the book of nahum is a message against
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the New King James Version ( 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.). 6:111; Gal. He's powerful, but it's a patient power. (1) The burden of Nahum. Start your free trial today! For those who take refuge in him, God is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble (1:7). This includes various Gospel Presentations and helpful booklets. Hes putting an end to all such scheming.For troublemakers, no second chances. While Nahum preached against Nineveh, he taught several important lessons. While Nahum is a short book of only three chapters comprised of 47 verses, we would be wise to pay attention to the message of Nahum. If we look closer, we find that in the Hebrew text of Nahum, Nineveh is never actually mentioned by name in chapter 1. (AO)Celebrate your festivals,(AP) Judah,and fulfill your vows.No more will the wicked invade you;(AQ)they will be completely destroyed.[c]. b. The prophet's message is directed against Nineveh, the same Nineveh we saw humbled and repenting under Jonah's ministry. c. With an overflowing flood He will make an utter end of its place: Taking into account the character of God, though He is slow to anger and good, He could not forever overlook the sin and rebellion of the Assyrians. Is this a depiction of modern Western people who claim allegiance to God, but when it comes to matters of obedience to biblical laws and principles lean to their own understanding (Proverbs 3:1, 5-6)? In the Book of Jonah, written in the eighth century BC, we behold a man of God who was called to preach to Nineveh. No doubt we all have felt overwhelmed by the darkness both within ourselves and in our world. Its all over with Nineveh.Im gutting your temple. Also, a small but faithful remnant in an increasingly idolatrous Judah would have been comforted by declarations of Gods slowness to Nahum's book is a sequel to, and a dramatic contrast with, the book of Jonah. Thus opens Nahums prophecy, and this is the message of this book of the Bible for the world today. He stands up against his enemies, fierce and raging. 1:2). Verse Nahum 1:1. . The Global Message of Nahum. Just received Chuck's "Stuff I've Learned That I'll Never Forget" CD in the mail yesterday. His way is in the . We need to see the Bible as an authoritative source, because God says that it is breathed over . Your name shall be perpetuated no longer. Nahum 3:5, directed at Nineveh, reads: "'I am against you,'" declares the Lord Almighty. depicts the siege and capture of the city. Sign up to receive the week's latest articles, blog posts andupdates. It must be done with a complete willingness to walk in the freedom God gives, but only God can break off the power of the things that bind us. Yet while God had used the Assyrians to punish his own people, this did not mean his covenant with Israel would be undone. The book of Nahum is God's message of the impending destruction of Nineveh. If you have any questions, please review our Privacy Policy or email us at [email protected]. Not only does God spare them but they remain in Gods favor for almost another hundred years. Just 100 years earlier, the prophet Jonah had been instructed to warn Nineveh to repent. Nahum 1: Nineveh as a Symbol for All Arrogant Empires. The Burden against Nineveh (Jonah 1:1-3)1 This is the burden against Nineveh, the book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite: . You can check these in your browser security settings. Nahum makes clear that God is sovereign over the world and, thus, all nations. Those who are in Christ, the apostle Paul tells us, were crucified with Christ, so that the punishment they deserve is now a past event to be wondered at, not a future event to be feared (Rom. 16K views, 545 likes, 471 loves, 3K comments, 251 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from EWTN: Starting at 8 a.m. gain access to 50+ premium resources to enhance your study of Scripture. Check to enable permanent hiding of message bar and refuse all cookies if you do not opt in. But now, Nineveh was being prepared for destructions. ii. For less than $5/mo. Facebook is settling claims relating to the 2018 Cambridge Analytica data privacy scandal. Take a closer look at the first half of verse 3 and compare it to both Exodus 34:6-7 and Jonah 4:2. 2023 Insight for Living Ministries. The Book of Nahum can be off-putting and even revolting to Christians who know Jesus' teaching . To understand the prophet's exultant outburst of joy over the impending destruction it is necessary to recall the savage cruelty of Assyria, which had made it the scourge of the ancient Near East for almost three centuries. Sign up now for the latest news and deals from Bible Gateway! Kepher-Nahum," or " The City of Nahum." The name Nahum, or " comfort," is a strange name for this book, because the book of Nahum is a book of judgment. God will not allow rampant and unrestrained wickedness to prosper and increase indefinitely. Yet in this manner they will be cut down One hundred years later, during the time of Nahum, the Assyrians had returned to their bullish ways, conquering the northern kingdom of Israel and lording their power over Judah in the south (2 Kings 17:16; 18:1319:37). In this case the prophecy was against Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. In a world beset by increasing warfare, strife, unhappiness, sorrow, hunger and many other disasters and calamities, it is vital