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~ NAHUM ~ THE DOOM OF NINEVEH Little is known of Nahum. He is called the "Elkoshite" Nahum 1:1 ~The burden of Nineveh, the book, of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite. His name is in the word "Capernaum"(naum), which means "village of Nahum". This may indicate that he was a resident, or founder of Capernaum which was later made famous as the center of Jesus' ministry. Elkosh, his birthplace, was probably nearby. There is said to have been an Elkosh on the Tigris, 20 miles north of Nineveh, and that Nahum may have been among the Israelite captives. If Capernaum was his home then Nahum was of the same locality as Jonah and Jesus. Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire, is the subject of Nahum's prophecy. The news of its coming destruction was a relief for Judah, who was subject to Assyrian domination. No longer would Judah be forced to pay tribute as insurance against invasions. Judah was comforted to know that God was still in control. Nineveh is an example to all rulers and nations of the world today. God is sovereign over even those who are seemingly invincible. We can be confident that God's power and justice will one day conquer all evil. Nahum: Means "Consolation" or comfort. His ministry can be dated with reasonable certainty in the last half of the seventh century B. C., making him a contemporary of Zephaniah, Jeremiah, and Habakkuk. Nahum vividly describes, the ruthless tyranny of the Assyrians as they victoriously advanced and conquered nation after nation. Such heartless brutality could not be tolerated indefinitely by a righteous and holy God. In his prediction Nahum graphically portrays the siege and fall of Nineveh, marking the end of that great and powerful kingdom of Assyria. Three main events take place in this book. I. God's Majesty prevails; 1:1-15 II. Nineveh's fall; 2:1-13 III. The reasons why: 3: 1-19 The key verses: 1: 7 - 9 The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in him. But with an overrunning flood he will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue his enemies. What do ye imagine against the Lord? He will make an utter end; affliction shall not rise up the second time. *********************************************** God would judge the city of Nineveh for its idolatry, arrogance, and oppression. Although Assyria was the leading military power in the world, God would completely destroy this "invincible" nation. God allows no person or power to usurp or scoff at His authority. Anyone who remains arrogant and resists God's authority will face his anger. No ruler or nation will get away with rejecting him. No individual will be able to hide from his judgment. Yet those who keep trusting God will be kept safe forever. God rules over all the earth, even over those who don't acknowledge Him. God is all powerful, and no one can thwart His plans. God will overcome any who attempt to defy Him. Human power is futile against God. If you are impressed by or afraid of any weapons, armies, or powerful people, remember that God alone can truly rescue you from fear or oppression. We must place our confidence in God because He alone rules all of history, all the earth, and our life. Sinning against the Light Nineveh had "seen the light" under Jonah's preaching. From the darkness of paganism through the preaching of the Word, she had come into the light of God's blessings. Years later, in Nahum's day, she was like those "that rebel against the light". Light then became darkness. "Light has a sovereignty in it, so that to resist it is to rebel against it. God has given it to be a display of Himself, for God is Light; and He has clothed it with a measure of His majesty and power of judgment." Rebelling against the light results in, becoming traitors of God, complacency, hypocrisy, darkness, Godlessness, leading others into darkness, drunkenness, violence, fighting a losing battle against God, and doom. ************************************************************** Light is our best friend, and the wise obey it. To oppose it is useless. Owls may hoot but the moon still shines! Light will lead to more light, producing godliness. Light here will lead to heaven where there is no need for the sun, neither of the moon, to shine on it; for the glory of the Lord will light it, because the Lamb is the light thereof, and we shall reign for ever and ever with Him (Revelation 23: 23, 22:5) ******************************************************************** FOOD FOR THOUGHT So often people think that because one has become a Christian their troubles are over. This is far from the truth. God never promised His children a bed of roses. He never promised us a "utopia" as long as we are in the flesh. Even Jesus was tempted in all points like as we are (yet without sin). As a pilgrim and a stranger down here, this old life offers little compared to the glory that shall be revealed in us, when we see Jesus face to face. Although having this glorious hope, we are not immune to trials, temptations, infirmities, and trouble from our adversary the devil. God is our refuge, our fortress in the time of trouble. He is always there, it is up to us to reach out for help and anchor ourselves in the Rock of Ages........... A MIGHTY FORTRESS Nineveh was strong and powerful They thought too, they were invincible. They carried on as they wanted, Thinking their strength was undaughted. But they would live to be reckoned, They felt the force, that was beckoned. Nahum was sent to set them straight, But they laughed as he entered the gate. Thinking this man was carrying a tale, A story that would never prevail. The truth would be revealed, After a time of chances to heal. God's mercy had been extended to them, As always, He gave them time to redeem. But they mocked and lingered in their sin, And God was forced to bring them to their end. The Light was offered, but they denied, And through this omission, they lost their lives. The great city they possessed was destroyed, Because of ignorance and disobedience to the Lord. Nahum is a short book to read, But it has a powerful message to heed. Live your life as you will, And you will find what Nahum revealed. There is no place to hide or stray, From the power of God today. His Mighty Fortress is built with love, But it's also a haven for us above. A safe retreat from danger and harm, A place of comfort from alarm. The only answer to life today, Is being a soldier and staying brave. Put on your armour that he provides, And you will make it to the other side. Cast it aside and you will see, That hope for you will then flee. So arm yourself with garments of praise, Lift your arms, to God upraise, And enter the fortress by giving all, Give Him your sins, lest you fall. Poem written by Shirley Barr August 2, 2005 Book of Nahum: References by Worlds Bible Handbook copyright 1991 Robert T. Boyd King James Version Bible Life Application Bible copyright 1996 |
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