Often when I am reading through a passage of Scripture, I will read it in a number of verses. Doing that expands my understanding. I was reading in Nahum the other morning … I know … who reads Nahum in the morning!
Nahum the Elkoshite wrote down a vision of God’s vengeance against Nineveh. Inside that vision God speaks of the destruction, attack and downfall of Nineveh and her king. Tucked in that first chapter, however, is a verse of comfort for those trust in the Lord.
Nahum 1:7: “The Lord is good, a stronghold in a day of distress; He cares for those who take refuge in Him.” [HCSB]
Nahum 1:7: “The Lord is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him.” [NKJV]
As I read that verse in both the Christian Standard and the New King James, I noticed a couple of things. Both translations are identical when they state the guarantee that in the day of trouble or distress, the LORD is good and a stronghold.
But then I noticed the complementary way the translators described His goodness and strength in times of trouble and distress.
When God knows us, it is equal to God cares for us.
When we trust in Him, it is equal to taking refuge in Him.
Simple thoughts today about great truths tucked away in a book about God’s vengeance on an ungodly nation.