that we keep the hope vested in the gospel message burning forever brightly in our minds. I would summarize the message of the book this way: God's discriminating anger and vengeance against pride and cruelty arise from His great love for people. The book of Habakkuk, perhaps completed in 628 B.C.E., foretells how Jehovah will use that world power as . The historical outworking of the details of this prophecy demonstrate once again the authenticity of the Word of God. In Hebrew texts this verse (1:15) is numbered 2:1. When Christ was brought before Pilate, He was asked if He was a king. Sometime around 760 BC, God sent Jonah to Nineveh to preach repentance and hope to the Assyrian people, a message they heard and adoptedat least for a time. The inner city of Nineveh proper, about 3 miles long, and 1 miles wide, built at the junction of the Tigris and Khoser rivers, was protected by walls 100 feet high, and broad enough at the top to hold 4 chariots driven abreast, 8 miles in circuit. In this discussion, Nicholas Reidassociate professor of Old Testament and Ancient Near Eastern studies and director of the hybrid MDiv program at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlandopresents the book of Nahum as a message to the Ninevites meant to . They were themselves corrupt. The prophet Nahum reminds us of Gods active hand, working even in the darkest of times to bring justice and hope throughout the world. Jonah's was a message of Mercy; Nahum's, a message of Doom. The next power to rise is the Babylonian Empire, sometimes ruled by Chaldean kings. All the rivers run dry.The Bashan and Carmel mountains shrivel,the Lebanon orchards shrivel.Mountains quake in their roots,hills dissolve into mud flats.Earth shakes in fear of God. But this book isnt just an angry tirade against Israels enemies. As a result, God sent various godless nations to punish his people. Unfortunately, few understand the wonderful message contained in the gospel. To have people examine their hearts to see whether God is their friend or their enemy. We will be exploring Nahum 1:7 and the powerful message it contains for believers today. 1:5). Nahum taught that the Lord is a jealous and avenging God (1:2). The sad irony is that Assyria will reap the very consequences of violence and destruction they had been sowing for years (Nahum 2:10-13). Her cruelty, harlotry and witchcraft (demonic worship) (verses 1-7). The whole worlds in a panic.Who can face such towering anger? The book of Nahum is filled with images of Nineveh falling by water, fire and sword (Nahum 2:6,13), and in 612 BC, that is exactly what happened, as an alliance of Babylonians and Medes destroyed the city by those . J. Sidlow Baxter: Practically throughout it is poetic in form, and it is poetry unsurpassed for power of description. Is. To Jonah's dismay, the Ninevites listened to his message, repented, and were spared God's judgment. Question 45 In Malachi, God denounces His people by raising the question of Question 46 In Isaiah . (Individual-study students should . The utter end of its place was also literally fulfilled. Nahum further predicts that the city would not rise again to prominence (3:19), and apparently that it would be difficult to locate (3:11). This page last updated: February 18, 2022, Nahum-Malachi, Holman Old Testament Commentary by Stephen Miller, Nahum, Habakkuk, & Zephaniah, New International Commentary on the Old Testament by O. Palmer Robertson, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah, New American Commentary by Kenneth Barker. The Bible states that humanity does not know the way to peace and that without Gods help we cannot succeed (Isaiah 59:8-10). Nahum, Theology of. Nineveh stands for the warfare of man against his fellow human beings. The Book of Nahum is the 7th book in the section of the Holy Bible known as the minor prophets. Normal view MARC view ISBD view. While God brings down all the arrogant empires, he will also provide refuge for those who humble themselves before him. Nahum makes a vital contribution to the progression of redemptive history. Unlike Jonah, who was a messenger of grace to the city of Nineveh one hundred years prior, Nahum was a messenger of judgment. These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience. Human history is filled with tribes and nations elevating themselves and using violence to take what they want, always resulting in massive loss of innocent lives. 1:8-9, 14; Isa. Lets be honest: its pretty ridiculous to see Assyria given so much grace through God sending the prophet Jonah to warn them, right? The name "Nahum" means comfort or consolation. . But I believe the the Bible has given us timeless wisdom and instruction on topics such as this and one of the books that speaks to this issue in profound ways is the book of Nahum. Nahum lived in a dark time, a time in which the faithful few must have wondered how long they would have to resist cultural and spiritual compromise. The prophets used massa to describe the prophetic message, or oracles, revealed against a people. Who can endure(T) his fierce anger? This verse reminds us of God's goodness, his protection, and his care for those who trust in him. Please see our Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. At times a prophet was instructed to . Nahum means "comfort" or "consolation" and is a short form of Nehemiah ("comfort of Yahweh"). iii. This is good news; this is published peace (see Nah. More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free. 2:13, 3:5). Introduction. Military might does not preclude obligations of righteousness and justice. In Isaiah, the good news is the coming of the Messiah. Notice how Halley's Bible Handbook introduces the book of Nahum: "Two of the Prophets had to do with Nineveh: Jonah, about 785 B.C., and Nahum, about 630 B.C. