Route 66: Nahum - Judgment Day for Nineveh

Let's pray.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for your word.

We thank you for the prophets of the Bible that declared your encouragement and your judgment to the people.

We thank you for Old Testament history that the recordings of these events would be just as relevant for us today as the people they were spoken to.

Please help us to learn from them and apply them to our lives, and we pray for this in the name of Jesus, amen.

So the book of Nahum is the seventh in a series of 12 minor prophet books.

It's named after the author, and little is known about him, except that he is described as an Elkishite, referring to either his birthplace or the location of his ministry.

The date of this prophecy is also in question.

There are no kings mentioned in the introduction, but the text portrays Assyria as a powerful nation, which suggests that this prophecy took place in the mid-7th century BC, during the reign of Manasseh, one of Judah's most evil kings.

That means that Nahum preached during one of the darkest times in Judah's history, a time filled with idolatry of all kinds and a nation that had completely turned its back on God.

Nahum forms a sequel to the book of Jonah, which Pastor Micah preached on a few weeks back and over a century earlier, jonah had recounted the remission of God's promised judgment against Nineveh because she had repented of her cruel atrocities and idolatrous practices.

But that repentance did not last.

And now Nahum comes to depict God's declaration and execution of his judgment.

In summary, this book is a straightforward, prophetic announcement of God's destruction of Assyria and her capital city of Nineveh.

There would be no calls for repentance, no second chances.

God had decided Nineveh's fate and it was going to happen.

His fate and it was going to happen.

So, while the book was written to the Assyrian nation as a whole, this is not the same generation as Jonah had called to repent more than a century earlier.

The generation he was speaking to had returned to their wickedness and their actions would lead to total destruction, and their actions would lead to total destruction.

The book's description of the Lord's anger is harsh and, for some of us, even frightening.

However, the Lord's judgment of the wicked is connected to his compassion for their victims.

It's important to recognize that underlying the Lord's anger towards Nineveh is a deep sense of concern for the suffering of those who had been conquered, enslaved, terrorized and killed by Assyria.

That is why the book is also written to the people of Judah, because the God of wrath is also the God of compassion.

The prophecy brought comfort to Judah and all those who lived in fear of the cruel Assyrians that the Lord cares about them and will one day bring an end to the wickedness.

In fact, the meaning of the word Nahum is comfort or consolation, and it is a short form of Nehemiah, which means comfort of Yahweh.

The Lord's willingness to send Nahum into such a hopeless situation evidenced his unrelenting and overwhelming grace.

So as we get started, we see a short book written in poetic form using imagery and symbolism.

With only 47 verses.

It is neatly divided into three chapters.

Each chapter speaks to a different characteristic of Nineveh's destruction.

So tonight's talk will be divided into three parts or points.

So tonight's talk will be divided into three parts or points.

Point number one focuses on chapter one, the destruction declared.

Point number two focuses on chapter two, the destruction detailed.

And point number three focuses on chapter three, the destruction deserved.

So let's start with point number one, the destruction declared.

Verse 1 introduces the author and his purpose.

It says a prophecy concerning Nineveh, the book of the vision of Nahum, the Elkishite Notice.

It says the book of the vision.

This was more than a message communicated in just words or phrases from God.

When we see the vivid description, the way Nahum writes, we understand that the book records what he saw in his vision.

It was so real to him that in some way Nahum actually saw the events taking place, and we see that right away in chapter 1 and verses 2 to 8, where God's majestic power is illustrated.

Nahum establishes the fact that God is omnipotent.

A holy and jealous God who will punish the wicked and avenge his own.

A holy and jealous God who will punish the wicked and avenge his own.

God has a burning zeal for Israel and often reacts passionately towards anyone who comes against him.

But his jealousy does not suggest he is quick to anger.

Instead, he is long-suffering, as shown by his response to Nineveh's earlier repentance.

And we also see that God is far more patient than man.

Although there is a time and a place where he does display his anger, it doesn't come quickly or randomly.

Let me read you a quote by Charles Spurgeon on God's patience.

It says God's sword of justice is in its scabbard, not rusted in it.

It can easily be withdrawn, but held there by that hand that presses it back into its sheath.

Crying.

Sleep, o sword.

Sleep, for I will have mercy upon sinners and will forgive their transgressions.

But in the same way, god is not like an unjust judge who simply lets the guilty go free out of a false sense of compassion.

Sin must be accounted for because he will not acquit the wicked.

Nahum goes on to describe power saying man.

A huge whirlwind or storm is nothing to God because he has his way in them.

And although he is slow to anger when God is resisted long enough and rejected strongly enough, his judgment eventually comes.

And when it does come, his fury is poured out like fire.

Understanding this should make any person quick to repent.

We should never presume upon God's patience.

In verse 7, we see a glimmer of hope as Nahum speaks to the eventual restoration of Judah.

