KEY WORDS IN

Key Words in Jonah Evil Afraid Steadfast love Turn Pray Perish Appointed Anger

SUGGESTED ANSWERS

Here are suggested answers for the interpretation questions.

JONAH 1

1:1-3

Who is Jonah? We need to look at cross references to learn more about him and the time in which he lived. The only other time we hear of Jonah in the is in :23-27. Read that passage and tell what you learn. He lived during King Jeroboam’s reign. The king did what was evil in God’s sight. He did extend the border of , according to a previous prophecy by Jonah.

What does God say to Jonah? Go and preach in

How does Jonah respond? He tried to run from God, taking a ship to .

Read Psalm 139:7-12 and tell what you learn about God. God is everywhere and you can’t escape his presence.

Nineveh is an ancient city. Read Genesis 10:1,6-12. Who founded it? Nimrod, great-grandson of Noah

What do we learn about Nineveh from these verses? It’s a great city and it’s an evil city.

We’ll dive deeper into Nineveh and the Assyrian Empire in our Project #1 tomorrow. For now, it’s important to know that the Ninevites were the enemies of Jonah and his people. Jonah has a hard time believing that God’s love and forgiveness can be extended to these people. Look up the following verses and write what you learn about God’s love for the nations.

Genesis 12:3 & Galatians 3:7-9 God would justify the Gentiles (non-Jews) by faith too Leviticus 19:33-34 God cares about how we treat others, no matter their background Psalm 22:27-28 People from every nation will turn to the LORD and worship Him Psalm 67 God’s saving power will be known among all peoples so that the nations will sing for joy Isaiah 49:6 God’s salvation will reach to the end of the earth Matthew 28:19 The Great Commission is to make disciples from every nation Revelation 5:9 Before the throne of God, He is praised for ransoming people from every tribe and language and people and nation

Let’s discover where these three places are located. Go to www.maps.google.com and follow these directions. 1. Search for , -Yafo, Israel (ancient port city of Joppa) 2. Click “directions” 3. Type in Mosul, Iraq (Mosul stands on the west bank of the Tigris, opposite the ancient Assyrian city of Nineveh on the east bank) 4. Choose “walking” as your option. Notice where these places are located before moving on. 5. Now delete Mosul as a destination and type in Huelva, Spain ( commentators believe this is the approximate location for the ancient city of Tarshish, or Tartessos in ancient Hispania on the Iberian Peninsula) 6. Google maps will show you the driving route, but remember, Jonah was jumping on a ship to take the voyage across the Mediterranean Sea.

What do you learn about where they are located and how it relates to the story of Jonah? Nineveh was the opposite direction from Tarshish.

Can you summarize in your own words what this section means? God commanded Jonah to go to Nineveh and call out their evil. Instead, Jonah tried to flee from the presence of the Lord by boarding a ship that would take him in the opposite direction.

Project #1: Assyria

Depending on the schedule you are using, plan to spend 1-2 days on the Assyria Project. Your finished project will be an essay about the Assyrian culture, a map showing the empire and main cities, and a timeline showing the approximate dates of world and biblical history that converge around the story of Jonah.

Project 1: Assyria

PROJECT 1 4 3 2 1 GRADING Exceeding Meeting Approaching Not Meeting RUBRIC Standard Standard Standard Standard Step 1: Assyrian Culture Essay summarizes the main characteristics of Assyrian culture Step 2: Archaeological Evidence Gives a compelling answer to why archaeological evidence about Nineveh is important Step 3: Map Map of Assyrian Empire includes required items Step 4: Timeline Timeline includes required items Mechanics Essay is free of errors and clearly written Neatness Map & timeline are neatly produced Total Points

Final Grade

______/24 points = ______% 1:4-6

What miracle do we see in this text? God “hurled” an extreme storm at this ship.

Read Psalm 107:23-32. The psalmist may have had this event from Jonah in mind when he wrote these words. What can we learn about God from this text? He commands the wind and sea. He delivered when they cried to the Lord. His power over nature shows his glory and wondrous works.

How do we know this was not an ordinary storm? Sailors would be used to storms, but this one was different. They were afraid, throwing cargo out of the ship, and crying out to their gods.

Look at the progression of the word down from verses 3-5. List where Jonah went down to. Down to Joppa, down into the ship, down into the inner part of the ship

The word down is not used again in this book, but since you know what happens next, where else will Jonah go down to soon enough? Down into the waves of the sea and down into the belly of the great fish.

Can you summarize in your own words what this section means? The LORD hurled a storm toward Jonah’s ship so that the sailors were afraid for their lives. Jonah was sleeping down below deck and the captain told him to call out to his god to stop the storm so they wouldn’t die.

1:7-10

Casting lots was allowed in Israel. It was a way that God could reveal His will by controlling the lots. Read these cross-references and comment about what you learn.

Proverbs 16:33 God controls the results of casting lots Joshua 7:14 God used lots to reveal his will with the children of Israel Acts 1:23-26 When choosing a replacement for Judas, the Lord revealed His will by letting the lot fall on Matthias

When the lots fell on Jonah, and he was asked about his background, what did he tell them? “I am a Hebrew, and I fear the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.” (verse 9)

What part of Jonah’s statement in verse 9 is questionable because of his actions? “I fear the LORD”

Even though Jonah is running from God, he still speaks truth to these sailors. He tells them that the LORD, the God of heaven, made the sea and the dry land. Because these sailors were probably from Phoenicia or the surrounding area, they likely were polytheistic, worshipping many gods that correlated with the sun, the moon, the sea, and the sky. Jonah here was telling them who his God was. According to Romans 1:18-23, why is starting with creation an important part of introducing the true God to pagans? Because his attributes can be clearly seen by what He has made.

