A prophecy concerning Nineveh. This all came to pass exactly as Nahum had predicted. Apparently, their reform had only been short-lived and now God was going to visit upon them utter humiliation and devastation for their unrestrained wickedness. Question 4 1 / 1 pts One lament in Lamentations features a beleaguered individual who probably is the personification of the city of Jerusalem . Siege and capture described (verses 1-8). Revelation 17-18 describe the fall of Babylon, representing the world system and all of its support structures. The prophets used massa to describe the prophetic message, or oracles, revealed against a people. Not long after the Assyrian city of Nineveh repented because of Jonah's preaching, the same city was denounced by Nahum for its godlessnessgodlessness which earned God's righteous wrath. It is all full of lies and robbery (3:1). "The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord is avenging and wrathful; the Lord takes vengeance on his adversaries . While the book of Jonah records Ninevehs reprieve, Nahum predicts its destruction. Nahum is the seventh book of The Twelve. The burden against Nineveh. This is profound encouragement for believers today around the globe. 7-10God is good,a hiding place in tough times.He recognizes and welcomesanyone looking for help,No matter how desperate the trouble. Humanity does not understand Gods overwhelming desire for all people to experience radiant happiness and hope for a prosperous, stable future. Together they illustrate Gods way of dealing with nations: prolonging the day of grace, in the end visiting punishment for sins (p. 368). 1:15). If we look closer, we find that in the Hebrew text of Nahum, Nineveh is never actually mentioned by name in chapter 1. (700s). 10, 14). Gods gracious intention to bring them a Messiah from the line of David, a true and final king, would not be thwarted. The poem opens by quoting the famous line from Gods self description after the golden calf incident in Exodus 34:6-7. Example: NobodyhadntNobodyhad\overset{\textit{Nobody had}}{\cancel{\text{Nobody hadn't}}}NobodyhadntNobodyhad thought of that solution to the problem before. You can check these in your browser security settings. - God is slow to anger and great in power. And burst your bonds apart.. Almost every day we hear new stories about a mass shooting, government corruption, global health epidemics, violence and crime in neighborhoods, and global tension between nations ravaged by war and terrorism. Copyright 2019 by Zondervan. Your name shall be perpetuated no longer. If you have any questions, please review our Privacy Policy or email us at privacy@biblegateway.com. The book of the vision of Nahum of Elkosh" (1:1). b. Worship and recommit to God!No more worries about this enemy. Not only that but Nahum also describes the downfall of the bad guys as good news for the remnant of Gods peoplea direct allusion to Isaiahs good news about the downfall of Babylon (Nah. Today, we are studying the Book of Nahum. While Nahum preached against Nineveh, he taught several important lessons. [b](AF)11From you, Nineveh, has one come forthwho plots evil against the Lordand devises wicked plans. Nineveh stands for the warfare of man against his fellow human beings. anger (Nahum 1:3), His goodness and strength (1:7), and His restorative power (2:2). gain access to 50+ premium resources to enhance your study of Scripture. Question 2 1 / 1 pts The book of Nahum is a message against ___ _ _ _____. The LORD takes vengeance on His foes . Jesus Christ took Gods wrath upon himself for the sake of all who would believe in him. Its an unmarked grave. 9Whatever they plot(AC) against the Lordhe will bring[a] to an end;trouble will not come a second time.10They will be entangled among thorns(AD)and drunk(AE) from their wine;they will be consumed like dry stubble. In fact, how many times have you and I done the exact same thing this week? The book of Nahum is God's message of the impending destruction of Nineveh. 1:8-9, 14; Isa. 2 God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies.. 3 The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the . The book of Nahum is a message of judgment against the Assyrian empire, which had oppressed and abused God's people . The prophet reveals God in terms of justice, power, and goodness and artfully and theologically intertwines the message of judgment and grace. 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. Hes putting an end to all such scheming.For troublemakers, no second chances. Chuck has a way of saying it the way it is! 11Ninevehs an anthillof evil plots against God,A think tank for liesthat seduce and betray. Nahum taught that the Lord is a jealous and avenging God (1:2). Yet even this chosen nation, called to be a kingdom of priests mediating Gods grace globally (Ex. Jonah recounts the remission of Gods promised judgment toward Nineveh, while Nahum depicts the later execution of Gods judgment. The Bible states that humanity does not know the way to peace and that without Gods help we cannot succeed (Isaiah 59:8-10). Perpetual desolation predicted (verses 8-19). We need 2 cookies to store this setting. The book concludes with a taunt against the fallen king of Assyria, whos stricken with a fatal wound. By