A prophet of Judah, Nahum’s name means “comforter” or “consoler”. Nahum was the “unknown” prophet that prophesied a warning for the 2nd time to Nineveh, the capital city of Assyria. After repentance following Jonah’s reluctant missionary journey to warn the Ninevites of impending doom for their many sins (between 785-760 BC), they had fallen back into immoral behavior once again.
The city was now called a “city of murder” (3:1). They were a cruel people, judged for their pride, idolatry, lies, treachery and social injustice. Nahum predicted this great and powerful nation of Assyria would be utterly destroyed because of its sins. The end came within 50 years of Nahum’s proclamation. The statement that illustrates the Lord’s infinite power and might is found in verse 9 where the prophet says: “(The Lord) will destroy you with one blow; he won’t need to strike twice!”
With Jonah, some 100 years before, they heard God’s message of judgment and repented in sackcloth and ashes. This time around the Ninevites ignored the warning and continued on as if no judgment would be coming. They relied on alliances with other nations and military power, not realizing that no power on this earth can protect them from God’s fiery judgment. It comes with such force that it cannot be stopped.
This book presents a clear message to all mankind … “Anyone who remains arrogant and resists God’s authority will face his anger.” We must remember that God alone can truly rescue us from fear and oppression. It is the Lord in whom we must place our confidence because he alone rules all of history, all the earth and all of our lives. *
Up next is the book of Habakkuk. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing!
In His Name & for His Glory,
Richard Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
Resource: The Life Application Study Bible.
* Notes on P.1915 of the Life Application Study Bible.
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