Can you summarize in your own words what this section means? They cast lots to see whose sin had caused the terrible storm, and the lots fell on Jonah. Even though Jonah’s actions showed otherwise, he told them that he feared the LORD, the God who sent the storm. The men knew the storm had come because of him.

1:11-16

Do you see any contrasts in this section? Tempestuous/tempest (vv11,12,13) contrasted with quiet down (v12) & ceased from its raging (v15).

When Jonah volunteered to be thrown overboard, what was the response of the sailors in verse 13? They tried to get back to land instead of having to throw him overboard.

This is an ironic response. The sailors were concerned about one man’s life (Jonah). In contrast, what do we learn about Jonah’s attitude toward the Ninevites according to verses 1-3? He didn’t value them enough to go and preach to them.

Remember, Jonah doesn’t know that God will spare his life. By volunteering to be thrown overboard, he is shockingly admitting that he would rather die than go preach in Nineveh! What happens when Jonah is thrown into the sea? The storm stopped.

This section ends with one more extreme contrast. Everyone does the opposite of what you would expect! God’s own prophet, Jonah, claimed that he feared the LORD back in verse 9, but by disobeying a clear command to go preach in Nineveh, he demonstrated otherwise. However, how do these heathens respond to God’s clear control over the sea? They feared the LORD, offered a sacrifice to the LORD, and made vows.

Can you summarize in your own words what this section means? The sailors tried to row back to land but were unsuccessful. They were trying to save Jonah’s life by not throwing him into the sea. They cared more for Jonah than Jonah cared for the Ninevites! When they threw Jonah into the sea, the storm stopped and the men feared the LORD.

1:17

Here is the first mention of the LORD appointing something in the story of Jonah. Look up the definition of appointed and tell how it shows God’s character. Appointed means determined beforehand, prearranged, decided, prepared. It shows that God is omniscient (knows all things) and is sovereignly in charge of all things.

This is a short section – only one verse! – but it is significant. Jesus talked about the sign of the prophet Jonah in His day. Read :38-41 and answer the following questions.

What was the sign (verse 40) that Jesus was talking about? Jesus would be in the grave for 3 days, just like Jonah was in the fish for 3 days.

Because of this parallel to the life of Jesus, Jonah can be called a type of Christ. This means that Jonah pictures, foreshadows, or has a parallel that we will see fulfilled in Christ. Can you find other types of Christ in Scripture according to these passages?

Romans 5:12-5 Adam Genesis 5:29 Noah Genesis 22:1-2; Hebrews 11:17-19 Isaac Exodus 17:6; I Corinthians 10:4 Rock of Horeb Exodus 25:31; John 8:12 Golden candlestick Exodus 40:21; :14; Hebrews 10:20 Veil of the tabernacle & temple I Kings 6:1, 38; John 2:19, 21 the Temple Genesis 2:9; John 1:4; Revelation 22:2 Tree of life

We haven’t gotten to yet, but according to Matthew 12:41, how did the people of Nineveh respond to Jonah’s preaching? They repented.

What does “something greater than Jonah is here” mean in verse 41? Jesus was preaching to his generation, and as God’s Son, He was greater than the prophet Jonah.

Jesus is always greater than the previous foreshadowing by a type. Can you give an example of how Jesus is greater than the person or thing that pictured him? Answers will vary. For example, the Rock of Horeb gave the children of Israel water in the desert. Christ is greater because He gives living water where we will never thirst again.

Can you summarize in your own words what this section means? God is in control of these events and so He prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. Jesus used the sign of the prophet Jonah to talk about how He would be in the grave for three days and three nights. And Jesus also said that while the Ninevites will repent at the preaching of Jonah, the Pharisees were looking on God’s own son and yet would not repent. Jonah is a type of Christ.

2:1-10

This chapter is Jonah’s prayer from the belly of the fish and it takes the form of Hebrew poetry. This will explain why the text shifts from narrative (story) to lines of poetry.

List the words and phrases from this chapter that describe Jonah’s situation literally (where was he?) and figuratively (what was happening spiritually to his heart?) Answers will vary. Literal descriptions include: heart of the seas, flood, deep (v3) waves, billows (v3), seaweed wrapped around his head (v5), went down (v6) Figurative descriptions include: “I am driven away from your sight” (v4), “you brought up my life from the pit” (v6), “what I have vowed I will pay” (v9).

God’s character is on full display in this prayer. First, in verse 2, we see that God responds to our sincere cries for mercy. Read these cross-references and make a note next to each about what you learn. Psalm 34:4-7 Answers will vary Psalm 120:1 Psalm 118:5 Psalm 116:1-6 Psalm 56:3

Notice the contrasts from verse 4-6. This is a literal explanation of what happened to Jonah, but it is also a beautiful picture of salvation: “I am driven away from your sight… yet you brought up my life from the pit.” Read these cross-references and make a note next to each about what you learn. Job 33:28 Answers will vary Psalm 40:2 Lamentations 3:55 Psalm 103:4

Read Psalm 103. What other verses or phrases from this psalm parallel the story of Jonah? How is God’s character described? Answers will vary.

Verse 8 talks about the hope of steadfast love. This is the Hebrew word hesed, which is a very important part of God’s character on display here. Hesed refers to God’s covenant relationship or commitment to His people in which He is faithful even when His people are not faithful. This hesed love produces action based on loving loyalty and cannot be earned or deserved by the recipient. How do you see hesed or steadfast love on display in the story of Jonah so far? Answers will vary. God is faithful to Jonah and does not cast him aside. God hears his prayer and gives him a second chance. Jonah is completely unfaithful and disobedient, but God still responds to him in mercy.

