Title: Warning against Nineveh/Nahum 1
A Warning to Nineveh (Nahum 1)
This prophecy is unique. Other prophets use expressions such as “the word of the Lord” (Jon 1:1) and “apocalypse” (Amos 1:1), but in this case “apocalypse” is used along with the unusual usage of “severe warning”. This prophecy also mentions “a form of poetry” (vv. 2-8) and chastisement of enemies (vv. 9-15).
1. have a title
“The grave warning against Nineveh, the apocalypse of Nahum the Elgosite” (v. 1).
This prophetic book uses a special usage of “a warning against Nineveh.” “Warning” occurs several times in Burden, Isaiah (Isaiah 13:1, 15:1, 17:1, 19:1, 21:1, 11, 22:1, 23:1, 30:6). The word “warning” is followed by the name of the place or person to be warned. Zechariah also gave “a warning of the word of the Lord concerning Israel” (Zechariah 12:1).
(1) He was an Elgosian. - “Elgosian”, like an adjective from a place, but knows nothing about the location of Elgos.
(2) The prophet was Nahum. - Nahum, “of Nahum,” appears only here in the Old Testament. Most of the records about him belong to the latter period. Nahum means “comfort, comforter”. Scholars see Nahum as a later name rather than a birth name.
(3) The content is implied. - “Apocalyptic writing”, “apocalyptic” is literally “ideal”. This apocalypse was “written”. This originally meant that this prophecy was “written” and not spoken.
2. Jehovah's Warning
The contents of this site are structured according to the letters of the Hebrew alphabet. These poems are called “An Aiphabetic Acrostic.” However, not the entire Hebrew alphabet is used here.
(1) Jehovah's strong chastisement against the Gentiles appears.
“The LORD is a God of envy and vengeance” (v. 2). This is Nahum's repeated warning, which has important implications. The Lord is “slow to anger” (verse 3), but He never forgives sinners (verse 3). A person must take responsibility for his own actions. It is the attitude of a person who has no escape before God. Forgiveness of sins is possible through repentance.
(2) There is an aspect of Jehovah's work. - “The way of the Lord is in whirlwinds and storms” (verse 3), and through the phenomena of nature the prophet presents the majesty of God. This makes us know the power and might of Almighty God. Here, the power of nature is revealed in ① the whirlwind ② the gust of wind ③ the cloud ④ the drying up of the sea. This suggests relatively human weakness.
(3) Human weakness is revealed in many ways.
“Who can stand before his wrath, and who can bear all his wrath?” (verse 6). “Who” is in contrast to God. Who can stand before the power of God? The Lord is a refuge for “those who trust in him” (v. 7).
3. There is chastisement against enemies
(1) There is a form of punishment. - “He will completely destroy, and calamity will never happen again” (verse 9). “I will completely destroy you” shows God's method of thorough chastisement. Its appearance is clearly shown in ① it tangles like thorns, and ② burns like dry straw (verse 10).
(2) There is the comfort of Jehovah. “I have tormented you before, but I will no longer torment you” (verse 12). The honor of the oppressor of Israel is shattered, and the suffering disappears. Comfort and peace come to God's people. ① The honor of Israel is broken ② The bonds are loosed.
(3) There is the destruction of Nineveh. - “Your name will never be preached again” (v. 14). Yahweh's vengeance appears in (1) the annihilation of the idols of Nineveh and (2) the poured out idols and (3) preparing the tombs of his people. This shows God's justice for this city.
(4) There is God's wonderful comfort. “Judah is to keep your feasts and pay your vows” (verse 15). Judas, who has been rescued from tribulation, has a work to do.
① Keep the seasons.
② Pay off your vows.
It is an important duty of God's people.
Regarding them, God (1) completely destroys the wicked and (2) does not allow them to pass through among Judah (verse 15).