submitting your email address, you understand that you will receive email communications from Bible Gateway, a division of The Zondervan Corporation, 3900 Sparks Drive SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 USA, including commercial communications and messages from partners of Bible Gateway. No one from any of the nations he has oppressed offers help. and great in power; massa not only signifies a burden, but also a thing lifted up, pronounced, or proclaimed; also a message.It is used by the prophets to signify the revelation which they have received from God to deliver to any particular people: the oracle-the prophecy.Here it signifies the declaration from God relative to the overthrow of . Nahum's message does contain typical prophetic precepts, G. Fohrer points out. The school variety show will feature singers, dancers, musicians, and comics ?\underline{? Your name shall be perpetuated no longer: The city of Nineveh was once instantly recognized as one of the great power cities of the world. Nahum announces that God's judgment is at hand and will bring justice to the nations. BEST VALUE in digital Bible study. Their armies were violent and destructive on a scale that the world had never seen before. With this perspective in mind, the book continues by putting its focus back on Assyria. Behold, on the mountains the feet of him who brings good tidings, who proclaims peace! ; about 150 years apart. A Message From The Book Of Nahum. Their end in judgment would come like an overflowing flood. I will dig your grave, The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and he wont leave evil unpunished. The rest of the poem goes back and forth, contrasting the fate of the arrogant, violent nations with the fate of Gods faithful remnant. The utter end of its place was also literally fulfilled. (F)3The Lord is slow to anger(G) but great in power;the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished. Yet as such denunciation is directed against Israels oppressors, it is indeed a deep comfort. O Judah, keep your appointed feasts, Nineveh would have been significant for the people of Judah, who would have needed encouragement in the face of the terrifying power of the Assyrian Empire. 15Look! Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. Nahum makes clear that God is sovereign over the world and, thus, all nations. The book of Nahum begins, "An oracle concerning Nineveh. At times a prophet was instructed to . Start your free trial today! He stands up against his enemies, fierce and raging.But God doesnt lose his temper. The book's title is taken from the prophet of God's oracle against Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. From you comes forth one 13:1 ). Im digging your grave. Can we really be confident that the United Nations or some other power will have the capability to bring about world peace and prosperity? Rejoicing is not in this context gleeful gloating at the misfortune of others. Rather it is pleasure at the vindication of God and his promises. (Baker). God Is Serious Business. His word came in visions, oracles, dreams, parables, and the like. (1) The burden of Nahum. 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. While scholars have proposed a number of theories about Nahums hometown, Elkosh, the best option identifies it with a city in southern Judah that later came to be known as Elcesi, near where the prophet Micah lived. The Message Raspberry Blossom, Personal Size + Topical Concordance, The Message of Hope: Discover Meaning and Purpose for Your Life - eBook, The Message//REMIX Solo: An Uncommon Devotional, Breast Cancer Awareness, Pink Edition, The Message Large-Print Deluxe Gift Bible--soft leather-look, green, The Message: Catholic/Ecumenical Edition, Softcover, The Message // REMIX 2.0, Soft Imitation Leather, Color Spectrum. I will cut off the carved image and the molded image. The promise affliction will not rise up a second time sounds encouraging, until we realize that it will not rise up a second time because the judgment will be so severe the first time. ET on EWTN: Holy Mass and Rosary on Sunday, April 23, 2023 Tell us where you're. However, its wealth was not the result of trade alone, but also came through the practice of deceit and the plundering of neighboring nations. Following is a suggested outline of the book of Nahum: Most people are interested in the future. b. nouveau riche Unfortunately, few understand the wonderful message contained in the gospel. The prophet Nahum reminds us of Gods active hand, working even in the darkest of times to bring justice and hope throughout the world. This blatant refusal to maintain Gods ways was the final straw and thus Nahum was given a prophetic vision to deliver as Gods final message to the Assyrians. April 28, 2023 12:15 p.m. PT. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. He will make an utter end of it. List of Illustrations x Series Editors' Preface xii Preface xiv Acknowledgments xvi Abbreviations xx I Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah 1 Jin H. Han Introduction 3 The Three Among the Twelve 3 The Manner of Presentation 5 1 Nahum 6 Nahum in Literature 9 Nahum in the Arts 11 Nahum in Worship 14 Nahum 1: The Avenging God 15 Nahum 2: Destruction of Nineveh 27 Nahum 3: Woe Oracle against the City of . for those who trust in him" ( 1:7 ), but also one who "will not leave the guilty unpunished" ( 1:3 ). Sign up now for the latest news and deals from Bible Gateway! Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. Although they have allies and are numerous. The Assyrians arose as one of the worlds first great empires, and their expansion into Israel resulted in the total destruction and exile of the northern kingdom and its tribes (2 Kgs. He is against those who do not trust Him and are full of violence, lies, lust and stealing ( Nahum 3:1-6 ). Seven hundred years before Christ he sent the Assyrians. Nahum is a biblical book that Christians find easy to avoid. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite. 1:3). By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. Her cruelty, harlotry and witchcraft (demonic worship) (verses 1-7). 2:20). 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. Striding across the mountainsa messenger bringing the latest good news: peace!A holiday, Judah! ii. But we don't know where that was because it is not mentioned elsewhere in the . Instead, they celebrate his demise, and thats where the book ends, describing this grim party. Even though God had used the Assyrian empire to . 2022 TheEnduring WordBible Commentary by David Guzik ewm@enduringword.com. Their violence has sown the seeds of their own destruction, and so Assyria will fall before Babylon. The sure and reliable hope of true Christians is that they can have a part in the future Kingdom of God (Daniel 2:44). It was protected by 5 walls and 3 moats (canals) built by the forced labor of unnumbered thousands of foreign captives. a. This was how ripe Nineveh was for judgment, and how complete the fire of judgment will be when it comes. It opens with a description of the attributes and operations of God, and runs in three strophes, answering to the three chapters in our English version. He stands up against his enemies, fierce and raging. (AK)I will destroy the images(AL) and idolsthat are in the temple of your gods.I will prepare your grave,(AM)for you are vile., 15Look, there on the mountains,the feet of one who brings good news,(AN)who proclaims peace! Yet while God had used the Assyrians to punish his own people, this did not mean his covenant with Israel would be undone. (AH)13Now I will break their yoke(AI) from your neckand tear your shackles away.(AJ), 14The Lord has given a command concerning you, Nineveh:You will have no descendants to bear your name. The very first verse of this book informs us that the message will be "The burden against Nineveh" (Nahum 1:1). Thus opens Nahums prophecy, and this is the message of this book of the Bible for the world today. While God brings down all the arrogant empires, he will also provide refuge for those who humble themselves before him. [34] Exposition. Nahum warns the Assyrian capital of Nineveh of God's judgment for their cruelty, idolatry, and wickedness. 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. Within the space of about 20 years of Nahums prophecy, an army of Babylonians and Medes closed in on the city and besieged it. Jonah had already uttered his message of warning, and Nahum was followed by Zephaniah, who also predicted . Therefore, the city of Nineveh did actually repent and turn from their evil ways and God spared them. Just 100 years earlier, the prophet Jonah had been instructed to warn Nineveh to repent. The book ends with the destruction of the city. It is attributed to the prophet Nahum, and was probably written in Jerusalem in the 7th century BC. The message was proclaimed to Judah (Nahum 1:15) and not to the 10 tribes of Israel who were already in captivity. The old house was so creepy we didn't hardly dare to set a foot inside. In Nahum we see that no matter what present circumstances may indicate, the Lord will bring every evil deed under his righteous judgment. But this book isnt just an angry tirade against Israels enemies. For now I will break off his yoke from you, Babylonians. Nahum is less a warning of calamity for God's enemies and more a word of comfort for God's people. The author is not expressing some personal feeling of vindication over some hurt by the oppressor, nor even a nationalistic chauvinism that pagan nations must be punished. The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them: You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page. J. Barton Payne, 2 Chronicles, in The Expositors Bible Commentary, abridged ed., Old Testament, ed., Kenneth L. Barker and John R. Kohlenberger III (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994), 672. 1:7, 12, 13, 15; 2:2). He wont allow arrogant or violent empires to endure forever. True. Just 100 years earlier, the prophet Jonah had been instructed to warn Nineveh to repent. (Nah. The Book of Nahum was, literally, their final chapter. This one is history. The book of Nahum is a Prophetic Oracle. The feet speak of activity, motion, and progress, and those who are active and moving in the work of preaching the gospel have beautiful feet. Nahum was a prophet of God and his message comes in the form of a prophetic vision. Nahum's book is a sequel to, and a dramatic contrast with, the book of Jonah. The burden: In the prophets, a burden is a heavy message of weighty importance, heavy in the sense that it produces sorrow or grief. He will bring justice in his own time. What was mourned on earth was applauded in heaven, and the same principle applies in Nahums prophecy of Ninevehs fall. 