Jonah ends his prayer with the phrase: “Salvation belongs to the LORD!” Consider Ephesians 2:8-10 along with what you’re learning from the , then explain what this phrase means. Just as Jonah, we are powerless to save ourselves. God has to show mercy and give grace as we also respond in faith.

Can you summarize in your own words what this section means? Jonah cries out in prayer to God from the belly of the fish. He acknowledges that God will hear his prayer and has confidence that God can rescue him. God’s steadfast love is the main character quality that is highlighted. By God’s command, the fish vomited Jonah out on dry land.

JONAH 3

3:1-5

What do you learn about Nineveh from verses 3 & 4? It’s a great city, takes three days journey to walk through it, had 40 days to repent

Watch these videos showing Nineveh and describe what you learn.

Video of Ancient Sites, including wall of Nineveh: https://youtu.be/fLParaHhLzI 3D Digital Art of Ancient Nineveh about 100 years after Jonah: https://youtu.be/XzFySIllqk8

You learned about the Assyrian Empire in Project #1. Today let’s learn about the spiritual situation in Nineveh. Interestingly, the work Nineveh comes from an Akkadian word for fish. You won’t be surprised to learn that they likely worshipped a fish goddess named Nanshe and a fish god named Dagon. Why would Jonah’s “fish story” catch their attention? Also, what would Jonah look and smell like right now? Could that help corroborate his miraculous fish tale? Answers will vary. Jonah’s God would have proved more powerful than their fish god if Jonah was rescued from the belly of the fish. Jonah would definitely smell terrible from 3 days and nights in a fish’s belly. Also, his skin could have been bleached by the fish’s stomach acid. All these things would support his claim that God brought him back from a fish’s belly to preach to them.

What did Jonah say? Write his entire message here: Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!

What was the response of the Ninevites to Jonah’s message? They believed God and repented with fasting and sackcloth

What does it mean to repent? Look up the definition and write it here. To feel or express sincere regret or remorse about one's wrongdoing or sin

Read Romans 10:14 and explain how it relates to this section of Jonah. The people repented because of the preached Word. God uses preaching to convert sinners.

In the book of Jonah, everyone does the opposite of what you would expect. Here the pagan Ninevites are more responsive than God’s own prophet. According to Matthew 12:41, who will rise up at the judgment to condemn the generation alive during the time of Jesus? What does this mean? The men of Nineveh will condemn the Pharisees and others who failed to repent when God’s own Son was preaching to them.

Can you summarize in your own words what this section means? The LORD told Jonah a second time to go preach in Nineveh, and this time he obeyed. The city was huge and after going one day’s journey into the city, he preached that Nineveh would be destroyed. The people believed God and repented of their sin.

3:6-9

We know from the previous section that the people of Nineveh believed God. Now we see that even the king repents. What does he do in verse 6 that shows he is humbling himself before God? Leaves his throne, removes his robe, puts on sackcloth, sits in ashes

In the Bible, sackcloth was a course fabric that was worn as a sign of repentance for sin or deep mourning. It was an external demonstration of an inward humility and sorrow over sin. People would also put ashes on themselves. Read Genesis 3:19 and see if you can explain what the ashes were to represent or remind the people of. Ashes remind us of our frailty, our coming death, and that we will return to dust. It’s another sign of humility before our Creator.

Verses 7-9 tell of the king’s decree. What did he command the Ninevites to do? Fast, cover with sackcloth, call out to God, turn from evil and violence

The word repentance is not used in this section (or in the whole book of Jonah!) but we still see it happen. Verse 8b has a great definition for repentance. Can you find it? Write it here: Let everyone turn from his evil way

Verse 8 is a helpful visual for what repentance means. Repentance requires not only a sorrow over sin (shown in the sackcloth and ashes) but also a turning away from that sin. We have to be sorrowful about our offense against God, not just sorry about the consequences. David demonstrated this kind of repentance and wrote about it in Psalm 51. Read that psalm and explain what you learn about repentance. Answers will vary.

Did you notice that the king hoped that God would turn from his anger? Interestingly, that is the same word (turn) used about the people of Nineveh. We’ll explore this concept more tomorrow. But first, let’s consider God’s anger. Read these cross-references and comment about what you learn. Romans 1:18 The wrath of God is against ungodliness and unrighteousness (sin) Psalm 7:11 God is angry with the wicked Romans 2:5 God is storing up wrath for a day of judgment against hard hearted people John 3:36 God’s wrath is on everyone who does not believe on the Son

Can you summarize in your own words what this section means? The king of Nineveh ordered the people to fast and cover themselves in sackcloth and ashes as a sign of humility and repentance for their sins. He hoped God would turn from his anger over their sins and show them mercy.

3:10

Why did God not destroy the Ninevites? Because they turned from their evil way

“God saw… God relented.” Did it surprise you to read this? Now read Jeremiah 18:1-11 and describe what you learn about God and how it relates to the book of Jonah. Jeremiah saw a potter creating a vessel out of clay. The potter could do as he pleased with the clay and the vessel. God said in this passage that if any nation repents, he will relent of the disaster he intended. Or, if any nation does evil, then God will relent of the good he had intended. In short, God is sovereign and we are not.

We know that God doesn’t change. He’s omniscient (all-knowing). Read these verses and comment about what you learn of God’s character. Malachi 3:6 “I the Lord do not change” Hebrews 1:12 “You are the same” Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever James 1:17 God doesn’t change (no variableness or shadow)

So what does it mean that “God relented of the disaster that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it.” A similar event happened in Numbers 14. The people of Israel were grumbling against Moses and Aaron and wanted to choose a leader to take them back to Egypt. God said he would destroy them all and make a new nation from Moses. But then Moses interceded for the people and God did not destroy the nation. Read this article and then write what you learn. www.4onemore.com/Numbers14

Can you summarize in your own words what this section means? God, in his sovereignty and mercy, did not destroy Nineveh because the people repented and turned from their evil.

