Nahum 1:1-15
Q.1. When did Nahum prophesy against Nineveh? What insights about God did he deliver to the Assyrians? Did he offer hope to anyone? – (Nahum 1:1-8)
Jonah had successfully ministered to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria a hundred years prior to Nahum’s prophecy (Nah. 1:1 c.f. Jon.3:5-10). However these people soon despised God’s mercy and returned to their wicked ways. Therefore, Nahum put it on record that God is not to be trifled with, and that – 2 A jealous and avenging God is the Lord; The Lord is avenging and wrathful. The Lord takes vengeance on His adversaries, and He reserves wrath for His enemies. 3 The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and the Lord will by no means leave the guilty unpunished. In whirlwind and storm is His way, and clouds are the dust beneath His feet (Nah.1:2-3). However, God offers hope to those who look to Him – The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knows those who take refuge in Him (Nah.1:7). God does not treat everyone the same – 10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him (Ps.103:10-11).
Q.2. Is it possible to succeed in plotting against God? What hope did Nahum bring to Judah? How was this fulfilled under the new covenant? – (Nahum 1:9-15 c.f. Rom.10:15)
Though Nineveh had previously humbled themselves before almighty God, now they thought that their schemes and plans would succeed, as they afflicted God’s people (Nah.1:9-12). God promised His people that there was an end coming to the oppression of the Assyrians (Nah.1:12-14). Nahum prophesied good news to Judah – Behold, on the mountains the feet of him who brings good news, who announces peace! Celebrate your feasts, O Judah; Pay your vows. For never again will the wicked one pass through you; He is cut off completely (Nah.1:15). This would have a threefold fulfilment: (i) When the temple was rebuilt after the exiles returned to Jerusalem (Ezra 6:16-22). (ii) Eventually, during the millennial reign of Christ (c.f. Zeph.3:12-20). (iii) When the Gospel of Salvation is proclaimed to all nations (Rom.10:14-15).