Nahum 121017

Introduction

In the book of Genesis, God used Joseph to bring the hope of survival to hundreds of thousands of people during a terrible famine that came upon the land. This included, of course, Joseph’s family and others who travelled to the land of Egypt for food at this time, but this also included all of Egypt - the nation in which Joseph was living and overseeing under the rule of Pharoah. God had showed such mercy to Egypt through Joseph. But then, when we read Exodus chapter 1, we see a king arise over Egypt that did not remember the kindness that God showed through Joseph, and he mistreated God’s people and afflicted them and enslaved them. Because of this, God brought great judgments on the land of Egypt.

I remind us of this because whenever we consider the book of Nahum, which prophesies the coming destruction of the city of Nineveh that happened in 612BC, we see that history has, in many ways, repeated itself. God had in the past showed such great mercy to the Assyrians and to Nineveh. God sent His prophet Jonah into the city of Nineveh, proclaiming that the city had forty days left before it would be destroyed. At the preaching of Jonah, there was a city-wide call to repentance by the king. They put sackcloth on man and animal, and God relented from the destruction that He said would come.

But then as the nation of Assyria became stronger and stronger, they forgot the mercy that the LORD had given them at the time of Jonah. Over time, the Assyrians became a ruthless and arrogant people. As they grew in power, they used their power to oppress and to do terrible things to God’s people (to both Israel and Judah), and because of this, there will be a reckoning like there was at the time of Moses with Egypt.

Nahum writes this book to show God’s people that the injustice and oppression and cruelty shown towards them and others would not go unpunished. Judgment would come to the great city Nineveh...

For our lesson today, I would like to look at three points.

Because of the state of Assyria and their capital city Nineveh, the prophecy of Nahum was needed. God wanted to show His people that the injustice and oppression and cruelty shown towards them would not go unpunished. Judgment would come to the great city Nineveh.

Judgment Described

Judgment Destined

Judgment Deserved

Judgment

There is

We will look at these three points, then we will look at some applications for the original readers of this book - the Jews. Then we will close by thinking about some applications for us.

Our first point...

Judgment Decreed on Nineveh

Who God is and what He is capable of (vs2-6)

A lot has changed since Jonah stepped foot in the city and preached to them that the city would be demolished in 40 days. There was great repentance at that time because of the preaching of Jonah and the works that God had done.

The destruction of Nineveh is the main topic under consideration in Nahum’s prophecy.

Let’s begin by reading verses 2-8 of chapter one.

The timing of the ministry of Nahum is difficult to pinpoint exactly, but there are some clues within the book that help us to narrow the time period. First, we know that the the fall of Nineveh who is prophesied in this book happened in 612BC. So Nahum’s ministry had to happen before the date of the fall of Nineveh. Also, in 3:8, there is a reference to a city named No-amon, which is translated as Thebes in many translations. This Egyptian city fell to the Assyrians in 663BC Nahum mentions the fall of this city as already having happened, so this means we can say with certainty that his writing did not occur before 663BC when Assyria took the city. So some time had passed since the taking of the city. So this gives us a ballpark estimate of when Nahum’s ministry was.

The main

this Egyptian city fell to the Assyrians in 663 B.C. Nahum mentions the fall of this city as already having happened, so this means we can say with certainty that his writing did not occur before 663 B.C.

“2 The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord takes vengeance and is fierce in wrath. The Lord takes vengeance against his foes; he is furious with his enemies. 3 The Lord is slow to anger but great in power; the Lord will never leave the guilty unpunished. His path is in the whirlwind and storm, and clouds are the dust beneath his feet. 4 He rebukes the sea and dries it up, and he makes all the rivers run dry. Bashan and Carmel wither; even the flower of Lebanon withers. 5 The mountains quake before him, and the hills melt; the earth trembles at his presence— the world and all who live in it. 6 Who can withstand his indignation? Who can endure his burning anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; even rocks are shattered before him. 7 The Lord is good, a stronghold in a day of distress; he cares for those who take refuge in him. 8 But he will completely destroy Nineveh with an overwhelming flood, and he will chase his enemies into darkness.”(, CSB)

The book of Jonah was a book that displays God’s great power and providence at work so that he can be gracious to Nineveh. And Nahum is the opposite. This book shows us the great power of God and what He is capable of in judgment against those who don’t trust in Him while He at the same time brings comfort to His people by judging their oppressors.