4:1-4

Reread Jonah 3:10-4:2. Why was Jonah angry and why did he originally flee to Tarshish? Jonah didn’t want to see his enemies receive mercy and he knew that God was merciful.

Jonah is angry for three main reasons. 1) As a Jew, he would have a distaste for Assyria (Nineveh) as political enemies. 2) As a Jew, Jonah thought of himself as spiritually superior to the Ninevites because the Jews were God’s covenant people. 3) If the Ninevites repented, it would shame Israel. At this time, Israel is a spiritually weak and idolatrous nation. Read 2 Kings 14:23-27

Jonah’s response is very similar to the response of the older son in the parable of the Prodigal Son. Read that passage in Luke 15:11-32 and explain the similarities. The younger son repents like the people of Nineveh. The father is merciful and forgives, just like God. The older son (like Jonah) has followed all the rules (being a Jew/God’s chosen people), yet is angry that the younger brother is forgiven.

How is God described in this passage? Gracious, merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love, relenting from disaster

Read the following verses and write what you learn about God’s character. 2 Peter 3:9 God is patient, not wishing that any should perish but that all would repent I Timothy 2:4 He desires that all people would be saved Joel 2:12-13 He wants people to repent, return to the LORD

Because Jonah is so upset that God would decide not to destroy Nineveh, what does he ask God to do? Jonah wants God to kill him

What question does God ask Jonah in verse 4 and what does it mean? “Do you do well to be angry?” God is asking Jonah if his anger is justified.

Can you summarize in your own words what this section means? Jonah was angry that God showed Himself merciful, longsuffering, compassionate, and abundant in steadfast love. Jonah had wanted to see Israel’s enemies destroyed. Jonah was feeling self-righteous that God would pardon the people of Nineveh. Jonah asks God to kill him because he’s so angry.

4:5-11

What was Jonah waiting to see? To see if God was going to destroy Nineveh

What three things did God “appoint” or use for His purposes in this text? A plant, a worm, a scorching east wind

Describe how these three things further discouraged Jonah. What did Jonah ask God? The plant was a shade for him, but the worm destroyed the plant. So then when the sun came up and the scorching east wind came, Jonah was faint and asked to die.

What was the previous thing that God “appointed” in Jonah 1:17? A great fish

God points out Jonah’s misplaced anger in verse 9. Why is Jonah angry? What is he pitying? Why is this wrong? Jonah is angry that the plant had died and that he was experiencing the scorching sun. Yet, while he pitied the plant, he didn’t pity the people of Nineveh who could have been destroyed.

God again asks Jonah if his anger is justified. It clearly is not. This passage sounds like two other Old Testament passages. First, in the book of Job, when Job questions God’s sovereignty over his life, God essentially says, “Who are you to answer back to God?” See Job 38:4. Then, we see in Genesis 18:22-23 that God was willing to spare Sodom for only ten righteous people. How many Ninevites are mentioned in this passage? 120,000

These 120,000 people “who do not know their right hand from their left” are probably referring to children. That means that the population of Nineveh could have been closer to 600,000.

This book ends abruptly with a pouting prophet and a merciful God. Based on our study of the book, who is the main character and why? Answers will vary. God seems to be the main character, as He is utterly in control of everything – appointing a fish, showing mercy to the heathen Ninevites, appointing the plant, worm, and east wind, and displaying His character for the nations to see.

Can you summarize in your own words what this section means? Jonah sits outside the city to see if God will destroy Nineveh. God appoints a plant to grow that gives Jonah shade. But then God appoints a worm to destroy the plant. Finally, God appoints a hot wind to blow on Jonah so that he was faint. Jonah asks to die. He is so angry that the plant died, while not showing any compassion toward the large city of Nineveh with close to 600,000 people. God asks if his anger is justified. Clearly it is not. God’s character is on display in this book, and He can even use a pouting prophet to deliver His message.

Project #2: Themes in Jonah

For this second project, you will be studying some of the themes in the book of Jonah and writing a summary paper on your findings.

PROJECT 2 4 3 2 1 GRADING Exceeding Meeting Approaching Not Meeting RUBRIC Standard Standard Standard Standard Research Jonah as a type of Christ Student answers given questions and includes at least one reference Research the theme of repentance Defines repentance and discusses its relevance in the book of Jonah, giving examples Study God’s character in the book of Jonah Defines 2-4 attributes of God, includes Scripture reference and significance in Jonah Mechanics Essay is free of errors and clearly written Structure Paper includes introduction and conclusion

Total Points

Final Grade

______/20 points = ______% KEY WORDS IN NAHUM

Key Words in Nahum I am against you I will Nineveh Underline everything you learn about God’s character and draw a in the margin of the text so you can find it easily

NAHUM 1

1:1-5

First, let’s understand God’s name in the book of Nahum. When God’s name is represented by LORD (all caps) in the Old Testament, it’s talking about His covenant name with His people, or YHWH. This article will give you additional information: https://www.gotquestions.org/LORD-GOD-Lord-God.html

The book of Nahum wastes no time getting to the message God has for Nineveh. In verse one, we clearly see that God used Nahum to bring the prophecy and that it was concerning Nineveh. Verses 2-3a immediately describe God’s character. List what you learn about God in these verses. Answers will vary. Jealous, avenging, wrathful, slow to anger, great in power, by no means clear the guilty

Why do you think that the LORD is described as jealous in verse 2? What had Assyria recently done to His people? You might want to refer to the timeline of events since the days of Jonah. Assyria had taken Israel captive and tried to conquer Judah

Even though this is a prophecy of judgment, what proof do we have that the LORD is indeed slow to anger? Refer back to Jonah 3:10. God did not bring judgment to Nineveh 100 years earlier because they repented of the evil they had done.