He reminds us that God is compassionate to those who put their hope in him.

It says the Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble.

He cares for those who trust in him.

But he quickly switches back to Nineveh's fate by describing it metaphorically as an engulfing flood and darkness from which none can escape.

Verse 8 says God will pursue his foes into the realm of darkness.

Sounds to me like God is chasing them right into hell.

In the second part of chapter 1, we see God's specific judgment on Nineveh, mixed with blessing and hope for Israel within the messages of doom upon the wicked nation.

Nineveh was ripe for a devastating judgment.

Now.

This was not a harsh chastening like a father scolding his children.

This was utter destruction to come upon the city.

All Assyrian attempts to prevent God's judgment would be futile.

Their end was determined and, unlike conquered nations who recovered, the promised affliction will not rise up a second time because the judgment will be so severe the first time.

In verses 12 through 14, god himself speaks directly, first to Judah and then to Nineveh.

He encourages Judah in verses 12 and 13.

He says Although I have afflicted you, Judah, I will afflict you no more.

Now I will break their yoke from your neck and tear your shackles away.

So I'd like to pause for a moment to make a point Notice God says I afflicted you Although he used Assyria to invade and conquer Judah.

It is always God who ordains a judgment.

Assyria could do no more than God allowed them to do.

And then, in verse 14, god turns his attention back to Nineveh.

He says God turns his attention back to Nineveh.

He says you will have no descendants to bear your name, I will destroy the images and idols that are in the temple of your gods.

I will prepare your grave for you are vile.

God lets them know that it will be total destruction for them there would be no descendants, a total wiping out of the people, their idols and their temple would be destroyed and finally the king of Assyria would be put to death.

But then, in verse 15, god again gives the ultimate hope to his people.

Look there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace.

And thus the chapter ends with encouragement for Judah, the promise of the coming Messiah.

So we saw the destruction declared, and now we move to point number two, the destruction detailed.

Chapter two is a classic display of military assault.

It begins with a call to battle in verses one and two.

In the vision, nahum sees a mighty army coming against the city of Nineveh.

Although he describes it in the present tense, he is looking 50 years ahead, when Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon would conquer the Assyrian capital.

The Assyrians had a practice of scattering their captives all over the map, and this is the same fate they would face themselves.

Verse 1 begins with the one who scatters has come up against you.

Another translation says he who scatters has come up before your face.

Nahum goes on to warn Nineveh that they should prepare themselves for this onslaught, but he also declares that God would restore his people by destroying their enemies.

Also declares that God would restore his people by destroying their enemies.

In verses 3 to 12 in chapter 2, nahum can see it all in his vision, both the battle and the outcome.

The battle of Nineveh was fierce, and bloody Confusion reigned as the troops were assembled and the chariots hastily moved into position.

In verse 6, it says the river gates are opened and the palace erodes away.

Now, the city of Nineveh was located at the confluence of three rivers and they had built dams to minimize the damage of seasonal flooding.

Verse 6 suggests that these dam gates were opened, causing the walls of the city to be destroyed and the palace to be captured.

The people of Nineveh were taken away into exile and the spoils of silver and gold would be plundered.

As the city is stripped bare, verse 10 describes it she is emptied, yes, she is desolate and waste.

And then, in verse 11, nahum sarcastically asks where is the den of the lions?

So let me explain.

The lion was one of the national emblems of the Assyrian Empire.

Their military style was similar to that of a lion.

Nahum continues by taunting her, ridiculing her fall from power and glory.

Verse 13 sums up God's wrath.

Herself has become prey for other nations, all under the sovereign direction of God.

Verse 13 sums up God's wrath.

Behold, I am against you, says the Lord of hosts.

I will burn your chariots in smoke and the sword shall devour your young lions.

I will cut off your prey from the earth and the voice of your messengers shall be heard no more.

Imagine hearing those words from the true and living God.

I am against you.

Those are words that we don't want to hear, and it is a good lesson for us today.

The Bible says in Romans, chapter 8 and verse 31, that if God is for us, who can be against us?

Romans 8 · chapter mention

That answer is no one, unless it is God himself.

So, to sum up what we have learned so far, we saw the destruction declared and the destruction detailed.

Moving to point three, we see the destruction deserved.

In chapter three, nahum asserts that the destruction of Nineveh was justly deserved and to prove his point, he makes three charges against her and follows each with the consequences.

The first charge is in verse one.

The first charge is in verse 1.

Woe to the city of blood.

Totally deceitful, full of plunder, never without prey.

Throughout history, assyria proved to be a cruel and bloodthirsty nation.

She conquered her enemies with ruthless treachery, filling her cities with the spoils of other nations.

The consequence for this is in verse 3, where we see the armies of Nineveh in a state of disarray.

