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Highlights from the Books of Nahum & Habakkuk

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Highlights from the Books of Nahum & Habakkuk Highlights from the Books of Nahum & Habakkuk Treasures from God’s Word WT Library References Index Source Material ............................................................................... 5 Special Note .............................................................................................. 5 An Introduction to the Book of Nahum......................................... 6 Summary of the Highlights of the Book of Nahum ..................... 7 Jehovah executes vengeance upon his adversaries ............................. 7 Execution of the wicked affords relief for those hoping in Jehovah .... 7 Nahum – Outline of Contents ........................................................ 8 Why Beneficial ................................................................................ 8 An Introduction to the Book of Habakkuk .................................. 10 Summary of the Highlights of the Book of Habakkuk ............... 11 Habakkuk cries out for help, asks how long God will allow the wicked to continue .............................................................................................. 11 Jehovah replies that he has an appointed time, pronounces woe upon the Chaldean agency .............................................................................. 11 The prophet appeals for Jehovah to act and yet to show mercy during the coming day of distress ..................................................................... 11 Habakkuk Outline of Contents .................................................... 12 Why Beneficial .............................................................................. 12 Treasures from God’s Word ........................................................ 14 WT Library Highlights .................................................................. 16 Treasures from God’s Word Nahum 1 - Habakkuk 3 Remain Spiritually Alert and Active .... 14 WT Library Reference Nahum ............................................................................................ 16 Chapters 1-3 .................................................................................. 16 Habakkuk ....................................................................................... 32 Chapters 1-3 .................................................................................. 32 Highlights from the Books of Nahum & Habakkuk Source Material This material has been sourced from the updated 2016 Watchtower Library compact disk. Scriptures Included. Only verses that are explained in some way are included in the Scripture Index. Hence, if the material explains the meaning of the text, gives its background, tells why the text was written, or clarifies an original-language word and its implications, the text would be indexed, since the verse or part of it is explained. Scriptures that are used as proof texts but that are not explained are omitted. For example, Ezekiel 18:4 may be used merely to show that the soul dies. In this instance, the scripture would not be indexed, since no explanation of the text is given. Additional personal research is encouraged. Special Note Occasionally you will notice that in the Treasures from God’s Word section of our Meeting Workbook that references will appear that are not included in the Watchtower Library disk or on www.wol.jw.org when searching a particular scripture reference. Page 5 Index Highlights from the Books of Nahum & Habakkuk An Introduction to the Book of Nahum The Prophet Nahum was likely living in Judah when he wrote the book bearing his name. Nahum's message focuses primarily on a single theme, the complete destruction of the Assyrian city of Nineveh. Nineveh, known for its violence and brutality, was referred to as the “city of bloodshed”. At one time, in response to the judgment message delivered by the prophet Jonah, the inhabitants of Nineveh repented of their wickedness. However, the Ninevites eventually returned to their wicked ways and, about two centuries after Jonah's prophecy, Jehovah used Nahum to prophesy against Nineveh again. The book of Nahum was completed sometime before 632 B.C.E., the year Nineveh was destroyed. Nahum was a contemporary of the prophets Zephaniah and Jeremiah. The book of Nahum contains three chapters. In Chapter 1 Nahum proclaims Jehovah's judgment against the city of Nineveh. The entire city with its collection of pagan gods made of wood, stone and metal will be completely destroyed. This is good news for the people of Judah. Free from that cruel and dangerous enemy they can celebrate their festivals in peace. Did you know? We can trace Nineveh's origin back to the days of Nimrod, the founder of the first empire to exist after the flood. Chapters 