"The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him."
— Nahum 1:7 (NIV)
Nahum 1:7 is the "the Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble" verse. This page gives the verse, where it sits in Nahum 1, and a plain reading. For more on the theme, see Bible verses about goodness, Bible verses about protection, and Bible verses about trust.
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The verse
The King James reads: "The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him."
"Good" is tob (H2896). "Refuge" (KJV "strong hold") is maoz (H4581), a fortress or place of safety. "Trouble" is tsarah (H6869), distress or a tight place. "Cares for" (KJV "knoweth") is yada (H3045), to know closely. "Trust" is chasah (H2620), to take refuge.
Where it sits in Nahum 1
The book opens, "A prophecy concerning Nineveh" (Nahum 1:1). Nineveh was the capital of Assyria, the empire that had crushed Israel. Verses 2-6 describe God's power and justice: "The Lord is slow to anger but great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished" (Nahum 1:3).
Verse 7 turns to God's people in the middle of that storm. The next verse returns to judgment: "but with an overwhelming flood he will make an end of Nineveh" (Nahum 1:8). Later the chapter announces relief: "Look, there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace!" (Nahum 1:15).
What the verse is saying
The same God who will not excuse cruelty is good to those who run to him. His goodness is not soft; it is a fortress. Trouble still comes, but there is a safe place inside it.
"He cares for those who trust in him" uses the Hebrew word for knowing. God does not lose track of the people sheltering in him. Psalm 46:1 says the same thing: "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." See also Bible verses about the strong tower.
Questions people ask
What does Nahum 1:7 say?
In the NIV it says, "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him." The KJV says, "The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him."
Who is Nahum 1:7 written to?
Nahum's prophecy is about Nineveh, but verse 7 is comfort for God's people, especially Judah, who had suffered under Assyria.
What does "stronghold" mean in Nahum 1:7?
The Hebrew word maoz means a fortress or place of safety. The verse pictures God as a place to run to when trouble comes.
Why is Nahum 1:7 in a book about judgment?
The book shows both sides of God's character: justice toward oppressors (Nahum 1:2-6) and goodness toward those who trust him (Nahum 1:7).
What other verses say God is a refuge?
Psalm 46:1 (God is our refuge and strength), Psalm 34:8 (taste and see that the Lord is good), and Psalm 91:2 (he is my refuge and my fortress) are close companions.
