Nahum 1:13
For I will now break their yoke from your neck and tear away your shackles."
For I will now
This phrase signifies a divine promise and an immediate action from God. The Hebrew word for "now" (עַתָּה, 'attah) indicates a present and decisive moment. It reflects God's timely intervention in the affairs of His people. Historically, this is a moment of liberation, echoing God's past deliverances, such as the Exodus from Egypt. It reassures believers of God's active presence and His readiness to act on behalf of His people.

break their yoke
The "yoke" symbolizes oppression and servitude. In ancient times, a yoke was a wooden beam used to harness animals for work, representing control and burden. The Hebrew word for "break" (שָׁבַר, shabar) implies a complete shattering or destruction. This imagery is powerful, as it conveys God's intention to utterly destroy the oppressive forces against His people. It is a promise of freedom and relief from bondage, reminiscent of God's deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt.

from your neck
The neck is a vulnerable part of the body, and placing a yoke upon it signifies subjugation and control. The phrase emphasizes the personal and intimate nature of the oppression experienced by God's people. By specifying "your neck," God personalizes His promise of deliverance, assuring each believer of His care and attention to their individual struggles. It is a reminder of God's compassion and His desire to lift burdens from His people.

and tear away your shackles
Shackles are restraints that bind and limit freedom, often used to imprison or enslave. The Hebrew word for "tear away" (נָתַק, nathaq) suggests a forceful and decisive removal. This action signifies God's power to liberate and restore freedom to His people. Historically, this reflects the Assyrian oppression of Israel, but it also serves as a metaphor for spiritual liberation from sin and bondage. It is an assurance of God's ability to break any chain that holds His people captive, offering hope and encouragement for complete freedom in Him.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nahum
A prophet whose name means "comfort" or "consolation." He prophesied the downfall of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, which was a significant oppressor of Israel.

2. Nineveh
The capital city of Assyria, known for its great power and cruelty. It was a significant threat to Israel and Judah during Nahum's time.

3. Assyria
A dominant empire known for its military prowess and harsh treatment of conquered peoples, including the Israelites.

4. Israel/Judah
The people of God who were under the oppression of Assyria. Nahum's prophecy brings hope of deliverance to them.

5. God
The sovereign Lord who promises to deliver His people from oppression and break the yoke of their enemies.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty and Deliverance
God is in control of all nations and empires. No matter how powerful an oppressor may seem, God has the authority to break their yoke and deliver His people.

Hope in Times of Oppression
Just as God promised to break the yoke of Assyria, He offers hope and deliverance to those who are oppressed today. Believers can trust in God's timing and power to bring freedom.

Spiritual Freedom in Christ
The breaking of physical yokes in the Old Testament foreshadows the spiritual freedom believers have in Christ. Jesus breaks the yoke of sin and offers a life of freedom and rest.

God's Faithfulness to His Promises
God's promise to break the yoke of Assyria demonstrates His faithfulness. Believers can trust that God will fulfill His promises in their lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the historical context of Assyria's oppression enhance our appreciation of God's promise in Nahum 1:13?

2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the world today, similar to His actions in Nahum's time?

3. How can the promise of God breaking yokes in the Old Testament encourage us in our personal struggles with sin or oppression?

4. What are some "yokes" or burdens you feel in your life, and how can you apply the promise of Nahum 1:13 to these situations?

5. How does Jesus' invitation in Matthew 11:28-30 to take His yoke upon us relate to the breaking of yokes mentioned in Nahum 1:13? How can this understanding impact your daily walk with Christ?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 10:27
This verse also speaks of breaking the yoke of oppression, highlighting God's power to deliver His people from their enemies.

Jeremiah 30:8
Similar to Nahum 1:13, this verse promises the breaking of the yoke and bonds, emphasizing God's deliverance and restoration.

Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus invites those who are weary to take His yoke, which is easy and light, contrasting the oppressive yoke of sin and worldly powers.
Antagonism to God and His RuleS.D. Hilman Nahum 1:8-15
Spiritual Redemption SymbolizedS.D. Hilman Nahum 1:8-15
Corrupt KingsHomilistNahum 1:11-14
Corrupt KingsD. Thomas Nahum 1:11-14
People
Nahum
Places
Bashan, Carmel, Lebanon, Nineveh
Topics
Apart, Asunder, Bands, Bar, Bonds, Break, Broken, Burst, Chains, Draw, Neck, Parted, Rod, Shackles, Sunder, Tear, Yoke
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Nahum 1:13

     4696   yoke

Nahum 1:11-14

     7216   exile, in Assyria

Library
What are the Clouds?
I. Well, the first remark I make upon this shall be--the way of God is generally a hidden one. This we gather from the text, by regarding the connection, "the Lord hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet." When God works his wonders he always conceals himself. Even the motion of his feet causes clouds to arise; and if these; clouds are but the dust of his feet," how deep must be that dense darkness which veils the brow of the Eternal. If the small dust
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855