Just look at the things that are said about the great God that we serve here. First, an aspect of God’s character that we are often uncomfortable with and don’t want to talk about - His wrath - his anger. He is angry with those who are His enemies - those who don’t trust in Him.

Verses 7-8: The message of the book

And then we are given a picture of His power that should leave anyone in the path of God’s justice afraid. His walking is likened to a tornado. His words can dry up the seas and oceans. The earth is fearful at His presence and trembles - the picture of an earthquake… Those who dwell on the earth should tremble just like the earth at the presence of the LORD. This image we are being given of God should make anyone who will be the recipient of His wrath be afraid, but it should also remind His people the power that God displays for them in freeing them from the enemy. None can stand before Him, no matter how strong they may seem. They are smaller than ants compared to the God of glory and wrath.

But then you see here that even though He is a jealous and avenging God, He is still slow to anger. You see such patience in God. He doesn’t desire to just destroy and annihilate those who sin against Him. He is slow to anger. He is giving His enemies time to change before He brings His judgment.

APPLICATION

This picture of God needs to remind us of an important fact -

But then on the other side of this, we may think God is so patient that He will continually overlook our sin and be pleased with us if we are unwilling to make changes in our lives. He is not like a grandparent that just overlooks the faults of their grand-babies and blesses them with everything they want without conditions. God’s patience is meant to lead us to repentance. To get into God’s word while He blesses us with the time to do so - with a heart that is humble and willing to change. God does not just give us freedom to do whatever we want to do just as long as it makes us happy. These kind of beliefs are not based on how God reveals Himself in scripture.

God is patient. He is slow to anger. But we need to remember that He does justly get angry towards those who turn their back on Him and don’t trust him. We need to see the full picture of the LORD as He reveals Himself in scripture.

Verses 7-8: The message of the book

Let’s begin by talking about verses 7-8. These two verses serve as a good theme verse for this book.

God shows His compassion and gives comfort to those who trust Him and take refuge in Him. But then, there are others who will not receive comfort. Instead, the God who makes the earth quake and has the power to dry up the seas with His voice is coming to destroy Nineveh. Judgment is coming for Nineveh, and it will be vengeance for those they mistreated. It will bring comfort to those who have been afflicted by the Assyrians.

the situation His people are facing. There is a nation - a city - who has forgotten God’s mercy and has not been pleasing the LORD in how they have used the authority God gave them to judge the nations… Nineveh - the Assyrians..

7 The Lord is good, a stronghold in a day of distress; he cares for those who take refuge in him. 8 But he will completely destroy Nineveh with an overwhelming flood, and he will chase his enemies into darkness.” (, CSB)

(, CSB)

God shows His compassion and gives comfort to those who trust Him and take refuge in Him. But then, there are others who will not receive comfort. Instead, the God who makes the earth quake and has the power to dry up the seas with His voice is coming to destroy Nineveh. And there will be no escaping it.

Verses 2-6: The Ultimate Reason Judgment is Needed

Judgment is coming for Nineveh, and it will be vengeance for those they mistreated. Comfort to those who have been afflicted by the Assyrians. Those who are in distress will be cared for by the Lord because they take refuge in Him.

An overview of what is to come.

But before pronouncing the judgment on Nineveh, He shows why the judgment must come. Nahum begins with the theological reason why this judgment must come. Yes, there is sin among the Assyrians and they do not trust in the LORD (we will look at this in more detail in our third point), but there is a more foundational reason why there is a need for judgment in this world - because of who God is!

Before pronouncing the judgment on Nineveh, He shows why the judgment must come. Nahum begins with the theological reason why this judgment must come. Yes, there is sin among the Assyrians and they do not trust in the LORD (we will look at this in more detail in our third point), but there is a more foundational reason why there is a need for judgment in this world - because of who God is!

