Nahum 1:12 is the only place where we read the words, Thus says the Lord,
in the book. Of course, the whole book is an oracle given to Nahum by the Lord (Nahum 1:1). However, in Nahum 1:12 the Lord turns and speaks to his people. The enemy (Nineveh) is now referred to in the third person (they
) and Judah in the second person (you
). The Lord is making a solemn promise to Judah, introduced with the phrase, Thus says the Lord.
Even though Nineveh is a fearful and powerful enemy that is at full strength, the Lord will cut them down and they will wither and disappear like grass. The Lord has used the Assyrians to afflict judgment on his people, but that is now coming to an end. He will remove this affliction on Judah for their past sins as he now judges Nineveh for her cruelty. The yoke is a common symbol for oppression. This imagery compares Assyria to a farmer who has tamed an ox by placing a yoke on its neck so that it can be controlled.1 Judah has become a slave to Assyria, but the Lord will break the yoke of cruelty and oppression that Nineveh has placed on his people. The Lord will set Judah free even as he judges Nineveh. This kind of language reminds the reader of the exodus from Egypt where God powerfully set his people free from slavery and oppression under Pharaoh even as he poured out his judgment onto Egypt.
12 Thus says the LORD, “Though they are at full strength and many, they will be cut down and pass away. Though I have afflicted you, I will afflict you no more.