If you’re unfamiliar with Nahum, you will receive a blessing
This was found during an excavation of an ancient “rubbish dump” that dates back to the time of King Hezekiah, who lived between 722 B.C. and 698 B.C
as you study his book. He’s one of the most literary of the prophets, employing a wide range of styles and techniques in writing.
One of his most memorable verses is Nahum 1:5:
“The mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein.”
A word of background will help you better appreciate Nahum.
Under the preaching of Jonah, Assyria’s capital had repented of her sin and been spared God’s judgment. But a newly rebellious generation arose and went back on the warpath against the Israelites.
About forty years after Jonah, Assyria invaded Israel. That’s when God moved Nahum to announce that Assyria’s days were numbered, and to comfort God’s people with the assurance that the Lord would bring all nations to justice in His time.
Reflecting on tumultuous events, Nahum wrote:
“The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the Lord hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet” (Nahum 1:3).
Nahum’s prophecies, which date about 640 B.C., can read with this general outline in mind:
- Chapter 1: The Lord is the judge of Nineveh.
- Chapter 2: God’s judgment on Nineveh will be swift and violent.
- Chapter 3: God will utterly destroy Nineveh.
We all face storms in life. Nahum reminds us that God is not absent in the storm.
Though the skies grow dark, the wind howls, and the dust flies, God never loses sight of His children. He sees our plight, and He is fully in control.
Key Though:
Though nations mock, strut, intimidate, and terrorize the innocent, one day the world will reap what it sows; but God’s people have Good news to take to the world.
Key Verse:
“Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace! O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off” (Nah 1:15).
Key Action:
Though skies are often dark, we must realize God is not absent from the storm; and He never loses sight of His children.