This is an important idea to keep in mind as we study scripture - we have God revealing Himself! In Jonah and in Nahum, for instance, we are given a picture of who God is and what He is capable of. These books are not ultimately about the prophets or who they are prophesying to. They are about God. Who He is and how He works in history to accomplish what He desires.

The book of Jonah is a book that displays God’s great power and providence at work so that he can be gracious to Nineveh. And Nahum shows us God’s power in bringing judgment against those who don’t trust in Him while He at the same time brings comfort to His people by judging their oppressors.

Just look at the things that are said about the great God that we serve here.

First, an aspect of God’s character that we are often uncomfortable with and don’t want to talk about - His wrath - his anger. He is angry with those who are His enemies - those who don’t trust in Him.

And then we are given a picture of His power that should leave anyone in the path of God’s justice afraid. His walking is likened to a tornado. His words can dry up the seas and oceans. The earth is fearful at His presence and trembles - the picture of an earthquake… Those who dwell on the earth should tremble just like the earth at the presence of the LORD. This image we are being given of God should make anyone who will be the recipient of His wrath be afraid, but it should also remind His people the power that God displays for them in freeing them from the enemy. None can stand before Him, no matter how strong they may seem. They are smaller than ants compared to the God of glory and wrath.

But then you see here that even though He is a jealous and avenging God, He is still slow to anger. You see such patience in God. He doesn’t desire to just destroy and annihilate those who sin against Him. He is slow to anger. He is giving His enemies time to change - to repent - before He brings His judgment. But unfortunately, for Nineveh, His patience has run out. There will be no more delay. The judgment is coming.

Judgment has been decreed.

And now our second point:

Judgment Described

Judgment has been decreed against Nineveh.

Nothing about this judgment sounds good for Nineveh.

The judgment will be inescapable.

“9 Whatever you plot against the Lord, he will bring it to complete destruction; oppression will not rise up a second time. 10 For they will be consumed like entangled thorns, like the drink of a drunkard and like straw that is fully dry.” (, CSB)

There will not be a way of escaping the judgment that will come. NO plan can be devised that can stop the destruction of Nineveh. No plan - no military strategy…

The Judgment will be complete

“14 The Lord has issued an order concerning you: There will be no offspring to carry on your name. I will eliminate the carved idol and cast image from the house of your gods; I will prepare your grave, for you are contemptible.” (, CSB)

Look also at the final verse of the book.

“19 There is no remedy for your injury; your wound is severe. (, CSB)

The Lord likens Nineveh to a soldier wounded in battle. The first question that arises is, “Is it fatal? is the soldier going to survive or not?” Well, for Nineveh, God’s answer is, “no.” There is no recovering from the wound. It will end in the loss of the sity and of the kingdom of Assyria. They will exist no longer.

There will be no comfort. Only fear and trembling

Throughout the book of Nahum, Nahum describes this judgment against Nineveh and why it is deserved, and in the midst of these . Let’s look at a few passages that show this:

“7 Then all who see you will recoil from you, saying, “Nineveh is devastated; who will show sympathy to her?” Where can I find anyone to comfort you?” (, CSB)

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Both God’s compassion and His wrath applied to this situation. Judgment for Nineveh, but vengeance for those who they mistreated. Comfort to those who have been afflicted by the Assyrians, including His people who trust in Him.

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There will not be a way of escaping the judgment that will come. NO plan can be devised that can stop the destruction of Nineveh. No plan - no military strategy…

“14 The Lord has issued an order concerning you: There will be no offspring to carry on your name. I will eliminate the carved idol and cast image from the house of your gods; I will prepare your grave, for you are contemptible.” (, CSB)

And when the enemy comes against Nineveh to destroy it, here is the response of the people:

“10 Desolation, decimation, devastation! Hearts melt, knees tremble, insides churn, every face grows pale!” (, CSB)

Upon seeing Ninevah’s destruction, here is what other nations will so:

There will be no comforters for Nineveh. Just a side note here, there is a play on words here using Nahum’s name, which means comfort. There is no Nahum/no comfort for Assyria. There is only a Nahum/a comforter for God’s people.

