Nahum 2

Chapters 2 and 3 can be summarized by Nah. 2:13, 3:5 -> God is against the wicked!

This is handled by a graphic and gruesome poem that we must let speak for itself

Prepare for Battle (v. 1)

“He that dashes in pieces” (scatters) -> God is coming to tear down, isolate, and destroy His enemies!

Man the fortifications, watch the road, brace yourself, and summon all your strength!

If you intend to to be the enemy of God, then prepare yourself for war, not a civil conversation

The enemies of God are all who reject His Son (Ps. 2:10-12)

Majesty Restored (v. 2)

This is the last message in Nahum directly addressed to Judah, and it is one last encouragement

God will restore majesty to His own -> and we already see this to a degree

It was immediately fulfilled in the deliverance from their captors

In a broader sense, we see the glory of God on the church

The beauty and power of the church are undeniable!

In the ultimate sense, Israel will be restored, and the church will be free from every ounce of oppression

Even though the Lord used and allowed the enemies to empty them out, God will restore!

The Prophesied Attack (vv. 3-10)

This account is more gruesome and vivid than even most Babylonian accounts of their own victory

And it was given ahead of time! -> the knowledge and sovereignty of God is without question!

This section describes the utilization of the most advanced weapons and strategies of warfare in Nahum’s day

The judgement of God vastly outmatches what we can respond to

The attackers had a horrifying appearance (vv. 3-4) -> the red shields and uniforms are associated with the Babylonians and Medes

Their chariots were extremely fast and typically carried 3 soldiers -> one to drive and two to fight)

Their spears (fir trees) look like a forest due to the sheer quantity

This will pale in comparison to the armies of God in judgement (Ps. 68:17)

The attackers would come quickly and prepared to defend (v. 5)

vv. 6-10 detail the defeat of Nineveh, and a thorough defeat it is!

v. 6: Nineveh was situated on the banks of the Tigris and had the Husur river running through the city

It was a fantastic defense, but proved to be its downfall, likely through the Babylonians using it to flood the city

The image is clear: even your greatest defense will be used against you before a holy God!

v. 7: The leaders who held their boots to the throat of God’s people for so long would be humiliated in exile themselves

Consider how spectacular this must have been to Judah (and how spectacular it is for you)

v. 9 continues this shock -> the plunderers are plundered!

v. 8: Their fleeing is like that of a broken dam -> once it has started, no amount of pleading or effort can reverse it

v. 10: “empty,” “void,” and “stripped” all sound alike in Hebrew and have similar meanings

This is the poetry used to draw emphasis -> “desolation,” “decimation,” “devastation!”

all glory, confidence, and self assurance is gone before the judgement of God!

Predator to Pray (vv. 11-13)

These verses read as though Nineveh no longer existed, when in reality they were as strong as ever when this was written

Lions were used by the Assyrians as a depiction of themselves and the god Ishtar -> a proud image in deed

Where now is your lions den? -> where now is your comfort and dominance?

Gone before a God of wrath! -> the hunters will be hunted

“I am against you” declares a God of brutal wrath to those who have rejected Him

Don’t be among those who have rejected Him!