Definition: Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace! O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Nahum 1:15. It's a really powerful message about protecting and safeguarding God’s people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is telling us to be vigilant and protective of those who bring good news and peace – specifically, the Jewish people, represented by “Judah.” It’s urging them to take a very serious stance against evil and to follow specific rules. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "Nahum 1:15 Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringseth good tidings..." – This is setting the scene. “Nahum” is a book in the Old Testament, and this verse describes a specific moment – looking up at the mountains. "He who brings good tidings" refers to someone who shares good news, like announcements of peace or blessings. "...publisheth peace!" - This means they should actively announce and share peace. It’s about spreading joy and harmony. “O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts…” – "Judah" is the name for the Jewish people. “Solemn feasts” refers to religious celebrations – things that are important and holy. "...perform thy vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off." – This is the most important part . It’s a warning about those who are evil. “The wicked” are described as being completely rejected. “He is utterly cut off” means they will never be allowed to enter or stay within the protected area (the Jewish community). Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse essentially says: Protect the good messengers and the Jewish people. Don't let evil and wickedness invade them. It’s a call for vigilance, righteousness, and unwavering protection of those who bring blessings – both literally and figuratively. In essence, it’s a reminder that those who spread peace and joy are incredibly important and must be safeguarded against harm. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Connect this verse to a specific theme or story in the Bible? Give you a historical context of the book of Nahum?