sign in sign up
<<
Home , 612 BC, Book of Nahum, Nahum, Nahum 1, Nahum 2, Nahum 3

(7) Minor , jrg Background

As I go over Nahum there is one question I want to think about as this will be a point of discussion. How does Nahum’s message apply to us in today’s world?

Nahum - this Hebrew name translates to “counselor” or “comforter”. Little is known about Nahum. He is identified as an Elkoshite. The where about’s of “Elkosh” are not known. Scholars speculate on various ancient middle east locations but there is no consensus. One mentioned in several sources was , which means “the village of Nahum” on the Sea of . Nahum was an exceptional writer using a poetic structure, eloquence, and dramatic, descriptive language in powerful ways to convey a hopeful message to and the wrath of God upon /. Among the he is dubbed the Poet .

Historical Context:

When was this written? Scholars estimate Nahum was written between 663 and 612 BC. This 40 year window was derived from statements in the . He mentions Thebes (No Amon) in falling to the Assyrians (663 BC) in the past tense, so it had already happened. The future destruction of Nineveh is described as coming. Nineveh was destroyed in 612 BC. Nahum most likely was living in and may have witnessed , King of Assyria attempt to destroy Jerusalem in (701 BC). His prophecy had to be before 612 BC.

The Oppressors - Assyrians. They were the first ancient middle east super power. Assyrian kings were brutal to the people they conquered. This is well documented in history by many sources. More on that later. But I thought Nineveh had turned back to God … A 150 years after Nineveh repented at the preaching of , she returned to idolatry, violence, and arrogance (3:1-4). Assyria was at the height of her power, having recovered from Sennacherib’s defeat (701 BC), at Jerusalem (Isa. 37:36-38). Her borders extended all the way into Egypt. King had recently transplanted conquered peoples into Samaria and Galilee (in 670 BC; 2 Kings 17:24; 4:2), leaving Syria and very weak.

1 (7) Minor Prophets, jrg Nahum

Historically who took Nineveh down? ’s king and his son, Nebuchadnezzar (612 BC). The (pre-Persian empire) had a hand in their defeat as well. Assyria’s demise turned out just as Naham had prophesied.

Timelines & Location of Empires

2 (7) Minor Prophets, jrg Nahum

Theological Themes:

Nahum presents Yahweh as the sovereign warrior God who takes just vengeance on his enemies, yet in his goodness saves those who take refuge in him. He is sovereign over all things, people, nations, and history itself. While slow to anger, he will not tolerant sin forever. A major theme throughout the .

Nahum, as God’s voice for this period, states his case against Nineveh/Assyria. The tone is severe with judgement, calling calamity/curses on Nineveh as an enemy to God. This direct merciless style is found in some of the .

The people of Nineveh had forgotten Jonah’s message and warning from 150 years earlier. They had returned to gross sin, vicious cruelty, and bloodshed. They had no regard for people as many of the records of the statements of Sennarcherib and Erarhadddon, and and other kings make clear. God had enough of their sin and Nahum was his instrument to declare judgment. It gives God no pleasure to judge, but he delights in salvation. History reveals people and nations who want nothing to do with God and who must therefore suffer just retribution. People are not autonomous beings. Made in the image of God and with God’s design for relationship they are responsible to him. For all humankind will be judged. references on God’s judgement.

3 (7) Minor Prophets, jrg Nahum

Romans 14: 10-12 (NIV) 2 Corinthians 5:10 (NIV). You, then, why do you judge your brother For we must all appear before the or sister? Or why do you treat them with judgment seat of Christ, so that each of contempt? For we will all stand before us may receive what is due us for the God’s judgment seat. It is written: things done while in the body, whether good or bad. “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’”

So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.

About Nineveh The people of Nineveh were proud of their well fortified city, with her walls reaching 100 feet high and with a moat 150 feet wide and 60 feet deep. Formidable. It was a major hub of commerce and contained much of the wealth taken from other nations.

Illustration recreating Nineveh at the height of its grandeur.

