The reference to the Lord's thirteen attributes of mercy in Nahum 1:3a is often interpreted as a re-reading meant to minimize the Lord's mercy and emphasize his wrath. This article shows that the quote originates from Numbers 14:17–18 while maintaining an allusion to Exodus 34:6–7. The author argues that Nahum 1:3a explains not the wrath of the Lord against Assyria, but rather how the Lord could pardon Judah’s apostasy and deliver his people.