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. The power of their oppressors would be broken (I will break off his yoke from you). Bible Outlines is dedicated to helping others understand scriptures through the Big Idea concept. Not long after the Assyrian city of Nineveh repented because of Jonahs preaching, the same city was denounced by Nahum for its godlessnessgodlessness which earned Gods righteous wrath. Nineveh was truly destroyed in the fashion described and forgotten about for centuries, despite her place of prominence in the ancient world. Once again God sends one of His prophets to Nineveh warning of judgment in the form of the destruction of their city and . Click to enable/disable Google reCaptcha. No one is exempt from Gods righteous judgment that will overtake those who remain hostile to him. Oracle often indicates a divine message of judgment against a foreign nation ( Isa. It will be a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the wrathful, avenging God when He unleashes His fury. God Is Serious Business. However, before we get too self-righteous, we would be wise to consider how many times you and I have done the exact same thing. All rights reserved. - God is slow to anger and great in power. Nahum warns the Assyrian capital of Nineveh of God's judgment for their cruelty, idolatry, and wickedness. anger (Nahum 1:3), His goodness and strength (1:7), and His restorative power (2:2). Gods gracious intention to bring them a Messiah from the line of David, a true and final king, would not be thwarted. From now on Im taking the yoke from your neck. Click to enable/disable _gid - Google Analytics Cookie. Yet all along the city lay buried under layers of earth until the 1800s when archaeologists uncovered the ruins. The prophecy brought comfort to Judah and all who feared the cruel Assyrians. New International Version (NIV). Chuck has a way of saying it the way it is! But none of that matters if God is against you. Although they have allies and are numerous,they will be destroyed(AG) and pass away.Although I have afflicted you, Judah,I will afflict you no more. and vents his wrath against his enemies. Who can stand before his indignation? Seven hundred years before Christ he sent the Assyrians. Example: NobodyhadntNobodyhad\overset{\textit{Nobody had}}{\cancel{\text{Nobody hadn't}}}NobodyhadntNobodyhad thought of that solution to the problem before. As Nahum writes: Woe to the bloody city! Brief Summary: Nineveh once had responded to the preaching of Jonah and turned from their evil ways to serve the Lord God. ________________, a. lan (F)3The Lord is slow to anger(G) but great in power;the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished. It is called "an oracle concerning Nineveh" and "the book of the vision of Nahum" ( Nah. This was how ripe Nineveh was for judgment, and how complete the fire of judgment will be when it comes. a messenger bringing the latest good news: peace! The book invites every reader to humble themselves before Gods justice and trust that, in his time, he will confront the oppressors of every time and place. He wont allow arrogant or violent empires to endure forever. We see the front line of Babylonian soldiers, the charge of the chariots, the chaos on the city walls as the city is breached, the slaughter of Ninevehs people, and finally, the plundering of the city. The old house was so creepy we didn't hardly dare to set a foot inside. According to secular accounts, during the final siege of Nineveh by a rebel army of Persians, Medes, Arabians, and Babylonians, unusually heavy rains caused the rivers to flood and to undermine the citys walls, which then collapsedthe invading armies entered the city through this breach in its defenses. (Boice), ii. Nahum was a prophet of God and his message comes in the form of a prophetic vision. The meaning of Nahum's name, "consoler," plays an important role in the prophet's message (see Bible Dictionary, "Nahum"). The Book of Nahum presents a sobering graphical depiction of the unleashing of Gods wrath against the wickedness of Nineveh. One important aspect of the ancient TaNaK order of the Hebrew Bible is that the 12 prophetic works of Hosea through Malachi, sometimes referred to as the Minor Prophets, were designed as a single book called The Twelve. By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. Well, the story of Jonah going to Nineveh happened 100 years before the message of Nahum was written. the book of Nahum mentions the destruction of Thebes, it does not mention its reconstruction, which took place in 654 BC. ET on EWTN: Holy Mass and Rosary on Sunday, April 23, 2023 Tell us where you're. You may unsubscribe from Bible Gateways emails at any time. Nah. We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Decide which vocabulary word best completes the sentence, and write the letter of your choice on the answer line. [34] Exposition. The book of Nahum opens with an incomplete alphabet poem that begins by describing a powerful appearance of Gods glorysimilar to how the previous book, Micah, began and how the following book, Habakkuk, concludes.
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