They were so overrun that the streets were filled with corpses, so many that the defenders stumbled over them.

The second charge against Nineveh was spiritual and moral prostitution.

In verse 4, nahum describes the city's deep-seated wickedness, highlighting its immoral practices.

This included acts of idolatry, sorcery, witchcraft and sexual immorality, which would ultimately lead to its downfall.

Like a beautiful prostitute, nineveh was guilty of seducing other nations with her sinful enticements and, as a result, nineveh would be publicly exposed, resulting in shame and humiliation.

In verses 5 and 6, god tells them I will lift your skirts over your face.

I will show the nations your nakedness and the kingdoms your shame.

I will pelt you with filth.

I will treat you with contempt and make you a spectacle.

Nineveh is in ruins, but there would be no mourning for her.

In fact, there would be much rejoicing at her fall, none would be found to comfort her and she would bear her misery alone.

The third charge against Nineveh was pride.

One of the cities that Assyria destroyed was the Egyptian city of Thebes.

Like Nineveh, thebes was a wealthy city that was protected by water.

In verses 8 to 10, nahum reminds Nineveh about their destruction of that city.

It says Her children were also dashed to pieces at the head of every street.

They cast lots for her dignitaries and all her nobles were bound in chains.

Now, thebes was a recent conquest for Assyria and it should have been very fresh in their minds.

Like Nineveh by the Tigris River, thebes was situated next to the Nile, enjoying the security of conquered nations around her.

No-transcript.

Now there is a lesson for us in this present day.

How often do we sit in pride and arrogance when it comes to those around us?

We see people and nations judged.

Just like the Assyrians saw Thebes destroyed, yet, like the Ninevites, somehow we think we will be spared, despite our sinful rebellion.

So we must take heed and humble ourselves, because God is watching us.

Now, as we move towards the end of the book, in verses 12 to 18, we see Nahum expose the weaknesses of both the people and the leaders of Nineveh.

He compares their fortresses to ripe fig trees, easily shaken.

He taunts their troops by calling them weak, and their city gates are wide open.

The prophet practically mocked the people of Nineveh, cheering them on to do the best they could to defend their city.

In light of the coming judgment, they could prepare as many provisions and people as they pleased, but it would all come to nothing under the judgment of God.

Their leaders were numerous, like locusts and grasshoppers, but they would be ineffective in the face of the judgment.

They were all powerless in the hands of the Almighty God.

And the prophecy ends in verse 19, where Nahum declares the destruction complete.

It says there is no remedy for your injury.

Your wound is severe.

All who hear the news about you will clap their hands because of you.

For who has not experienced your constant cruelty?

Because Nineveh was so known, even renowned, for its violence and cruelty, it's no wonder that Nahum sees the nations applauding when the city is judged and destroyed.

The Assyrian leaders and army were dead and the people were scattered, and history records the fall of Nineveh to the Babylonians, who conquered the city in 612 BC.

For Nahum and for us today, we take comfort in knowing that the judgments of the Lord are faithful and true.

Now, in conclusion, let's look at some of the things we learned from the book of Nahum.

Number one the Lord is a jealous and avenging God.

Nahum's message to the world is nothing except true repentance and faith can spare you from God's wrath.

Number two in Israel, god called a nation out from the rest of the world to be a blessing to the rest of the world.

But even this chosen nation would incur his judgment because they themselves were corrupt.

Yet there was hope for Israel, because God would keep his covenant with them.

His gracious intention to bring them a Messiah from the line of David, the true and final king, would not be thwarted.

Number three judgment is assured for those who will not bow the knee and take refuge in the Lord.

No one is exempt from God's righteous judgment that will overtake those who remain hostile to him.

Yet there is a hope for all those who do take refuge in God and in the Savior that he sent.

Jesus Christ took God's wrath upon himself for the sake of all those who would believe in him, and this is the good news.

This is the proclaimed peace that we saw back in chapter 1 and verse 15.

Number four Nahum's prophecy resounds with one key theme above all others the terrifying experience of being judged by God when you are his enemy.

He uses language that will communicate the awful horror that awaits those who reject God and abuse God's people.

And number five we have comfort as believers in today's wicked world.

No matter what present circumstances may indicate, the Lord will bring every evil deed under his righteous judgment.

Romans, chapter 12 and verse 19 promises this.

Romans 12 · chapter mention

Friends, do not avenge yourselves.

Instead, leave room for God's wrath, because it is written vengeance belongs to me, I will repay, says the Lord.

Believers worldwide can take heart in Nahum's prophecy.

We don't need to envy the unrighteous or seek vengeance against them ourselves.

The Lord is with us.

He will bring judgment in his own time.

Let's pray.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for this time spent in your word.

Help us to stand firm on your promises, but take heed of your warnings lest we suffer the same fate as Nineveh.

In Jesus' name, we pray, amen.