Nahum 1:9-13

Affliction Shall Not Rise Again (vv. 9-11)

What do you imagine to do against God? -> what harm can you bring upon Him?

This is the question that all the lost must answer! -> who can stand against? (Rom. 8:28-39)

The judgment and wrath of God are total and final -> He will make an utter end so complete that He will have no more work to do

The totality and recipients of God’s wrath communicate awful and awesome truths

The wrath of God is an encouragement to God’s people because it is the destruction of sin forever more (Rev 21:1-8)

Never more will we be afflicted (Ex. 14:10-14)

The wrath of God and question of the wicked’s fortitude is not just for the extremely wicked, but all the wicked

Including you who are lost! -> what do you suppose to do to prevent your destruction?

You too will be consumed like entangled thorns, drunk men, and dry straw in a fire!

The one referenced in v. 11 is likely Nineveh, but the image is clear

The one against God plots evil against Him, is a wicked counselor (compared to the wonderful Counselor), and has God’s aim on them

God’s Chastening and Wrath (vv. 12-13)

Though strong and numerous, they will be mowed down and pass away

The once powerful and mighty world system will pass away with “the former things”

This is addressed to the people of God -> God’s people were being chastened through the Assyrians, but that did not excuse the Assyrians

God is going to turn our chastening into their judgement (Is. 51:17-23)

There is a noticeable line between the chastening of God and the wrath of God

The chastening is just part of the cup, and it is temporary -> yet it is still from the cup of God’s fury and hurts!

The wrath of God is the entirety of the cup, and it is permanent!

The only reason we do not have to drink from that cup is because God drank it all for us

Although the world has its bonds on us, those will be completely removed by the power of God and applied to our captors

If you are lost, you are one of the captors -> good thing Jesus offers salvation!