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. Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking. While several options have been proposed by scholars, the best argument places Obadiah in the 840s BC, making him the earliest writing prophet, a few years prior to Joel, and a contemporary of Elisha. God gave Nahum a strong message to the ancient city of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. After allowing approximately two hundred years of powerful Assyrian kings and rulers, God announced through Nahum His plans to judge the city of Nineveh. These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features. Click to enable/disable _gid - Google Analytics Cookie. Complete Points to Ponder as directed by your teacher. iii. But God doesn't lose his temper. 1A prophecy(A) concerning Nineveh. Military might does not preclude obligations of righteousness and justice. Changes will take effect once you reload the page. It will be a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the wrathful, avenging God when He unleashes His fury. It is called "an oracle concerning Nineveh" and "the book of the vision of Nahum" ( Nah. 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. All of these little details from chapter 1 come together and make a key point: For Nahum, the fall of Nineveh is an example of how God is at work in history. 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. And for the people of God, there is this promise: But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever (Daniel 7:18). Sunday | 97 views, 4 likes, 7 loves, 18 comments, 8 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Capital Heights Baptist Church: Sunday Morning 04/23/2023 Thank. This is good news; this is published peace (see Nah. THE BOOK OF NAHUM Shortly before the fall of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, in 612 B.C., Nahum uttered his prophecy against the hated city. Click to enable/disable _gat_* - Google Analytics Cookie. The same God had a retributive judgment against evil which is also redemptive, bestowing His loving kindnesses upon the faithful (cf. The LORD has given a command concerning you: To have people examine their hearts to see whether God is their friend or their enemy. Chapter ii. God spoke through many prophets to proclaim His complete message. Like all books in this section, the Book of Nahum is named after its author, the prophet Nahum. In that introduction, we learn what the book is (an oracle and a vision), what the book is about (the city of Nineveh), and who wrote the book (a prophet named Nahum, who comes from an unknown location called Elkosh). Question 45 In Malachi, God denounces His people by raising the question of Question 46 In Isaiah . To remind us that God is still in control of the destiny of all nations; that no matter how powerful and untouchable the wicked might seem, they are like fruit to be plucked by God whenever He desires. - God will not leave the guilty unpunished. The Lord takes vengeance against His foes; He is furious with His enemies. This cannot be said of the Jewish people during the 2,600 years that have elapsed since the destruction of Nineveh. Although the Lord is slow to anger, He is still angry! 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. Hope for all. God, the all-powerful Creator, comes to confront the nations and bring . People in general want to know whether world leaders will find peace or if our modern weapons of mass destruction will wipe all life from the earth. For those that trust in God and submit to His ways there will be refuge and comfort until His day of judgment occurs (Nahum 1:7). This book is a sequel to the book of Jonah. 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 . Nineveh, at the time Nahum predicted its downfall, was at the heart of a vast, powerful empirethe commercial center of the world. 1 A report on the problem of Nineveh, the way God gave Nahum of Elkosh to see it: 2-6 God is serious business. All those who cling to their own self-made places of refuge will experience the terrifying flood of divine wrath that is coming at the end of time. (Individual-study students should . Your browser does not support JavaScript. Discipleship, Evangelism, Faith, Gospel, Leadership. Nahum, in vivid and dramatic detail, describes the battle scenes and subsequent destruction (2:1-4; 3:1-7). Nineveh became the embodiment of human violence and conquest. The major thrust of the book, from beginning to end, is the fall of Nineveh, described as "the bloody city" (3:1). The Hebrew name Nahum means comfort or consolation. The theme of the prophecy is the fate and destruction of Nineveh, the one-time capital city of the mighty Assyrian empire, which had destroyed Israel and taken many inhabitants of the land captive (722 B.C.). Perform your vows. In Nahum, the good news is the defeat of the enemies of Gods people. 5. I mean, not a lot of people have actually read the book of Nahum, but they can be quick to quote these verses. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. that the book of Nahum originated in cultic circles, and that it is a religio-political propagandistic pamphlet. a. (H)His way is in the whirlwind(I) and the storm,(J)and clouds(K) are the dust of his feet.4He rebukes(L) the sea and dries it up;(M)he makes all the rivers run dry.Bashan and Carmel(N) witherand the blossoms of Lebanon fade.5The mountains quake(O) before himand the hills melt away. Please contact us or click here to learn more about how to enable JavaScript on your browser. 6:111; Gal. Nahum 3:5, directed at Nineveh, reads: "'I am against you,'" declares the Lord Almighty. 1:15; Isa. The book of Nahum is one of the prophetic books of the Old Testament and presents a message of divine judgment against the city of Nineveh, capital of the Assyrian Empire. 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. We deduce it as we see how he repeatedly declares he is against the Ninevites in Nahum. They shall be devoured like stubble fully dried: The dry leftover stalks of grass were ready to be devoured by the smallest flame. The destruction of Nineveh and Assyria would be a message of consolation for the nations Assyria had oppressed. Jonahs was a message of Mercy; Nahums, a message of Doom. Most of these book were written to the people of Israel and Judah, but Nahum, Obadiah, and Jonah are more concerned with surrounding nations. Nahum teaches that God does have enemies. The Book of Nahum is the 7th book in the section of the Holy Bible known as the minor prophets. And while drunken like drunkards, You will have no descendants to bear your name. 19:6), needed grace themselves. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite. Yet we see them turn right back around to embrace their sinful and destructive past once again and we scratch our heads. Nahums singular focus on the impending judgment of Nineveh offers a continuation of the story that began in Jonah. 52:7). The book of Habakkuk, perhaps completed in 628 B.C.E., foretells how Jehovah will use that world power as . Clarke's Commentary. How does Nahum's quotation of the Exodus passage differ from Jonah's? In Hebrew texts this verse (1:15) is numbered 2:1. ultimate sense of justice for all in the end. The book of Nahum mentions the recent fall of No-amon, or Thebes, which occurred in 663 BC (Nahum 3:8), as well as the coming destruction of Nineveh, which happened in 612 BC (1:1; 3:1115). When God had a message for the people, He spoke through the prophets. (AO)Celebrate your festivals,(AP) Judah,and fulfill your vows.No more will the wicked invade you;(AQ)they will be completely destroyed.[c]. He wont be trifled with.He avenges his foes. Much of the pain involved in being a Christian can never be addressed in a human court of lawgossip, slander, ridicule, scoffing, avoidance. This message proved to be a comfort for Gods people who had suffered much abuse from the cruel Assyrians. But Nahum prophesied some 70 years after Jonah's day and by his time the Assyrian capital had fallen again into its violent and degraded ways. They shall be devoured like stubble fully dried. No doubt we all have felt overwhelmed by the darkness both within ourselves and in our world. THE COMFORTING EXAMPLE OF NINEVEH: WHEN YOUR ENEMIES HAVE GOD AS THEIR ENEMY, HIS WRATH BRINGS SWIFT AND TERRIBLE HUMILIATION AND DEVASTATION, Nahum 2:13; 3:5 Behold, I am against you, I. The prophet's message is directed against Nineveh, the same Nineveh we saw humbled and repenting under Jonah's ministry. 1:15). Take a closer look at the first half of verse 3 and compare it to both Exodus 34:6-7 and Jonah 4:2. So how does this compare to the book of Nahum? New International Version (NIV). Ninevehs heinous methods are likened to a pride of ravaging lions tearing apart their prey. The book of Nahum, using Assyria and Babylon as examples, says that God is grieved and cares about the death of the innocent and that his goodness and justice compels him to orchestrate the downfall of oppressive nations. Nahum shows that despite the unjust and lawless nature of a nation, God is slow to anger (1:3), but He will not always delay His intervention and punishment. For while tangled like thorns, He won't be trifled with. Copyright 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson. God is both good and full of wrath. It was used by God to punish the inhabitants of Israel who had turned to idol worship and other evil practices. It seems strange at first glance that the prophecy of Nahum, whose name means comfort, would include so much denunciation and judgment. The books of Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah / Thomas Renz. Unfortunately, after a few years the Assyrians went back to their old ways and not only did they return to their wicked ways but, as history shows us, their evil became worse than ever (Nahum 3:1)! . If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain. Greater Nineveh was about 30 miles long and about 10 miles wide. 2 The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord takes vengeance and is filled with wrath. No one is exempt from Gods righteous judgment that will overtake those who remain hostile to him.

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