In many instances, God’s judgment appears with disturbances in nature, like the whirlwind, storm, and clouds from verse 3. Read these cross references and write what natural occurrence accompanies God’s appearance or judgment. Exodus 19:9,16 thick cloud, thunder & lightening Psalm 83:15 tempest, hurricane Isaiah 29:6 thunder, earthquake, whirlwind, tempest, flame/fire

Verse 4 reminds Nineveh of his power. Do you know what event is pictured here (see Psalm 106:9 and Joshua 4:23-24). Holding back the waters of the Red Sea so the Israelites could escape from the Egyptians

Verse 4 is full of things being opposite of what you would expect. The sea and the rivers should be wet, yet God causes them to be dry. Bashan, Carmel, and Lebanon are all normally fertile, lush areas. How are they described? Withered

Verse 5 gives one more picture that is opposite of how things normally are. What’s the picture in this verse and why is it happening? Instead of mountains/hills/earth being stable, it is quaking/melting/heaving before God’s power

Can you summarize in your own words what this section means? About 100 years after the preaching of Jonah, the prophet Nahum is now bringing a prophecy of judgment to Nineveh because they returned to their wicked ways. While God is slow to anger, He still is just to punish evil. He is more powerful than even the powerful Assyrian Empire.

1:6-11

Verse 6 gives a summary of verses 2-5. What is the obvious answer to the questions posed here? No one can stand before God’s wrath.

However, in the midst of a chapter emphasizing the judgment of God over sin, there is a wonderful compassion shown in verse 7 towards those who trust in God. Read Psalm 46 and comment about God’s character in the psalm and in Nahum 1. What similarities do you see? Answers will vary. Even while the earth gives way and the mountains tremble, God is a refuge for his people. The nations rage, but The God of Jacob is our fortress. His people can be still and know that He is God. He will be exalted among the nations (even Assyria).

Let’s read the passage in Isaiah that recounts the time that the Assyrian king Sennacharib tried to invade Judah (Southern Kingdom) in 701 B.C. The King of Judah was Hezekiah, and he sought help from the prophet Isaiah. Because of Hezekiah’s humility before the LORD, God did miraculously rescue Judah out of the hand of the Assyrians. You can read about it in Isaiah 36:1-37:7. Write what you learn about the Assyrians and Hezekiah. Answers will vary. The Assyrians were very proud and told the people of Judah that the LORD would not deliver them. They said that Hezekiah was deceiving the people by telling them to trust in the LORD. 36:18 also seems to say that the king of Assyria is more powerful than all the gods because they have been able to conquer everyone they have come up against. Hezekiah responded rightly by seeking the LORD.

Nahum 1:7 reminds us that God “knows those who take refuge in him.” Read Hezekiah’s prayer to the LORD when the Assyrians were trying to invade Judah. You can find it in Isaiah 37:14-20. What stands out to you in this prayer? Answers will vary. Hezekiah is jealous for God to get the glory due to His name. Sennacherib was mocking God. Hezekiah prays that God will defeat the Assyrians so that the whole earth will know “that you alone are the LORD.”

We have to see how the story ends back in 701 B.C. before we continue on with Nahum. All of this background is significant to interpreting these verses. So, go ahead and read Isaiah 37:33-38 and explain how the Assyrians were defeated. The angel of the LORD killed the Assyrian soldiers in the camp. Sennacherib the king returned to Nineveh, where he was killed with the sword.

With this background in mind, let’s return to Nahum 1. God clearly has demonstrated in the past that He is indeed a stronghold to those who trust in Him (verse 7). Now in verses 8-11, Nahum returns to describing the Assyrians. Verse 8 is very interesting since according to tradition, the Tigris River overflowed to destroy the famed walls so the Babylonians could overtake the city.

What question is asked in verse 9? What do you plot against the LORD?

Reread the Assyrian mockery toward God in Isaiah 36:18-20. Then read Isaiah’s prophecy against Sennacherib in Isaiah 37:23-24. How does this relate to Nahum 1:9-11? The Assyrians plotted against the LORD, but God completely defeated them once (701 B.C.) and will again (coming in 612 B.C.).

How are the Assyrians pictured in verse 10? Thorns, drunkards, stubble

Can you summarize in your own words what this section means? While God’s enemies will “endure the heat of his anger,” The LORD is a stronghold and refuge to His people.

1:12-13

It helps to get the pronouns straight in these verses. You might want to mark your text to show who each pronoun is referring to. They = Assyria I = the LORD You = Judah His = Assyria

Do you remember why Nineveh was so strong and terrifying? What do you remember about Assyria from your study of Jonah? How is Assyria described in verse 12 (“they” refers to Assyria)? It was a large city with huge walls. Their soldiers were merciless toward their enemies. Verse 12 mentions “full strength” and “many” – large population

What will happen to Assyria according to the first part of verse 12? They will be cut down and pass away

According to the second part of verse 12, God has used Assyria to judge His people up until this time. Read these cross references and write what you learn about this point. Hosea 11:5 Assyria would rule over Israel because they refused to return to the Lord Isaiah 10:5-6 Assyria was God’s rod of anger toward Israel, described here as a godless nation

What does the LORD promise to his people in Judah? He will break the Assyrian yoke from off them

Read Isaiah’s prophecy of judgment on Assyria in Isaiah 10:5-19. What stands out to you from this passage? Answers will vary. Assyria was used as a rod of God’s anger. Assyria was arrogant. Assyria is mentioned as plundering peoples and nations. The LORD promises to destroy Assyria.

