion or domination.

Nahum 1 15 Word analysis

• Behold (הִנֵּה - hinneh): An exclamation calling for immediate attention, emphasizing the significance and suddenness of what is about to be revealed. It points to a new, urgent reality.
• upon the mountains (עַל־הֶהָרִ֔ים - ’al-hehārîm): The phrase paints a visual of the messenger approaching from a high, visible vantage point. Mountains were often associated with divine revelation and the strategic points from which important news or military movements were observed. It signifies visibility and the approach from afar.
• the feet of him that bringeth good tidings (רַגְלֵ֙י מְבַשֵּׂ֥ר - ragle m’vasher): "Feet" represent the arrival and movement of the messenger. "Bringeth good tidings" (mevasher) refers to a herald of good news, often of victory or peace, a "gospeler" in a literal sense. This imagery emphasizes the arrival of the message itself, not just the person.
• that publisheth peace (מַשְׁמִ֣יעַ שָׁל֔וֹם - mashmia’ shalom): To "publish" or proclaim, to cause to hear. "Peace" (shalom) is a rich Hebrew concept, far beyond the absence of war. It denotes wholeness, well-being, prosperity, security, reconciliation, and flourishing, reflecting a restored state of divine blessing. This is the complete well-being of Judah.
• O Judah (יְהוּדָ֗ה - Yehudah): A direct, personal address, singling out the kingdom and emphasizing God's direct concern and covenant relationship with His people.
• keep thy solemn feasts (חׇגוּ חַגֵּכֶם - chaggu chaggechem): "Keep" means to observe, to celebrate. "Solemn feasts" (chag) refers to the annual pilgrim festivals (Passover, Weeks, Booths) which were central to Israel's worship and covenant renewal. During Assyrian oppression, these were likely neglected or suppressed, so their restoration signifies national liberty and restored relationship with God.
• perform thy vows (שַׁלֵּ֥ם נְדָרֶיךָ - shallēm n’dāreyḵā): To fulfill, complete, or pay back. "Vows" (nedarim) were promises made to God, often in times of distress, seeking deliverance, or out of gratitude. The ability to fulfill them indicates security and prosperity.
• for the wicked (כִּ֠י לֹֽא־יוֹסִ֨יף עוֹד־ בְּלִיַּעַל - ki lō’-yōsîf ‘ôd- b’liyya’al): "For" introduces the reason for the renewed freedom. "The wicked" (beliya'al – often personified evil/worthlessness) here primarily refers to the Assyrian oppressor, synonymous with lawlessness and destruction.
• shall no more pass through thee (יַֽעֲבׇר־בָּ֛ךְ - ya‘avor-bakh): "Pass through" indicates military invasion, plundering, or even permanent presence within Judah's territory. "No more" is a strong negation, promising definitive cessation of the threat.
• he is utterly cut off (כֻּלּ֖וֹ נִכְרָֽת - kullô niḵrāt): "Utterly" or "completely." "Cut off" (nichrāt) denotes decisive, irreversible destruction or extermination, often used for being cut off from life or the covenant community. Here, it refers to the absolute destruction of Assyrian power and influence over Judah.

• Words-group Analysis
• Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace: This evocative phrase creates an image of a messenger seen from afar, a familiar sign of important news, often from military engagements. The beauty is not just in the messenger's physical presence but in the profound nature of the message: "peace" (shalom), implying deliverance, rest, and holistic well-being after suffering. It echoes similar prophetic announcements of future salvation.
• O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows: This shift to a direct address and command reveals the purpose of God's intervention. Once freed from oppression, Judah's duty and privilege are to return to unhindered worship and faithfulness, fulfilling their covenant obligations. It's a call to renewed spiritual dedication enabled by divine liberation.
• for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off: This phrase serves as the basis for Judah's hope and renewed worship. It's a dual promise: cessation of oppression (Assyria's raids/dominion) and the complete, decisive destruction of the oppressor. This irreversible judgment guarantees long-term security and freedom for Judah. The emphasis on "utterly cut off" assures no return of the threat.

Nahum 1 15 Bonus section

The strong parallel between Nahum 1:15 and Isa 52:7 highlights a recurring prophetic theme: the "beautiful feet" announcing good news. While Nahum's immediate context is the specific fall of Assyria and the physical peace for Judah, Isaiah's broader context points to a more ultimate, spiritual deliverance for God's people and the return from Babylonian exile, culminating in the Messianic era. The Apostle Paul in Rom 10:15 applies this imagery to those who preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, thereby connecting this Old Testament prophecy to the New Testament message of salvation and reconciliation through Jesus, the ultimate bringer of peace. This demonstrates the layered fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, with immediate historical fulfillment serving as a type and shadow for the grander, spiritual reality in Christ. The concept of "shalom" found here is foundational to biblical theology, representing not merely absence of conflict, but flourishing, completeness, and harmony in all relationships. The repeated "cut off" reflects the absolute nature of God's judgment against those who oppose His divine will and harm His people, confirming His absolute sovereignty.

Nahum 1 15 Commentary

Nahum 1:15 marks a pivotal turning point in the prophecy, shifting from an overwhelming declaration of God's wrath against Nineveh to a vibrant promise of restoration and peace for Judah. The image of a swift, beautiful messenger upon the mountains symbolizes the arrival of triumphant news—God's decisive judgment against the oppressor, resulting in Judah's liberation. This message of "peace" (shalom) extends beyond the cessation of war to encompass full security, wholeness, and spiritual freedom. The liberation granted by God empowers Judah to freely engage in unhindered worship, observing their commanded festivals and fulfilling their vows, obligations that would have been challenging under foreign domination. The final assurance that "the wicked"—the brutal Assyrian empire—would be "utterly cut off" provides a solid foundation for Judah's renewed hope and worship, promising an end to their reign of terror and permanent security. This verse thus powerfully articulates God's dual nature: His justice towards His enemies and His redemptive grace towards His covenant people.