Title: God's Wrath Against Nineveh
God's wrath against Nineveh.
Nahum 1:1-15,
Chapter 40.53.304.
3927 Bible Research Institute
Assyria, represented by Nineveh, was the most powerful nation in the world at that time. They conquered and plundered other countries based on their strong military power. For their evil deeds, the judgment was warned through Jonah over 100 years ago. At that time, they heard the warning message and repented, so they could avoid the judgment.
However, the repentance was temporary, and their essential disregard for God did not change. Therefore, God now pronounces judgment on them through Nahum.
1. It is God's judgment against Nineveh (verses 1-6), 1) It is a warning against Nineveh (verse 1), Nineveh heard Jonah's warning about 100 years ago and repented and escaped judgment, but returned to its original evil. fell to state. Assyria, the world's most powerful nation at the time, had already destroyed the northern kingdom of Israel and conquered and ruled Judah.
2) The reason for judgment (verse 2), first. It is “speculation”. Speculation is not tolerating your opponent in a competitive relationship. The God who created and governs everything does not envy anyone in that way. second. It is 'retaliation'. When Nineveh first heard the warning, he humbled himself and turned to experience God's grace.
But again, they will experience His vengeance by ignoring God's providence and doing evil. third. It is “wrath”. God is always angry with sin. That wrath is expressed in judgment. Therefore, God's wrath is selfish, uncontrollable, impulsive,
Unlike anger, it reveals the certainty of God's justice and the judgments that follow. 3) It is the patience and justice of God (verse 3), first. Jehovah is slow to anger. second. His power is great. third. He never forgives sinners.
He does not condone sin so that it goes on unchecked. 4) It is God's power to execute judgment (verses 3-5), and everything in nature is under God's sovereignty. God fulfills the purpose of judgment by His power who created the heavens and the earth and all things out of nothing.
His wrath will sweep Assyria like a whirlwind. What you believed to be strong will be trampled under His feet. 5) God's wrath is unbearable. (Verse 6), God's wrath is so intense and powerful that it is said to have been "poured out like fire" and is expressed in the ability to "break" rocks.
The repetition of the phrase “who is able” also indicates an increase in the intensity of the threat. Who dares to stand against the wrath of God?
2. It is the destruction of Assyria and the salvation of Judah. (Verses 7-15), 1) God protects the faithful. (Verse 7), “The Lord is good and a stronghold in the day of trouble. He knows those who trust in him. The God who executed judgment with his fierce wrath that melted the mountains and dried the seas, becomes the stronghold of salvation for his people.
God will keep His people safe. 2) God destroys those who oppose them. (Verse 8), “He will destroy the place with the overflowing water and drive out his enemies into darkness.” You do it with power.
The surprising fact is that there was actually a great flood in the area of Nineveh when Assyria fell. It is said that the combined forces of Medes and Babylon conquered Nineveh through a wall that had collapsed four kilometers in the flood. Thus, God's words of judgment are not merely warnings.
It is a depiction of an event that will actually happen. 3) There is no one who can be against God (verses 9-11), and in verse 9, it says, “What do you plan for the Lord? He will completely destroy him, and disaster will not happen again.” Assyria's plan to destroy God's people was ultimately a challenge to God.
God was aware of these Assyrian conspiracies, and all his plans will fail. When proud nations conspire against God, God ridicules them and turns their plans in vain. The result is to be caught in a snare of your own making.
There will be no more calamity for God's people as they will be destroyed for their own wicked sins. The coming plagues on Assyria are mentioned in parables. Verse 10 says, “It is tangled like thorns, and as if drunk. They will all burn like dry straw.”
4) Judah will be saved (verses 12-15). Nineveh, which destroys Israel in the northern kingdom and afflicts Judah in the southern kingdom, will be destroyed by God's judgment and will not rise again. Verse 13 says, “Now I will break his yoke upon you and break your bonds.”
Judah was oppressed under Assyrian rule for more than a hundred years. Judah had neither the strength nor hope to become independent against Assyria. But God will free Judah from oppression and shame by destroying Assyria.
God used Assyria to discipline Judah, but it will never happen again. The destruction of Assyria was fulfilled just as foretold. After the fall of Nineveh, the glory and power of the powerful kingdom disappeared without a trace. The kings of Nineveh may have thought their kingdom would continue under the protection of their god.
But Nineveh became as if it did not exist. Verse 15 says, “Behold, the feet of those who bring good news and proclaim peace are on the hills. Keep your feasts, Judah, and pay your vows.
The herald will bring the good news that Nineveh will be destroyed and the Assyrian army will be defeated and scattered. Judah will now live in peace, enjoy festivals and observe religious feasts.
The words “pay your vows”, along with the certainty of salvation, allude to the restoration of Judah’s worship on that day. Now God alone rules over us, and with Him we will live fearlessly forever.
Dear saints, It is a blessing given to God's people. In the name of the Lord, I pray that you and I, who have received Jesus Christ as our Savior, will live a blessed life as Christians who glorify the name of God by holding fast our faith in this hope.