Fall Preaching Series on THE MINOR PROPHETS

God's Mechanic: NAHUM

Historical Context/Audience

            More than a century after God spared Ninevah from judgment (prophesied through Jonah), Nahum also declared the judgment of God upon the wicked city of Ninevah. This time there was no fasting or sackcloth (mourning for their sins), and Ninevah was not spared. Nahum is, in its historical setting, a prediction and celebration of the fall of Ninevah, the capital of the Assyrian Empire in 612 BC. It is unlikely, but not impossible, that Ninevah was the audience of Nahum’s prophecy. More likely, it was given as encouragement to the people of Judah, who were suffering under Assyrian domination.

Message/Theme

            It is not just God’s role to forgive the repentant and to woo sinner’s back into Covenant relationship with God, but also to dispatch the enemy and lay evil to rest. The wicked and unrighteous will not succeed, let alone thwart or mock God. Whereas Jonah offers mercy to the Assyrians (Ninevah) who respond to God’s mercy with humility and penitence, a lack of repentance now results in destruction. It is difficult to hear the prophet's words because their downfall will be so awful. The modern Church has largely ignored Nahum for its harsh judgment.

"Who can withstand his indignation? Who can endure his fierce anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; the rocks are shattered before him." Nahum 1:6

"Woe to the city of blood, full of lies, full of plunder, never without victims!"

 Nahum 3:1

"O king of Assyria, your shepherds slumber; your nobles lie down to rest. Your people are scattered on the mountains with no one to gather them. Nothing can heal your wound; your injury is fatal. Everyone who hears the news about you claps his hands at your fall, for who has not felt your endless cruelty?" Nahum 3:18-19