T he only good news that we ought to know and remember is that Jesus Christ had already won the war against sin and death. He has made it possible for us to join Him in the afterlife. All we need now to do is accept Him as He is. God is alive today and it may be sometimes be difficult to see this. The world and its demonic nature has still made it look like that only worldly things matter and that the ultimate goal of each one is to achieve their own personal happiness. This is the biggest lie of all, that we should do all to make us happy. Individual happiness at the expense of someone else is the biggest deception of all. The truth is, our lives are never really about us. It is ultimately about God and about others. It is about how you can provide and give joy even at our own expense. This is the model of ultimate and genuine love that Jesus shown us at the cross. "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s frie...
The Book of Nahum is a prophetic book in the Old Testament, part of the Book of the Twelve Minor Prophets. It is a vivid and poetic prophecy primarily focused on the impending destruction of Nineveh, the capital of the Neo-Assyrian Empire.
Historical Context and Authorship:
The prophet Nahum ("Comforter" or "Consoler") is believed to have prophesied in the late 7th century BCE, specifically between the sack of Thebes (No-amon) in Egypt by Ashurbanipal of Assyria in 663 BCE (mentioned in Nahum 3:8-10) and the fall of Nineveh in 612 BCE. Little is known about Nahum himself, apart from his name and the title "the Elkoshite," suggesting his hometown was Elkosh, though its exact location is debated (possibilities include a town in Judah, Galilee, or even northern Mesopotamia).
The book's historical context is crucial. Assyria, particularly Nineveh, was a brutal and oppressive empire that had terrorized the ancient Near East for centuries. They had conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel in 722 BCE and besieged Jerusalem in 701 BCE. Nahum's prophecy would have brought immense relief and hope to the people of Judah, who had suffered greatly under Assyrian dominance. The book celebrates God's justice against an arrogant and cruel empire.
Summary of Contents:
The book can be broadly divided into three chapters:
Chapter 1: The Character of God and the Coming Judgment Nahum begins with a powerful affirmation of God's character. He is a jealous and avenging God who is slow to anger but great in power, and who will by no means clear the guilty. Yet, he is also good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and he knows those who take refuge in him. The prophet then describes the terrifying might of God's coming judgment against his enemies, specifically Nineveh.
Notable Quote/Verse: "The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord is avenging and wrathful; the Lord takes vengeance on his adversaries and keeps wrath for his enemies. The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and the Lord will by no means clear the guilty." (Nahum 1:2-3a)
Notable Quote/Verse: "The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him." (Nahum 1:7)
Chapter 2: The Fall of Nineveh Described This chapter vividly portrays the siege and destruction of Nineveh. Nahum describes the attacking armies, the panic within the city, the futile attempts to defend it, and the complete desolation that will follow. The imagery is intense, depicting chariots clashing, soldiers plundering, and the city being emptied and overwhelmed.
Notable Quote/Verse: "The shield of his mighty men is red; his soldiers are clothed in scarlet. The chariots flash with steel on the day of his preparing; the cypress spears are brandished. The chariots rage in the streets; they rush to and fro through the squares; they gleam like torches; they dart like lightning." (Nahum 2:3-4)
Notable Quote/Verse: "Nineveh is like a pool whose waters run away. 'Halt! Halt!' But none turns back." (Nahum 2:8)
Chapter 3: The Reason for Nineveh's Judgment and Its Utter Desolation Nahum elaborates on why Nineveh is being judged. Its cruelty, idolatry, harlotry (metaphorical for its seductive influence over nations and its treachery), and relentless oppression are highlighted. The prophet compares Nineveh to a "bloody city" and a "lion's den" that preyed on other nations. The chapter concludes with a triumphant declaration that there will be no healing or recovery for Nineveh; its demise will be met with rejoicing from all who heard of its evil.
Notable Quote/Verse: "Woe to the bloody city, all full of lies and plunder—no end to the prey!" (Nahum 3:1)
Notable Quote/Verse: "All who hear the news about you clap their hands over you. For who has not felt your endless cruelty?" (Nahum 3:19)
Themes:
God's Justice and Sovereignty: The central theme is God's just judgment against wickedness and his ultimate control over the nations. Even mighty empires like Assyria are subject to his will.
Vengeance and Wrath: The book clearly portrays God's wrath against sin and oppression, demonstrating that justice will prevail.
Comfort for God's People: For Judah, Nahum's prophecy was a message of comfort and assurance that their oppressor would be brought low, and they would experience peace.
The Downfall of Arrogance: Nineveh's pride and cruelty are shown to be the very things that lead to its destruction.