Can you summarize in your own words what this section means? Even though Assyria had been used as a rod of punishment against God’s people, God promises to break Assyria’s yoke from off His people, Judah.

1:14

This verse prophecies three judgments against Assyria. First, look up the word “perpetuated” if you don’t know what it means. Based on that definition, what is the first judgment against Assyria? Perpetuate means to preserve from extinction or continue indefinitely. The nation would have no more descendants; they would be utterly destroyed and the empire would not continue

What is the second judgment? It starts with the words “I will” and describes what will happen to the Assyrian gods. The Assyrian gods would be destroyed.

What is the third judgment? It’s the second “I will” in this verse. The king will be killed.

Can you summarize in your own words what this section means? The judgment is pronounced against Nineveh, and the Assyrian Empire: the empire will be destroyed, the gods will be destroyed, and king will be killed.

1:15

This book interestingly turns from descriptions of God’s wrath and judgment to words of comfort to God’s people. Here again, at the end of a serious chapter, we have a glimmer of consolation. What words of comfort stand out to you? Answers will vary. Good news, peace, feasts, vows

This verse sounds familiar. Similar words were used in Isaiah 52: 1-7 as Isaiah described the future Millennium when redeemed Israel will finally be returned to the land. She will be delivered from her worldwide dispersion. Read that passage in Isaiah and make a note about what stands out to you. Answers will vary. Verse 4 mentions the Assyrian oppression. Verse 7 is similar to Nahum 1:15.

Now read Romans 10:15 and see how Paul connects this picture to sharing the gospel. What do you learn? It is a beautiful thing to share the gospel, the good news.

During the siege, the people of Judah couldn’t go up to Jerusalem to worship. Now Nahum is telling them in verse 15 to “keep your feasts” and “fulfill your vows,” in anticipation of the destruction of the Assyrians. The verse ends with a promise of ultimate peace during the Millennial Kingdom. Read Joel 3:17 and write what phrase is similar to this text in Nahum. Strangers shall never again pass through (Jerusalem) / never again shall the worthless pass through you

Can you summarize in your own words what this section means? God’s people are encouraged to go up to Jerusalem to worship and to keep their feasts. A future Millennium hope is promised here that never again would their enemies pass through Jerusalem.

NAHUM 2

2:1-2

Chapter 2 is prophecy that hasn’t happened yet. Even though the present tense is being used, these events are still in the future. In this chapter, Nahum describes Nineveh’s fall to the Babylonians in 612 B.C. It is very ironic that the Assyrians are warned in verse 1 that the “scatterer” is coming against them. Recall the information about Assyrian tactics back in the Introduction section earlier in this workbook. What did the Assyrians normally do to their captives? How does this relate to the first sentence in verse 1? The Assyrians scattered their captives around the empire to keep them docile. They also transplanted their own people to conquered lands. This is how the Samaritans came to be – they are the descendants of Jews who married transplanted Assyrians. This is ironic that the Assyrians would now be scattered.

Who is Nahum warning in verse 1? What is he specifically saying? He is warning the Assyrians that an invasion is coming.

Verse 2 shows a restoration of God’s blessings on His people. Read Genesis 32:27- 28 and comment about how the names Jacob and Israel relate to this restoration promise in Nahum. This account in Genesis is when God changed Jacob’s name to Israel and the story recalls Jacob receiving God’s blessing. Nahum 2:2 talks about God’s covenant people (Israel/Judah) having their honor (majesty) restored once again since their enemy the Assyrians will be destroyed.

The metaphor of branches from verse 2 is seen in other passages where a vine metaphor is used. Psalm 80 was probably written from Jerusalem around 722 B.C. when the 10 Northern Tribes were taken captive. In it, the psalmist is calling out for a restoration of the covenant blessing that was promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and their descendants. Read Psalm 80, and especially notice verses 8- 19. Comment on what you notice and how it relates to Nahum 2:2. Israel is pictured as a vine that grew strong and fruitful. Then it was ravaged, burned, and cut down. The psalmist is asking God to restore them and save them and promises that they will not turn their back from God again. This sounds very much like Nahum 2:2, where plunderers have ruined the branches, but the prophet is promising a restoration of His people.

Who do you think the plunderers are in verse 2? Assyria was the plunderer.

Can you summarize in your own words what this section means? The destruction of Nineveh is prophesied. The restoration of God’s covenant people is promised.

2:3-9 This section gives a vivid picture of the chaos in Nineveh as they prepared for battle. What descriptions did you find interesting? Answers will vary.

Verse 6 reminds us of Nahum 1:8. This is a remarkable detail because the historical account of Nineveh’s destruction mentions this fact. What do you notice? An overflowing river or flood will be partially to blame for the destruction of Nineveh.

Notice who is being plundered in verse 9? How is this ironic (recall verse 2). Nineveh, the plunderer, will now be plundered. Nineveh would have housed the spoils of many conquests. Now those precious things are being taken.

Maybe the most important truth in this section is that strength and security can’t save empires from God’s justice. List all the things you notice in this paragraph that speak to the power or might of the Assyrians. It is all worthless before a powerful God. Answers will vary. Shields, soldiers, chariots, walls, palace, treasure, wealth

Can you summarize in your own words what this section means? Nineveh, the plunderer, would now be plundered. These verses describe the destruction of the city.

2:10-12

Verse 10 describes the terror that Nineveh brought to the world. Which words stand out to you? Answers will vary.

Verses 11-12 picture Nineveh as a pride of lions. How are lions described in these verses and how does that relate to the Assyrians? Answers will vary. Lions are not disturbed and have no fear. They kill their prey. The Assyrians had no fear and wreaked havoc on the nations, killing and plundering.