2 and 3 describe Nineveh's destruction in greater detail. Nineveh was a heavily fortified city with high walls and a moat. But Nahum prophesies that the gates of the rivers will be opened, and the palace will be dissolved. These words were fulfilled in 632 B.C.E. when flooding caused damage to the city. This permitted the besieging forces of Babylon and Media to capture the city and destroy it. Jehovah's prophetic word through Nahum came true in every detail. As you read the book of Nahum consider how Jehovah hates violence; how Jehovah always fulfils his word; and how Jehovah provides comfort for all who seek peace and salvation under his kingdom. Page 6 Index Highlights from the Books of Nahum & Habakkuk Summary of the Highlights of the Book of Nahum A pronouncement against Nineveh, the capital of Assyria Written sometime before Nineveh was destroyed in 632 B.C.E. Jehovah executes vengeance upon his adversaries Jehovah requires exclusive devotion; though he is slow to anger, he does not hold back punishment when deserved No one can stand against the heat of his anger; before him the seas dry up, mountains rock, the hills melt, the earth heaves Execution of the wicked affords relief for those hoping in Jehovah Jehovah is a protective stronghold for those relying on him, but he will exterminate the enemy Good news will be announced to Judah; the “good-for-nothing person” will be cut off, and true worship will be carried on without hindrance Jehovah will regather his own, but Nineveh will be laid waste, and her war chariots burned The bloodguilty city is to be plundered as a punishment for her sins; nothing can save her, her warriors have become as women The stroke inflicted on the king of Assyria has become unhealable Page 7 Index Highlights from the Books of Nahum & Habakkuk Nahum – Outline of Contents This book is a prophetic “pronouncement against Nineveh,” the capital of the Assyrian Empire. This Bible book was written by Nahum the Elkoshite. (Na 1:1) The historical fulfillment of that prophetic pronouncement testifies to the authenticity of the book. Sometime after the Egyptian city of No- amon (Thebes) suffered humiliating defeat in the seventh century B.C.E. (3:8-10), the book of Nahum was committed to writing, being completed before Nineveh’s foretold destruction came in 632 B.C.E. Historical Background. Although assured that the conspiracy of Syrian King Rezin and Israelite King Pekah would fail in the attempt to depose him as king (Isa 7:3-7), faithless Ahaz of Judah unwisely appealed to Assyrian King Tiglath-pileser III (Tilgath-pilneser) for aid. Eventually this move “caused him distress, and did not strengthen him,” for Judah came under the heavy yoke of Assyria. (2Ch 28:20, 21) Later, Ahaz’ son and successor to the throne, Hezekiah, rebelled against Assyrian dominance. (2Ki 18:7) Thereafter the Assyrian monarch Sennacherib invaded Judah and seized one fortified city after another, this resulting in extensive desolation of the land. (Compare Isa 7:20, 23-25; 8:6-8; 36:1, 2.) The next Judean king, Manasseh, was captured by Assyrian army chiefs and taken to Babylon (then under Assyrian control).—2Ch 33:11. Since Judah had thus suffered long under the heavy hand of Assyria, Nahum’s prophecy regarding Nineveh’s imminent destruction was good news. As if Assyria had already experienced its downfall, Nahum wrote: “Look! Upon the mountains the feet of one bringing good news, one publishing peace. O Judah, celebrate your festivals. Pay your vows; because no more will any good-for-nothing person pass again through you. In his entirety he will certainly be cut off.” (Na 1:15) No longer would there be any interference from the Assyrians; nothing would hinder the Judeans from attending or celebrating the festivals. The deliverance from the Assyrian oppressor would be complete. (Compare Na 1:9.) Also, all other peoples hearing about Nineveh’s destruction would “clap their hands,” or rejoice, over her calamity, for the city’s badness had brought much suffering to them.—3:19. The military aggressiveness of the Assyrians made Nineveh a “city of bloodshed.” (Na 3:1) Cruel and inhuman was the treatment meted out to captives of her wars. Some were burned or skinned alive. Others were blinded or had their noses, ears, or fingers cut off. Frequently, captives were led by cords attached to hooks that pierced the nose or lips. Truly Nineveh deserved to be destroyed for her bloodguiltiness. Why Beneficial The prophecy of Nahum illustrates some fundamental Bible principles. The opening words of the vision repeat God’s reason for giving the second of the Ten Commandments: “Jehovah is a God exacting exclusive devotion.” Immediately thereafter he makes known the certainty of his “taking vengeance against his adversaries.” Assyria’s cruel pride and pagan gods could not save her from the execution of
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