Synopsis: Nahum

The writer  

The book of Nahum was penned after the Assyrians triumphed over the Northern Kingdom in 722 BC. The name Nahum itself holds the meaning of "comforted," reflecting his role as a minister to the southern kingdom of Judah. 

  

Nahum's prophetic message revolved around the imminent downfall of Nineveh. This prophecy brought solace to the inhabitants of Judah who endured constant harassment from the Assyrians following the collapse of the Northern Kingdom. The Assyrians' relentless aggressions against Judah were documented in 2 Kings 18:13-15. In due course, Nahum's prophecy found fulfillment when the Babylonians conquered the Assyrians, resulting in the capture of Nineveh in 612 BC. 

Key verse 

Nahum 1:7  The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.  

During Nahum's ministry, the people of Judah endured brutal aggression from the Assyrians. In the midst of their suffering, the verse mentioned above provided a much-needed source of solace and reassurance to the Jewish community from the proud statement of Rabshakeh in 2 Kings 18:30-31 who boasted:  

v. 30     Neither let Hezekiah make you trust in the LORD, saying, The LORD will surely deliver us, and this city shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.  

v. 31     Hearken not to Hezekiah: for thus saith the king of Assyria, Make an agreement with me by a present, and come out to me, and then eat ye every man of his own vine, and every one of his fig tree, and drink ye every one the waters of his cistern:  

In the light of these proud statements, the key verse must be a strong source of comfort to the Jews. 

Main Theme 

In Nahum 1:14, the Lord declared that the Assyrians were ‘vile’, and in Nahum 3:19, God said, “for upon whom hath not thy wickedness passed continually?” 

Approximately 150 years ago, Assyria, known for its pride and military might, repented during the ministry of Jonah. However, it appears that they had fallen back into their wicked and destructive patterns. The message conveyed by Nahum, foretelling the imminent downfall of their nation, might have reached the Assyrians, yet they chose to dismiss both the prophet and his warning.  

Although God utilized Assyria as an instrument to chastise the Northern Kingdom of Israel, this should never serve as justification for their excessive arrogance and cruelty inflicted upon the lands they conquered.  

Spiritual and life lessons 

It is very important for all of us to know the kind nature of God. When He punishes us, He does it with a reluctant spirit and looks forward to consoling us when we repent. One can says Assyria is just God’s battle axe, executing God’s righteousness in punishing Israel for their sins. Why are they punished for carrying out God’s plan?  

The answer is obvious if we know the merciful character of God. In the process of meting out God’s punishment on Israel, the Assyrians carried out the job with much cruelty. God's punishment on the Assyrians’ use of excessive force reminds us that in executing whatsoever judgment, we must not be overly zealous.  

When the Apostle Paul wrote the letter to punish the sinner in the Corinthian church (1 Corinthians 5:1-5), he followed up with another letter reminding the believers to extend forgiveness when he repents (2 Cor 2:5-8). 

Nahum's message to the Assyrians imparts an essential lesson about the value of the Gospel message and the need for sincere self-reflection in response to the call of God and the Lord Jesus Christ. When Jonah confronted Nineveh with their sins, they responded with enthusiasm. Regrettably, the Assyrians’ repentance was short-lived, and they regressed into their former ways of violence and wickedness. When Nahum delivered his message, the Assyrians ignored it. Consequently, they faced divine punishment and were unable to reclaim their former glory. 

  

Every person who comes into contact with the Gospel message and witnesses the benevolence of God should acknowledge its profound significance. Embracing the Lord Jesus as their Savior should spring from a deep-seated conviction, as underscored in Romans 10:9. A wavering or superficial faith in the Gospel carries weighty repercussions. Once an individual experiences genuine salvation, they find reassurance in the unwavering promises of our Lord Jesus, as conveyed in passages like John 5:24, John 10:29, and Ephesians 1:13—they can rest assured they will never be lost. 

  

Unfortunately, there are numerous individuals who have been exposed to the Gospel message but have not wholeheartedly embraced Christ as their Lord and Savior, even though they may outwardly participate in church rituals like baptism. A sober and introspective evaluation requires one to assess whether they have earnestly endeavored to adhere to the teachings contained within the New Testament of the Bible. Complying with these principles serves as tangible evidence of one's genuine commitment to Christ. 

Php 3:13  Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,  

Php 3:14  I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.  

With God’s blessings, 

CL