The Way of the Lord in the Whirlwind and in the Storm
Nahum 1:3
The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked…


Philosophers contemplate hurricanes as natural evils, and investigate the material causes of these elementary commotions. But Scripture raises us up to a higher sphere of contemplation, and presents to our minds the terrible operations of nature, under consideration of the works and judgments of the God of nature. He commands the storm, whirls the wind, rules the sea, and superintends the destructions of death. The literal sense of the text appears to have a foundation in fact, and may be traced to the terrible hurricane in which the God of Israel came down, and by a mighty angel destroyed the Assyrian camp before Jerusalem.

1. The way of the Lord in these elementary and violent commotions which have been described.

(1)  They are awaked and roused by the Word of the Lord.

(2)  They are directed by the will of God.

(3)  They are ruled by the providence of God.

(4)  They are restrained and moderated by the power of God.

(5)  They are calmed by the goodness and mercy of God.Application —

1. The way of the Lord in whirlwinds and storms, and the illustrations of it, are proofs and demonstrations to the world of His existence and providence.

2. Exhibitions to our senses of the glory and terror of His majesty.

3. Declarations to the world that it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

4. Admonitions to the nations, to consider the miseries of war, and to settle among themselves those differences for which they have taken up arms against one another.

5. Calls to the inhabitants of the world, to turn from ungodliness and unrighteousness, and .to serve the Lord with reverence and godly fear. Knowing the terrors, and knowing that they are coming upon all who know not God, and obey not the end unbelief, to foresee the great day of His wrath, to believe your guilt and danger, and to hide yourselves under His righteousness.

(A. Shanks.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: 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.

WEB: Yahweh is slow to anger, and great in power, and will by no means leave the guilty unpunished. Yahweh has his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.




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