The name Nahum means Comforter. God is bringing "comfort" to Israel by the prophet predicting Nineveh’s fall. The Assyrians were mortal enemies of Israel. God had spared them 100 years ago during Jonah's time time, but would not withold His judgment now. We can learn through Nahum's prophecy:
The purpose of the
destruction. (1:1-2, 7, 9-15; 2:12; 3:1, 4-10) God will accomplish this for two
reasons:
1. To protect Judah (1:1-2, 13, and
15) God is jealous over those He loves
and takes vengeance on all who would harm them. The people will soon rejoice
over the destruction of the cruel Assyrian Empire.
2. To punish Nineveh (1:9-12, 14; 2:12;
3:1, 4-10) Her wickedness: Defiance of
God, Idolatry, terrible bloodshed, and involvement with the occult.
We also have no doubt about the power behind the
destruction (1:3-6) When sinful men exhaust
God’s patience, they face the terrible power of God’s wrath which is like a
raging storm and consuming fire!
The Assyrians trusted in their own power and strength. They forgot how the Lord had spared them when they repented under Jonah's warning.Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to always,
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Amen?