Why is it ironic that Nahum asks “where is the lions’ den” in verse 11? He just described the destruction of Nineveh in the first part of chapter 2, so asking where the lions’ den (Nineveh) is now is taunting the fall of Assyria.

What do you learn about God’s sovereignty over nations and empires from these verses? Answers will vary. Even though Nineveh was powerful and brought terror to the world, God is more powerful and will bring justice and judgment to wicked nations.

Can you summarize in your own words what this section means? Nineveh, like a pride of lions, brought terror to the world, but now they are destroyed.

2:13

When you see specific names of God in Scripture, take some time to dig in! Notice in this verse that while God is declaring his judgment on Nineveh, he calls himself the LORD of hosts. (Side note: If you use the NIV translation, you will see LORD Almighty). Let’s see what this name tells us of God’s character. It’s both encouraging and exciting. LORD = YHWH (God’s covenant name, Jehovah, Yahweh) Sabaoth in Hebrew can be translated hosts or angelic armies

LORD of hosts emphasizes the Lord as sovereign over all the powers in heaven and on earth. This name is not specifically used in Scripture until I Samuel 1, but in Joshua 5:13-15, we have a Christophany (preincarnate appearance of Christ) that speaks to Joshua. The title used is very similar to LORD of hosts. What title is used of the LORD in those verses? Commander of the Army of the LORD

Another early use of the LORD of hosts appears in the story of David versus Goliath. This epic battle was not only for the people of Israel, but as a testimony to the powers of earth and heaven that God is God alone. In whose name does David come to Goliath (see I Samuel 17:45)? The LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel

A visual reminder of the meaning of the LORD of hosts is seen in 2 Kings 6:15-17. The context is this: a Syrian king who wanted to kill the prophet had surrounded Elisha’s city with horses, chariots, and a large army. Elisha’s frightened servant asked, “What shall we do?” Elisha prayed for his servant’s eyes to be opened. What did he see? He saw God’s heavenly army or “host” here waiting to do battle with the Syrians. God’s heavenly armies are there but are normally unseen. The LORD had to open his eyes to see them.

Finally, let’s compare Scripture to Scripture and get even more specific. Read Isaiah 44:6 and Revelation 22:13. According to these verses, who is the LORD of hosts? Jesus

Notice how Martin Luther uses this name of God in stanza 2 of his hymn, A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing; Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing: Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He; Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same, And He must win the battle.

The book of Nahum shows the historical deliverance of God’s people from earthly armies and looks forward to a final deliverance when God will subdue his enemies. Read about this in Revelation 19:11-20. What do you notice in this description of Jesus? Answers will vary.

Now that we have more insight into the LORD of hosts as a name of God, let’s see what God says to Assyria in verse 13. The scariest words to hear from God are in this verse: “I am against you.” What does He say He will do? Burn their chariots, kill their princes with the sword, cut them off so that they can no longer prey on other nations, the messengers of the Assyrian king would no longer be heard.

It is a terrifying thing to find yourself as God’s enemy and the recipient of his wrath and justice. But, let’s end this section by reading Nahum 1:7 and Psalm 46:10-11. What do you notice in these verses that brings comfort? Answers will vary. The LORD is a stronghold, he is good, he knows those who take refuge in Him, we are commanded to be still, the LORD of hosts is with us, He is our fortress.

Can you summarize in your own words what this section means? The LORD of Sabaoth (hosts/heaven’s armies) is against Assyria. As such, He has complete control over all the powers in heaven and on earth and promises destruction.

NAHUM 3

3:1-7

We know that within the 100 years since Nineveh’s repentance at the preaching of Jonah, they returned to their wickedness. The first verse describes why God’s judgment is coming to Assyria. What are the reasons for her destruction according to verse 1? Bloodthirsty nation, full of lies, plunderer

Similar to the text of Nahum 2:3-5, verses 2-3 in this paragraph describe the chaotic scene in Nineveh while the city falls. What do you notice? Answers will vary. So many dead bodies, horsemen and chariots running all over, lots of chaos, destruction

Verse 4 uses a common biblical picture to describe spiritual and moral unfaithfulness. While the people of Assyria no doubt were practicing immorality as part of their wickedness, they were also leading others into idolatry, which is spiritual harlotry. Read an example of this in 2 Kings 16. What did King Ahaz of Judah do as a result of his unfaithfulness to God and being betrayed by Assyria’s “deadly charms”? King Ahaz burned his son according to the practices of the heathen nations (verse 3), gave the silver and gold from the house of the LORD to the king of Assyria (verse 8), had the high priest copy a model of an Assyrian altar and put it in the temple (10-12), burnt the offering on the Assyrian altar (verse 13), removed the bronze altar (verse 14), made further changes in the template at Jerusalem (verses 17-18), all of this was done “because of the king of Assyria” (verse 18)

Because of the moral wickedness described in verse 4, Assyria would now face shame and humiliation, as verses 5-6 explain. What do you notice? Answers will vary. The LORD of hosts is against them, the nations will see their nakedness, kingdoms will see your shame, God will throw filth at them, they will be a spectacle.

Based on what you know about Assyria, do you think anyone will grieve for Nineveh when they are destroyed (verse 7)? This verse is rhetorical – “who will grieve for her?” – no one

Can you summarize in your own words what this section means? God again declares that He is against Assyria. Because of the moral wickedness of Assyria, they would face not only shame and humiliation, but also the full force of God’s wrath. No one on earth would grieve for the destruction of Assyria.