4 (7) Minor Prophets, jrg Nahum

Assyrian Arrogance, Cruelty, & Military Might Here are only two quotes taken to give an example of Assyrian arrogance.

“As for the King of Judah, , who had not submitted to my authority, I besieged and captured forty-six of his fortified cities, along with many smaller towns, take-in battle with my batter rams, … As for Hezekiah, I shut him up like a caged bird in his royal city of Jerusalem. I then constructed a series of fortresses around him, and did not allow anyone to come out of the city gates.” - King Sennacherib (805-681 BC)

“ I am powerful, I am omnipotent, I am a hero, I am gigantic, I am colossal!” - King Esarshaddon (680-669 BC)

5 (7) Minor Prophets, jrg Nahum

The Assyrian cruelty to those they defeated were extraordinary. These reliefs are artifacts found in excavated palaces in . They capture some of the cruelty showing Assyrians dismembering conquered tribes/peoples, skinning them alive, and using their heads on pyramids. These were psychologic tools to generate extreme fear from rebels or other nations. Their military sophistication with weapons and tactics were remarkable for their times. They were one of the first to make use of iron, mass produce weapons, create battering rams inside rolling towers, and use an archery buddy system to protect archers while reloading. They created an air sack to allow warriors to swim underwater undetected.

Assyrian victors would send those conquered to other regions of their empire. Dispersing people.

6 (7) Minor Prophets, jrg Nahum

Literary Structure

Nahum uses an elegant literary structure. Chiastic or ‘ring’ pattern. For example, the structure ABBA refers to two ideas (A and B) repeated in reverse order (B and A). Often, a chiasm includes another idea in the middle of the repetition: ABXBA. Chapter 1 uses a partial acrostic of the Hebrew alphabet. Chiastic pattern below is taken from The Message of the Twelve (Hearing the Voice of the Minor Prophets), Book of Nahum By Al Fuhr, Gary Yates • Call to celebrate ( 1:15) • The Prophets Vision (2:1-10) • The Prophets Taunt (2:11-12) • Declaration of Yahweh (2:13) • Woe Oracle (3:1-4) • Declaration of Yahweh (3:5-7) • The Prophet’s Taunt (3:8-13) • The Prophet’s Vision (3:14-17) • Call to Celebrate (3:18-19) Nahum uses similes and metaphors extensively. In the Hebrew there is a staccato tempo in his word choices and sentences. A merciless tone is directed to Nineveh.

Nahum 1: 1-16

Chapter one is a broader statement of God’s character, his stance against evil, his desire to protect his people, and ultimately deal with those nations who are evil. 1 A prophecy concerning Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite. 2 The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; Call to Celebrate the Lord takes vengeance and is filled with wrath. :2-15 The Lord takes vengeance on his foes - a sovereign God in verses 2-5 and vents his wrath against his enemies. 3 The Lord is slow to anger but great in power; God’s character and might the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet.

7 (7) Minor Prophets, jrg Nahum

4 He rebukes the sea and dries it up; God’s power he makes all the rivers run dry. Bashan and Carmel wither and the blossoms of fade. 5 The mountains quake before him God’s power and the hills melt away. The earth trembles at his presence, the world and all who live in it. 6 Who can withstand his indignation? God’s righteousness Who can endure his fierce anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; the rocks are shattered before him. 7 The Lord is good, God cares for his followers a refuge in times of trouble. and provides refuge. He cares for those who trust in him, 8 but with an overwhelming flood Historic fact: it happened he will make an end of Nineveh; when the River overflowed to destroy he will pursue his foes into the realm of darkness. enough of the walls to let the Babylonians through. 9 Whatever they plot against the Lord he will bring to an end; trouble will not come a second time. 10 They will be entangled among thorns and drunk from their wine; they will be consumed like dry stubble. 11 From you, Nineveh, has one come forth who plots evil against the Lord and devises wicked plans. 12 This is what the Lord says: God’s lovingkindness “Although they have allies and are numerous, they will be destroyed and pass away. Although I have afflicted you, Judah, I will afflict you no more. 13 Now I will break their yoke from your neck Nahum speaks of God’s and tear your shackles away.” lovingkindness

