8/10/2012
Nahum 1
-About 650 years before the birth of Christ and around 135
years after Jonah preached to the city of Ninevah, which is in Assyria, Nahum
the prophet gives the Word of God concerning the LORD’s wrath on the evil
nation of Assyria. Ninevah would fall in 612 B.C. and Assyria would be
completely conquered by 609 B.C. then losing a final battle at Carchemish along
with the Egyptians in 605 B.C. to the fierce Babylonian empire.
-Nahum points out by reiteration from other Old Testament
themes God’s avenging, wrathful, and jealous nature towards those who reject
Him and are His enemies. The prophet reminds us that the LORD is slow to anger
and great in power, but will by no means leave the guilty unpunished (Exodus
34:6-7, Numbers 14:18). Nahum reminds that nothing will stand in His way when
He decides to bring His indignation and fire. *Application* It is a terrifying
thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Hebrews 10:31). His enduring
love and patience only lasts to a certain point. If we are obstinate and reject
His kindness He is just and has every right to clean up the mess that sin has
made against His authority. Come before the LORD with repentance and Godly
sorrow for the mistakes you’ve made rather than having an arrogant, idolatrous
spirit like Assyria had. God gives grace to the humble, but is opposed to the
proud and will eventually oppress and destroy them (Proverbs 3:34, James 4:6).
-“The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and
He knows those who take refuge in Him (Nahum 1:7).” (rock out with Kutless, Strong Tower http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOxeyj7itJE)
*Application* Isn’t it good to know we have a refuge and stronghold in the day
of trouble through our God? He knows us who are His children and will protect
us in His strength. He is a fortress that is true and holy. Seek Him and live!
-Nothing devised against the LORD will prosper forever. God
will make a complete end of it and distress will not rise up twice (Nahum 1:9).
The LORD will consume those who go against Him and they will be cut off (Nahum
1:10-12).
-Then in the latter part of verse 12 Nahum turns his focus
back to Judah and gives an encouraging word from God for freedom and renewal in
holiness (Nahum 1:12b-15). Peace will be announced through the mountains and a
reign of righteousness will one day be a reality. *Application* This is a
futuristic prophecy in a sense, but it is interesting that after the
destruction of Ninevah, it was completely lost to antiquity until some identifiable
ruins were discovered in 1845. When God says something through His prophets, He
is faithful to carry it out.
Verses to Memorize:
Nahum 1:7, 15
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