How the Mighty Have Fallen

"1984" is a dystopian novel written by George Orwell and published in 1949. Set in a totalitarian society, the story follows Winston Smith, a low-ranking member of the ruling Party in the nation of Oceania. The Party is led by Big Brother, a figurehead who is worshiped and omnipresent through posters displaying the slogan, "Big Brother is watching you."

The society depicted in "1984" is characterized by constant surveillance and the suppression of individuality and independent thought. The Party controls every aspect of people's lives, manipulating history, language, and even people's emotions. The three slogans of the Party are "War is Peace, Freedom is Slavery, Ignorance is Strength," which exemplify the Party's use of doublespeak to maintain power.

Winston begins to question the Party's doctrines and seeks to rebel against its oppressive rule. He engages in a forbidden love affair with a woman named Julia, and together they explore their desires for freedom and privacy. However, their rebellion is discovered, and they are captured by the Thought Police.

In the latter part of the novel, Winston is subjected to intense torture and brainwashing at the hands of the Party, led by O'Brien, a high-ranking Party member. Through this torture, Winston is forced to betray his love for Julia and accept the Party's version of reality. He is made to believe that he loves Big Brother and that the Party's control over him is complete.

The novel ends with Winston's complete submission to the Party's ideology. He becomes a broken man, devoid of any independent thought or desire for freedom. The final message of "1984" is a warning about the dangers of totalitarianism, the suppression of individuality, and the manipulation of truth by those in power.

Overall, "1984" portrays a bleak and oppressive future where the government's control extends into every aspect of people's lives, leaving little room for personal freedom and individuality.

Over the centuries, nations have fought against such tyranny and ideology. Tomorrow our country honors such men who made the ultimate sacrifice to save us from it and protect our freedom to be free men in pursuit of Godward living.

Memorial Day serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by members of the military who gave their lives to protect and defend their country. It is a day to honor their memory and show gratitude for their service.

The bravery and acts of these heroes of history is a reflection of the very nature of their Creator, who promises to bring an end to such evil and tyranny and one day restore His full rule over man, that will be in peace and rest.

Obadiah 15 says,

Obadiah 15 NASB95

15 “For the day of the Lord draws near on all the nations. As you have done, it will be done to you. Your dealings will return on your own head.

Nineveh was one such city and Assyria one such nation. Oppressive, totalitarian debauchery was the characteristics it was known for. God proclaims this woe.

Nahum, Habakkuk and Zephaniah: An Introduction and Commentary a. Woe (3:1)

Woe, as an interjection used in lamenting the dead (1 Kgs 13:30; Jer. 34:5; cf. Amos 5:16), is used with an extended meaning in the prophetic literature to introduce a dire threat (Isa. 5; Hab. 2). Its force is that the punishment threatened is so certain that those addressed are as good as dead. This is accentuated in Hebrew by the lament or qînâ metrical pattern (3 + 2) in the first half of the verse. The use of the form here is ironic, since the demise of the tyrant would be welcomed, not mourned. The ‘bloody city’ (RSV), Nineveh, is lamented. She who was the place of lies (Hos. 7:3), plunder and ‘prey’ (the latter a recollection of the oracle in 2:11–13) will now find her position reversed, receiving the destruction she had previously dispensed.

God knows the hearts of nations (Nahum 3:1-4)

God brings arrogance to shame (Nahum 3:5-7)

God overthrows exploitative gain (Nahum 3:8-15)

God will conquer even the most mighty (Nahum 3:16-19)

Nahum, Habakkuk and Zephaniah: An Introduction and Commentary e. How the Mighty Have Fallen (3:18–19)

e. How the mighty have fallen (3:18–19)

In a closing address directly to the Assyrian monarch, the complete lack of support for leader and population shows the irreparability of the nation’s position.

18. The king is told that his shepherds, those invested with responsibility for the direction and rule of the people (Jer. 17:16; Zech. 10:2–3), and his nobles are sleeping on the job. They will provide no help in the coming invasion. Neither will the general population who have dispersed. Restoring the scattered people should be the duty of the shepherds, but they are not fulfilling it.

19. Assyria the mighty is dying from an incurable wound. Due to her own endless cruelty and exploitation of others, this extremity is viewed not with compassion but with joy, as those who hear of it exult with clapping hands (cf. Pss 47:1; 98:8; Isa. 55:12; Ezek. 25:6). Foremost among those rejoicing would be Judah, for whose encouragement and support the prophecy is given. Rejoicing is not in this context gleeful gloating at the misfortune of others (cf. Ps. 22:17; Obad. 12; Rev. 11:10), an attitude which is unacceptable for the people of God. Rather, it is pleasure at the vindication of God and his promises. His justice and holiness are upheld because, not only is he gracious to bless those who turn to him in repentance, he is also righteous in his dealings with sin and rebellion against himself and his people (cf. Rev. 11:16–18; 15:3–4; 16:4–7). One’s response as an individual or as a nation to God and his will, whether in acceptance or rejection, thus has major implications for blessing or judgment.

The Message of Nahum is this:

God is God

He is the only God

He is your God

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The Message of Nahum speaks to the Nature of Your God directed Towards His creation, Toward those who Rebel against Him, and Toward those who turn to Him

God’s message speaks warning to everyone (Nahum 1:1-2)

God detests evil

God sees evil

God avenges evil

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God’s justice imparts true equity to everyone (Nahum 1:3-6)

God is patient v. 3a

God is great in power

God will punish the guilty

God is over all vv. 3b-6

God’s nature calls for everyone (Nahum 1:7)

The LORD is good (Ps. 107:1; Ps. 135:3; Ps. 136:1)

The LORD is safe to run to when you are in trouble (“stronghold”)

The LORD knows you when you run to Him

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God’s decree legislates destiny for everyone (Nahum 1:8-11)

Evil ones cannot escape God’s pursuit v. 8

Evil schemes cannot out maneuver God vv. 9-10

Satan will lose v. 11

Whatever you need to give to God, give it today, right here, right now.

Nothing escapes God’s eyes.

Always, God is good and will do good.

God’s goodness will always exceed your sacrifice. What are you waiting for?

The rest of chapter 1

All Will Stand or Fall Before God:

Take warning, God is judge over all

Take Comfort, God offers hope to all

For those who turn to God and trust in Him, He offers hope, but the Bible is clear, God will judge that which and those who oppose Him.

For those who turn to God and trust in Him, He offers hope.

But make no mistake, the Bible is clear, God will judge that which is and those who are evil. The total content that remains in Nahum is all about that. All of what we have seen up to this point in the book of Nahum comes to a head in the remaining verses. This is a dark and heavy reality for Assyria, and the greatest hope for Judah.

God sees the intent of your heart, whether it is one who He is calling to Himself or one that is rebelling against Him as their Lord.