Nahum 1:3

3. While punishment is sure to come, sometimes it is delayed.

Slow to anger Or, long-suffering. He delays the execution of judgment to give the sinner an opportunity to repent (Exodus 34:6).

Great in power The relation of this clause to its context is uncertain. Some understand it of power of compassion and magnanimity. If this is correct it goes with the preceding, the thought being, “Jehovah is slow to anger and great in power of compassion; nevertheless, he will by no means acquit the wicked.” The postponement of the punishment must not be taken as an indication of weak indulgence. A comparison with Exodus 34:6-7; Joel 2:13, leads Nowack to change “power” into “loving-kindness.” Others take “power” in the sense of power to accomplish a thing, or ability to execute judgment; “Jehovah is, indeed, slow to anger, but he is also great in power, and will by no means acquit the wicked.” Either interpretation gives good sense.

Acquit the wicked R.V., “clear the guilty.” “Wicked” or “guilty” is not in the original. The verb is used absolutely, since the context makes it plain who will not be acquitted or left unpunished (Exodus 34:7).

From the description of the divine character the prophet passes to a description of the manifestations of the divine wrath. The appearance of Jehovah in judgment is pictured, as frequently, in the imagery of a fierce thunderstorm.

Jehovah hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm A picture of the terribleness of his coming. No wonder his enemies will be thrown into confusion (compare Micah 1:3-4; Psalms 18:7 ff.).

Clouds are the dust of his feet As he advances in the storm he treads upon the clouds as if they were nothing more than the dust of the street. Nowack’s change, “clouds and dust are at his feet,” is a weak emendation in this highly poetic passage. In the alphabetic arrangement of the same author 3a is placed after Nahum 1:9 a, which is followed by Nahum 1:2 c, d (see p. 435).