3:8-9

Thebes was considered impossible to conquer, yet it fell to the Assyrian king Ashurbanipal in 663 B.C. Go to maps.google.com and search for Luxor, Egypt. This is where the ancient city of Thebes was located. Now notice the location of the Nile, Egypt, Libya, and Ethiopia – all allies of Thebes. How would you describe the geographical strength of Thebes? Thebes was well-protected and had strength and security and like Assyria was located next to a major river system (Nile/Tigris)

What should Nineveh learn from the story of Thebes’ downfall? Even well- protected land, armies, strength, and security can’t save empires from God’s justice

Can you summarize in your own words what this section means? Thebes couldn’t save herself. Assyria, too, won’t be able to save herself from God’s justice.

3:10-13

Based on our study of the previous paragraph, who is verse 10 referring to? Thebes

Verse 10 graphically describes the wartime atrocities that Assyria brought on the kingdom of Thebes when they conquered them. Hosea 13:16 describes similar wartime evils being brought on the people of Samaria. But God doesn’t let evil nations get away with their evil forever. Read Deuteronomy 32:35 and tell what God promises. Vengeance is mine, I will repay, their foot will slip and their doom will come swiftly

What 3 things does God say will happen to Nineveh (verse 11 – you can also mark them in your text)? 1) You will be drunken, 2) you will go into hiding 3) you will seek a refuge from the enemy

So just like Thebes faced wartime atrocities when the Assyrians came against her, the Assyrians themselves, and more specifically Nineveh, will also be made to drink God’s wrath. This is the picture in verse 11, which sounds very much like Nahum 1:10. Based on this picture of drunkenness, what does this have to do with their ability to defend themselves – are drunken people in control of themselves and able to fight off an enemy? No, they are defenseless

Knowing the history of Nineveh, verse 11 if fascinating. God promises that they “will go into hiding.” The city of Nineveh would indeed be hidden. From their destruction in 612 B.C. until the remains were discovered in 1842 A.D., Nineveh was hidden from the face of the earth. With your parents’ permission, you can search for images of “Nineveh Archaeology” online to see what has been uncovered. How does this verse strengthen your trust in the Bible’s accuracy? Answers will vary. Archaeology is proving the Bible’s accuracy.

Nahum’s prophecy of judgment to Assyria was fulfilled. Read Jeremiah 50:17-18 and Ezekiel 32:22-23 and write what you learn. Answers will vary. God punished the king of Assyria; Assyria who spread terror on the earth was slain by the sword

Verses 12-13 describe the uselessness of preparation. In other words, try as they might, Nineveh cannot stop God’s justice and judgment. There are three pictures in these verses that signal that Assyria’s strong defenses would be easily over-run. What are those three pictures? Mark them in your text and list them here. 1) Fortresses are like fig trees/ripe fruit falling easily, 2) their troops are like weak women, 3) their gates are wide open

Can you summarize in your own words what this section means? Nineveh’s strong defenses would be over-run and the empire would disappear from the face of the earth.

3:14-16

Nahum is being sarcastic here in verse 14. Do you see it? Why is this verse ironic? Because no matter what the Assyrians do, they will be defeated as God has promised.

Verses 15-16 give a vivid picture of the type of complete destruction that will come on Nineveh. It has to do with the way the locust leaves the land. Check out this article about a locust plague in East Africa in 2020 and describe what you learn and how it applies to these verses in Nahum. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/2020/05/gigantic-locust-swarms- hit-east-africa/

Can you summarize in your own words what this section means? No matter what the Assyrians do, they will be defeated as God has promised. Their destruction will be complete, like the devastation of the land from a plague of locusts.

3:17-19

Now Nahum uses the picture of the grasshopper to describe how the princes and leadership of Nineveh fled away or disappeared at the first light. These verses are assuring that Nineveh will not recover. Even in verse 18, the words asleep and slumber are referring to death. What happened to the people of Nineveh in verse 18? They are scattered

How do the people of the earth respond to Nineveh’s demise? They applaud, clap their hands, and are happy

Why do they respond this way? “For upon whom has not come your unceasing evil?” – the whole earth had lived under the terror and atrocities of wicked Assyria

Read Ezekiel 31. In this chapter, Ezekiel uses the history of Assyria to warn the Egyptians. Even though Assyria was proud and powerful (pictured like a strong tree that dominates the forest), God literally chopped down that tree. Write what you learn from this chapter. Answers will vary.

While the book of Nahum prophesied the specific judgment coming to Nineveh, we know that God will eventually bring justice and judgment to the whole world system that is turned against Him. Jesus, the LORD of hosts (angel armies) will eventually win. Read about this future time of justice in Revelation 19 and write what you learn. Answers will vary.

Can you summarize in your own words what this section means? The leaders of Assyria will scatter like grasshoppers. When the people of the earth learn that the king of Assyria is dead, they will clap their hands because the whole earth had lived under the terror of the wicked Assyrian Empire. God’s justice will not be thwarted.

Project #3: Theological Themes in Nahum

Choose one of these topics and write 3-5 paragraphs about it. Include at least 3 references from Nahum or other Scripture references to support your conclusions.

• What have you learned about God in the book of Nahum? Discuss at least 3 attributes or descriptions of His character and include Scripture references. • Discuss the themes of God’s justice and God’s sovereignty over the nations as seen in the book of Nahum. • Nahum, whose name means comforter, had to deliver a message of judgment to Nineveh. Can you deliver a hard message while still showing compassion? Consider Jude 17-23.

PROJECT #3: THEOLOGICAL THEMES IN NAHUM

PROJECT 3 4 3 2 1 GRADING Exceeding Meeting Approaching Not Meeting RUBRIC Standard Standard Standard Standard Essay answers one of the theological themes from Nahum At least 3 relevant Scripture references are included Student supports conclusions with Scripture Essay is 3-5 paragraphs in length Essay is free of errors and clearly written Total Points

Final Grade

______/20 points = ______%