8 (7) Minor Prophets, jrg Nahum

14 The Lord has given a command concerning you, Nineveh: God declares with greater “You will have no descendants to bear your name. details his vengeance upon I will destroy the images and idols Nineveh that are in the temple of your gods. I will prepare your grave, for you are vile.” 15 Look, there on the mountains, 52:7 - same idea the feet of one who brings good news, :15, Paul references Nahum speaks who proclaims peace! of God’s redemption for Celebrate your festivals, Judah, Judah and fulfill your vows. No more will the wicked invade you; they will be completely destroyed.

Nahum 2: 1-13 The next two chapters provide an historic example of how God will deal with evil nations/peoples and their kings. Nahum reveals God’s plan of judgement for Nineveh and Assyria.

1 An attacker advances against you, Nineveh. Nahum’s prophetic vision Guard the fortress, for Nineveh. :1-10 watch the road, - God’s warning brace yourselves, marshal all your strength! 2 The Lord will restore the splendor of - God’s plan of redemption like the splendor of Israel, though destroyers have laid them waste and have ruined their vines. 3 The shields of the soldiers are red; - initial attack on Nineveh the warriors are clad in scarlet. The metal on the chariots flashes on the day they are made ready; the spears of juniper are brandished.[b] 4 The chariots storm through the streets, rushing back and forth through the squares. They look like flaming torches; they dart about like lightning.

9 (7) Minor Prophets, jrg Nahum

5 Nineveh summons her picked troops, - Nineveh trys to defend yet they stumble on their way. They dash to the city wall; the protective shield is in place. 6 The river gates are thrown open - a powerful defense broken and the palace collapses.

7 It is decreed that Nineveh - Nineveh gets a taste of be exiled and carried away. their own techniques of Her female slaves moan like doves dispersion and beat on their breasts. 8 Nineveh is like a pool - collapse continues whose water is draining away. “Stop! Stop!” they cry, but no one turns back. 9 Plunder the silver! - Nineveh wealth is pillaged Plunder the gold! just as she did to her The supply is endless, enemies the wealth from all its treasures! 10 She is pillaged, plundered, stripped! - the city falls Hearts melt, knees give way, bodies tremble, every face grows pale. 11 Where now is the ’ den, The Prophet Taunts the place where they fed their young, Nahum 2:11-12, In Assyria, the hunt was seen where the lion and lioness went, as a royal sport; the depictions and the cubs, with nothing to fear? were seen as a symbol of the king's ability to guard the nation. wikipedia 12 The lion killed enough for his cubs and strangled the prey for his mate, filling his lairs with the kill and his dens with the prey. 13 “I am against you,” Nahum as God’s proxy declares the Lord Almighty. voice declares His intentions for Nineveh. “I will burn up your chariots in smoke, Nahum 2: 13 and the sword will devour your young lions. It is a withering statement. I will leave you no prey on the earth. with no escape. Scary The voices of your messengers will no longer be heard.”

10 (7) Minor Prophets, jrg Nahum

Nahum 3: 1-19 Nahum doubles down on God’s plan of judgement for Nineveh and Assyria. This chapter completes the chiastic literary structure. 1 Woe to the city of blood, The Woe Oracle, :1-4. full of lies, Nineveh had forgotten Jonah’s prophecy and returned to evil full of plunder, ways as a nation. never without victims! 2 The crack of whips, the clatter of wheels, galloping horses and jolting chariots! 3 Charging cavalry, - the human toll is extremely flashing swords high, as it was to all their victims. and glittering spears! Many casualties, piles of dead, bodies without number, people stumbling over the corpses— 4 all because of the wanton lust of a prostitute, - why is receiving God’s wrath alluring, the mistress of sorceries, who enslaved nations by her prostitution and peoples by her witchcraft. 5 “I am against you,” declares the Lord Almighty. God’s Declaration for Nineveh “I will lift your skirts over your face. Nahum 3:5-7 I will show the nations your nakedness and the kingdoms your shame. 6 I will pelt you with filth, I will treat you with contempt and make you a spectacle. 7 All who see you will flee from you and say, ‘Nineveh is in ruins—who will mourn for her?’ Where can I find anyone to comfort you?” 8 Are you better than Thebes, The Prophet Taunts situated on the , Nahum 3:8-13 with water around her? The river was her defense, the waters her wall.

