A few weeks ago my pastor was doing the sermon. Right now we are in the book of Jude. I was telling my sister Joyce that it is interesting how most churches or people in general will read or study the most known books. For example, we always hear about Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. While he was talking, I couldn’t shake the idea that some of the books, I would just pass over. I knew they were important, but not as important as some, or so I thought.
I pulled out the Bible and was looking through the books of the Bible. I knew them all in order from when I was a child. But, memorizing isn’t the same as studying the entire Bible and the Word of God. Nahum reminds us that God is in control and He won’t let evil to persist forever.
Nahum is considered to be one of the “Minor Prophets.” The Hebrew name “Nahum” means “comfort” or “consolation.” Nahum is to give the final warning and judgment upon Nineveh, and he also addresses the rest of the Assyrian empire. They returned to wickedness shortly after they repented back in Jonah’s day.
Nahum was chosen to comfort those who were oppressed in the kingdom of Judah. Nahum told them to rejoice because Nineveh will be justly punished. While the book of Jonah records Nineveh’s reprieve, Nahum predicts its destruction. Assyria was the archenemy of Israel and Judah. It was used by God to punish the inhabitants of Israel who had turned to idol worship and other evil practices.
In Nahum 1 God triumphs over his enemies, regardless of how strong they are. As I read more and study it, it seems as if there are a couple specific sins that Nahum mentions about Nineveh:
- They are greedy and full of lustful pleasures.
- They have no mercy even though they have great strength. They aren’t remorseful when it comes to destroying and killing.
In the days of Jonah, Nineveh turned away from their evil ways and they served the Lord. . But 150 years later, Nineveh returned to their old ways such as idolatry, violence, and arrogance (Nahum 3:1–4). God sends one of His prophet Nahum to Nineveh to warn them of the judgment that will destroy their city and exhorting them to repentance. The Ninevites did not heed’s Nahum’s warning, and the city was brought under the dominion of Babylon.
Does the book of Nahum apply to us today? Yes!
God is patient and slow to anger. Even though He is patient, He isn’t going to deal with mocking. I would like to use the United States as an example of how Nahum still applies to us today.
In the past 20 plus years, our country has changed. The United States was founded on the principles that are found in the Bible. We have been a nation over 200 yrs. Our country is getting further and further from God. We are going in the opposite direction. As a Christian, I know and I do believe that our only hope is in Jesus Christ. We could easily become the next Nineveh at the rate we are going.
We are living in difficult times, but I know that the Lord is good! When life comes crashing down on you and you have faith in God and believe, you will discover that peace can be found in the midst of the storm. God won’t allow wickedness to exist forever.
- Nahum 1:7-8, The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him, but with an overwhelming flood he will make an end of Nineveh; he will pursue his foes into the realm of darkness.Whatever they plot against the Lord he will bring to an end; trouble will not come a second time. They will be entangled among thorns and drunk from their wine;
I would have to say that we shouldn’t expect God to bless us if we are unwilling to believe and let Him be the One in control of our lives. I have found over and over again that my stubbornness and control issues doesn’t get me very far. There have ben times when I have wondered why God will let His children go through difficult times. Basically, when we put our trust in him despite whatever our circumstances may be, things will work out according to His will.
In closing I just want to add that the Bible is a book of hope for the future when the God will secure lasting peace among all peoples and nations (Isaiah 9:6-7). Nahum also predicted a time of peace beyond this troubled world.
The Grace of God which promises the deliverance of Judah from the oppressive hand of the Assyrians, is seen particularly in the introductory verses, where Gods divine attributes are emphasized. The LORD is slow to anger and great in power, And will not at all acquit the wicked…. The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him . The LORD is patient and gracious to all those who trust in Him.
Senseless Ramblings of the Mindless 