But there will be no comfort for Nineveh. Just a side note here, there is a play on words here using Nahum’s name, which means comfort. There is no Nahum/no comfort for Assyria. There is only a Nahum/ a comforter for God’s people.

Whenever the Babylonians and others came against Ninevah, Lord says that there will be “10 Desolation, decimation, devastation! [and that] Hearts [will] melt, knees [will] tremble, insides [will] churn, every face [will] grow pale!” (, CSB)

But there will be no comfort for Nineveh. Just a side note here, there is a play on words here using Nahum’s name, which means comfort. There is no Nahum/no comfort for Assyria. There is only a Nahum/ a comforter for God’s people.

No comfort, only fear, trembling, and complete destruction.

Just a side note here, there is a play on words here using Nahum’s name, which means comfort. There is no Nahum/no comfort for Assyria. There is only a Nahum/ a comforter for God’s people.

All who hear the news about you will clap their hands because of you, for who has not experienced your constant cruelty?” (, CSB)

Now let’s look at our third point:

Judgment Deserved

God would not be bringing this judgment against Nineveh and Assyria if they were trusting in God. There are many sins they are guilty of that makes this judgment necessary.

“1 Woe to the city of blood, totally deceitful, full of plunder, never without prey.” (, CSB)

You see that there is no one to comfort Assyria because all who see it are not grieving, but happy about the justice that has befallen them.

First, Nahum describes Nineveh as “the bloody city.” Nineveh lived by bloodshed and seemed to relish the opportunity to inflict more destruction on others. Assyria’s army is known for its cruelty and for all of the atrocities they practiced. 3:10 talks about how, when Assyria took the city of Thebes in Egypt into captivity, they dashed the children within the city to pieces… This is just one example of the cruel treatment of others.

Second, Nahum pronounced woe on Nineveh for its deceit. He described the city as full of lies. For years Assyria lied to those they would negotiate with. Whether through self-interest or blatant deceit, Assyria lied to the nations.

Whether through self-interest or blatant deceit, Assyria lied to the nations.

Nineveh’s prosperity, brought about by oppression and deceit, seemed to promise material success to the nation, but it would not bring them security. How they got it would lead to their judgment by the LORD. This city built on blood and lies and filled with the wealth of the nations would be plundered itself.

There are so many other sins we can point to that are described in this book:

Idolatry

This city built on blood and lies and filled with the wealth of the nations would be plundered itself.

Sorcery

Fornication

All who hear the news about you will clap their hands because of you, for who has not experienced your constant cruelty?” (, CSB)

Due to her own endless cruelty and exploitation of others this judgment was coming.

Their judgment is viewed, not with compassion, but with joy, as those who hear of it exult with clapping hands. This brings us to the application of this judgment for the Jews at the time of Nahum who first received this book.

“1 Woe to the city of blood, totally deceitful, full of plunder, never without prey.” (, CSB)

Application for the Jews

This is all GOOD NEWS for God’s people and for all Assyria had mistreated and oppressed.

This is all GOOD NEWS for God’s people. In the midst of these chapters talking about God’s judgment on Nineveh, look at the kind of things He says for His people who trust in Him:

This is one of the main themes in the book - comfort and blessing for God’s people who trust in him and find refugee in Him… Let’s look at the kind of things God says to those who trust in Him:

“12 This is what the Lord says: Though they are strong and numerous, they will still be mowed down, and he will pass away. Though I have punished you, I will punish you no longer. 13 For I will now break off his yoke from you and tear off your shackles.” (, CSB)

“15 Look to the mountains— the feet of the herald, who proclaims peace. Celebrate your festivals, Judah; fulfill your vows. For the wicked one will never again march through you; he will be entirely wiped out.” (, CSB)

“2 For the Lord will restore the majesty of Jacob, yes, the majesty of Israel, though ravagers have ravaged them and ruined their vine branches.” (, CSB)

But then, Nahum also sprinkles through the book verses about how this judgment on Nineveh means comfort for those who trust in Him.