11 (7) Minor Prophets, jrg Nahum

9 Cush[a] and Egypt were her boundless strength; Put and were among her allies. 10 Yet she was taken captive and went into exile. Her infants were dashed to pieces at every street corner. Lots were cast for her nobles, and all her great men were put in chains. 11 You too will become drunk; Historic Fact: After its you will go into hiding destruction (in 612 BC), the site and seek refuge from the enemy. was not rediscovered (until 1842 A.D.). 12 All your fortresses are like fig trees Your fortresses will fall easily to with their first ripe fruit; the enemy. when they are shaken, the figs fall into the mouth of the eater. 13 Look at your troops— Nineveh would burn down. they are all weaklings. The gates of your land are wide open to your enemies; fire has consumed the bars of your gates. 14 Draw water for the siege, Nahum’s prophetic vision strengthen your defenses! Nahum 3:14-17 Work the clay, Try to get ready for the siege. It will be in vain. tread the mortar, repair the brickwork! 15 There the fire will consume you; Nineveh’s current King would die the sword will cut you down— in the fire. Grasshppers and they will devour you like a swarm of locusts. locusts behavior metaphorically represent the horrific intensity Multiply like grasshoppers, and swiftness of their demise. multiply like locusts! 16 You have increased the number of your merchants Whenever you see ‘fly away’ it till they are more numerous than the stars in the represents the dispersal of the sky, Ninevites or Assyrians. Just like they did to their captives. but like locusts they strip the land and then fly away.

12 (7) Minor Prophets, jrg Nahum

17 Your guards are like locusts, your officials like swarms of locusts that settle in the walls on a cold day— but when the sun appears they fly away, and no one knows where.

18 King of Assyria, your shepherds slumber; Call to Celebrate your nobles lie down to rest. Nahum 3:18-19 We move from Nineveh to all of Your people are scattered on the mountains Assyria. Shepherds refers to with no one to gather them. rulers. God completes his retribution. 19 Nothing can heal you; It is final and their is no your wound is fatal. opportunity for repentance. Judah finds comfort in this future All who hear the news about you outcome. clap their hands at your fall, for who has not felt your endless cruelty?

13 (7) Minor Prophets, jrg Nahum How does Nahum’s message apply to us in today’s world?

JRG application thoughts : A timeless message for the faithful is expressed in Chapter 1. If you notice it is written in a broader language with only three references to the historical context. ( 1 for Judah and 2 for Nineveh). Nahum dominates the text with attributes about God’s full character.

Our God is a zealous, avenging God, powerful, just, good, slow to anger and in the end will protect his people that are oppressed by evil nations/ dictators/totalitarian/ authoritarian leaders and governments. The believer can know this truth and lean into it.

Nahum 1:7, “The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.”

He will not wait forever for nations to repent. Our role is to be faithful and trust in Him. Being faithful may mean standing firm for we understand to be biblical truths for living and be a light to those around us. When God judges a nation or peoples he carries out the punishment not us. This punishment/judgement comes in God’s timing, not ours.

Practical Application: God is patient and slow to anger. He gives every country time to proclaim Him as their Lord. But He is not mocked. Any time a country turns away from Him to serve its own motives, He steps in with judgment. Almost 220 years ago, the United States was formed as a nation guided by principles found in the Bible. In the last 50 years that has changed, and we are turning daily in the opposite direction. As Christians it is our duty to stand up for biblical principles and scriptural truth, for Truth is our country’s only hope.

Got Questions.org

14