Mercy, Omnipotence, and Justice
Now, this is especially true with regard to certain lights and shadows in the character of God, which he has so marvelously blended in the perfection of his nature: that although we can not see the exact point of meeting, yet (if we have been at all enlightened by the Spirit) we are struck with wonder at the sacred harmony. In reading holy Scripture, you can say of Paul, that he was noted for his zeal--of Peter, that he will ever be memorable for his courage--of John, that he was noted for his lovingness.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

Of Seeking Divine Help, and the Confidence of Obtaining Grace
"My Son, I the Lord am a stronghold in the day of trouble.(1) Come unto Me, when it is not well with thee. "This it is which chiefly hindereth heavenly consolation, that thou too slowly betakest thyself unto prayer. For before thou earnestly seekest unto Me, thou dost first seek after many means of comfort, and refresheth thyself in outward things: so it cometh to pass that all things profit thee but little until thou learn that it is I who deliver those who trust in Me; neither beside Me is there
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

The Poetical Books (Including Also Ecclesiastes and Canticles).
1. The Hebrews reckon but three books as poetical, namely: Job, Psalms, and Proverbs, which are distinguished from the rest by a stricter rhythm--the rhythm not of feet, but of clauses (see below, No. 3)--and a peculiar system of accentuation. It is obvious to every reader that the poetry of the Old Testament, in the usual sense of the word, is not restricted to these three books. But they are called poetical in a special and technical sense. In any natural classification of the books of the
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Whether it is Right that Schismatics Should be Punished with Excommunication?
Objection 1: It would seem that schismatics are not rightly punished with excommunication. For excommunication deprives a man chiefly of a share in the sacraments. But Augustine says (Contra Donat. vi, 5) that "Baptism can be received from a schismatic." Therefore it seems that excommunication is not a fitting punishment for schismatics. Objection 2: Further, it is the duty of Christ's faithful to lead back those who have gone astray, wherefore it is written against certain persons (Ezech. 34:4):
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether an Accuser who Fails to Prove his Indictment is Bound to the Punishment of Retaliation?
Objection 1: It would seem that the accuser who fails to prove his indictment is not bound to the punishment of retaliation. For sometimes a man is led by a just error to make an accusation, in which case the judge acquit the accuser, as stated in Decret. II, qu. iii. [*Append. Grat., ad can. Si quem poenituerit.] Therefore the accuser who fails to prove his indictment is not bound to the punishment of retaliation. Objection 2: Further, if the punishment of retaliation ought to be inflicted on one
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Punishment of Sacrilege Should be Pecuniary?
Objection 1: It would seem that the punishment of sacrilege should not be pecuniary. A pecuniary punishment is not wont to be inflicted for a criminal fault. But sacrilege is a criminal fault, wherefore it is punished by capital sentence according to civil law [*Dig. xlviii, 13; Cod. i, 3, de Episc. et Cleric.]. Therefore sacrilege should not be awarded a pecuniary punishment. Objection 2: Further, the same sin should not receive a double punishment, according to Nahum 1:9, "There shall not rise
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether after the Judgment that Takes Place in the Present Time, There Remains yet Another General Judgment?
Objection 1: It would seem that after the Judgment that takes place in the present time, there does not remain another General Judgment. For a judgment serves no purpose after the final allotment of rewards and punishments. But rewards and punishments are allotted in this present time: for our Lord said to the thief on the cross (Lk. 23:43): "This day thou shalt be with Me in paradise": and (Lk. 16:22) it is said that "the rich man died and was buried in hell." Therefore it is useless to look forward
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether There Will be a General Judgment?
Objection 1: It would seem that there will not be a general judgment. For according to Nahum 1:9, following the Septuagint version, "God will not judge the same thing a second time." But God judges now of mans' every work, by assigning punishments and rewards to each one after death, and also by rewarding and punishing certain ones in this life for their good or evil deeds. Therefore it would seem that there will be no other judgment. Objection 2: Further, in no judicial inquiry is the sentence carried
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Necessity of Contemplating the Judgment-Seat of God, in Order to be Seriously Convinced of the Doctrine of Gratuitous Justification.
1. Source of error on the subject of Justification. Sophists speak as if the question were to be discussed before some human tribunal. It relates to the majesty and justice of God. Hence nothing accepted without absolute perfection. Passages confirming this doctrine. If we descend to the righteousness of the Law, the curse immediately appears. 2. Source of hypocritical confidence. Illustrated by a simile. Exhortation. Testimony of Job, David, and Paul. 3. Confession of Augustine and Bernard. 4. Another
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