LESSON

It is interesting to see here that you have one message - judgment is coming - but this judgment is bad news for one group means good news for another. This is good news - Justice is good - the punishing of evil is good. These words of promised destruction and devastation are words of comfort to the Lord's people, for they are directed against one of the most bloodthirsty and cruel civilizations ever known; the Assyrian empire and its capital city of Nineveh. When such an oppressive enemy is dealt with, then those who have suffered do find relief and comfort when the enemy falls.

God’s judgment is good news for those who trust in Him. God’s judgment is good news for those on the right side of the law/lawgiver.

God’s judgment is good news for those who trust in Him. God’s judgment is good news for those on the right side of the law.

Applications for Us

This back and forth between God’s mercy and His wrath continues into ch2.

These words of promised destruction and devastation are words of comfort to the Lord's people, for they are directed against one of the most bloodthirsty and cruel civilizations ever known; the Assyrian empire and its capital city of Nineveh. When such an oppressive enemy is dealt with, then those who have suffered do find relief and comfort when the enemy falls.

But these words of promised destruction and devastation are words of comfort to the Lord's people, for they are directed against one of the most bloodthirsty and cruel civilizations ever known; the Assyrian empire and its capital city of Nineveh. When such an oppressive enemy is dealt with, then those who have suffered do find relief and comfort when the enemy falls.

Judgment is Deserved (CH3)

3:1

Remember Who We Serve

We need to see God as He fully reveals Himself. If we tend to view God as a God of wrath and judgment who just wants to condemn us or finds delight in judging people, then we do not see God for how he fully reveals Himself. Sometimes we tend to think of God as a cruel taskmaster who we need to live perfectly before or go to Hell, or that we need to earn His love as His children. This kind of attitude makes God seem like a parent that is impossible to fully please and can lead us to be legalistic. God is not just waiting to spring a trap on us and He is not just waiting to catch us on a legal technicality. It is bad theology that leads those who are God’s people to say, “well I hope I am going to make it to Heaven, but I just don’t know for sure.”

But then on the other side of this, we may think God is so patient that He will continually overlook our sin and be pleased with us if we are unwilling to make changes in our lives. He is not like a grandparent that just overlooks the faults of their grand-babies and blesses them with everything they want without conditions. God’s patience is meant to lead us to repentance. To get into God’s word while He blesses us with the time to do so - with a heart that is humble and willing to change. God does not just give us freedom to do whatever we want to do just as long as it makes us happy. These kind of beliefs are not based on how God reveals Himself in scripture.

God is patient. He is slow to anger. But we need to remember that He does justly get angry towards those who turn their back on Him and don’t trust him. We need to see the full picture of the LORD as He reveals Himself in scripture so that we don’t create a god within our minds that is more comfortable to us. When we do this, we are worshipping an idol, not the God of scripture.

God is patient. He is slow to anger. But we need to remember that He does justly get angry towards those who turn their back on Him and don’t trust him. We need to see the full picture of the LORD as He reveals Himself in scripture.

See the Gospel!

In this chapter we see that the message of judgment on Nineveh,

Nahum’s message sums up well the Gospel message that has been given to each one of us.

Nahum’s message sums up well the Gospel message that has been given to each one of us - the Gospel of the kingdom, as a whole, has been the same. It has not changed since sin entered the world.

decreed, described, deserved.

Judgment will come to those who are the enemies of God and for those who have not remembered His mercy - those who have turned their backs on Him. There will not be comfort, but anguish, for those who are in this category. Satan, our greatest enemy, will be taken out of the way and judged by the LORD, and those who He used to bring pain and sorrow to God’s people will be judged.

Mercy and comfort is only available to those who trust in the Lord and find refuge in Christ.

It is our decision which one we will receive.

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3:7 no comforters (or Nahums) for Nineveh.

3:19 their wound is fatal - there is no repentance - judgment has been decreed.

THIS IS GOOD NEWS