The Cause and Cure of Earthquakes
"O come hither, and behold the works of the Lord; what destruction he hath brought upon the earth!" Ps. 46:8. Of all the judgments which the righteous God inflicts on sinners here, the most dreadful and destructive is an earthquake. This he has lately brought on our part of the earth, and thereby alarmed our fears, and bid us "prepare to meet our God!" The shocks which have been felt in divers places, since that which made this city tremble, may convince us that the danger is not over, and ought
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

Whether at the Coming Judgment the Angels Will be Judged?
Objection 1: It would seem that the angels will be judged at the coming judgment. For it is written (1 Cor. 6:3): "Know you not that we shall judge angels?" But this cannot refer to the state of the present time. Therefore it should refer to the judgment to come. Objection 2: Further, it is written concerning Behemoth or Leviathan, whereby the devil is signified (Job 40:28): "In the sight of all he shall be cast down"; and (Mk. 1:24)* the demon cried out to Christ: "Why art Thou come to destroy us
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Under the Shepherd's Care.
A NEW YEAR'S ADDRESS. "For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls."--1 Peter ii. 25. "Ye were as sheep going astray." This is evidently addressed to believers. We were like sheep, blindly, willfully following an unwise leader. Not only were we following ourselves, but we in our turn have led others astray. This is true of all of us: "All we like sheep have gone astray;" all equally foolish, "we have turned every one to his own way." Our first
J. Hudson Taylor—A Ribband of Blue

The History Books
[Illustration: (drop cap T) Assyrian idol-god] Thus little by little the Book of God grew, and the people He had chosen to be its guardians took their place among the nations. A small place it was from one point of view! A narrow strip of land, but unique in its position as one of the highways of the world, on which a few tribes were banded together. All around great empires watched them with eager eyes; the powerful kings of Assyria, Egypt, and Babylonia, the learned Greeks, and, in later times,
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
SHOWING WHAT IT IS, AND HOW DISTINGUISHED FROM THAT WHICH IS NOT SO. ALSO, WHENCE IT COMES; WHO HAS IT; WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS; AND WHAT THE PRIVILEGES OF THOSE THAT HAVE IT IN THEIR HEARTS. London: Printed for N. Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, over against the Stocks market: 1679. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," and "a fountain of life"--the foundation on which all wisdom rests, as well as the source from whence it emanates. Upon a principle
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
BY JOHN BUNYAN. London: Printed for Benjamin Alsop, at the Angel and Bible in the Poultry, 1684. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. THIS valuable treatise was first published in a pocket volume in 1684, and has only been reprinted in Whitfield's edition of Bunyan's works, 2 vols. folio, 1767. No man could have been better qualified to give advice to sufferers for righteousness' sake, than John Bunyan: and this work is exclusively devoted to that object. Shut up in a noisome jail, under the iron hand of
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Christian's God
Scripture References: Genesis 1:1; 17:1; Exodus 34:6,7; 20:3-7; Deuteronomy 32:4; 33:27; Isaiah 40:28; 45:21; Psalm 90:2; 145:17; 139:1-12; John 1:1-5; 1:18; 4:23,24; 14:6-11; Matthew 28:19,20; Revelation 4:11; 22:13. WHO IS GOD? How Shall We Think of God?--"Upon the conception that is entertained of God will depend the nature and quality of the religion of any soul or race; and in accordance with the view that is held of God, His nature, His character and His relation to other beings, the spirit
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian

There is a Blessedness in Reversion
Blessed are the poor in spirit. Matthew 5:3 Having done with the occasion, I come now to the sermon itself. Blessed are the poor in spirit'. Christ does not begin his Sermon on the Mount as the Law was delivered on the mount, with commands and threatenings, the trumpet sounding, the fire flaming, the earth quaking, and the hearts of the Israelites too for fear; but our Saviour (whose lips dropped as the honeycomb') begins with promises and blessings. So sweet and ravishing was the doctrine of this
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Nature of Covenanting.
A covenant is a mutual voluntary compact between two parties on given terms or conditions. It may be made between superiors and inferiors, or between equals. The sentiment that a covenant can be made only between parties respectively independent of one another is inconsistent with the testimony of Scripture. Parties to covenants in a great variety of relative circumstances, are there introduced. There, covenant relations among men are represented as obtaining not merely between nation and nation,
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Nahum
Poetically the little book of Nahum is one of the finest in the Old Testament. Its descriptions are vivid and impetuous: they set us before the walls of the beleaguered Nineveh, and show us the war-chariots of her enemies darting to and fro like lightning, ii. 4, the prancing steeds, the flashing swords, the glittering spears, iii. 2,3. The poetry glows with passionate joy as it contemplates the ruin of cruel and victorious Assyria. In the opening chapter, i., ii. 2, Jehovah is represented as coming
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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