WEBVTT 00:00:20.295 --> 00:00:20.815 Let's pray. 00:00:20.815 --> 00:00:29.823 Heavenly Father, we thank you for your word. 00:00:29.823 --> 00:00:33.054 We thank you for the prophets of the Bible that declared your encouragement and your judgment to the people. 00:00:33.054 --> 00:00:42.286 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. 00:00:42.286 --> 00:00:48.786 Please help us to learn from them and apply them to our lives, and we pray for this in the name of Jesus, amen. 00:00:50.720 --> 00:00:55.753 So the book of Nahum is the seventh in a series of 12 minor prophet books. 00:00:55.753 --> 00:01:08.909 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. 00:01:08.909 --> 00:01:13.370 The date of this prophecy is also in question. 00:01:13.370 --> 00:01:33.733 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. 00:01:33.733 --> 00:01:49.004 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. 00:01:49.004 --> 00:02:10.780 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. 00:02:10.780 --> 00:02:14.165 But that repentance did not last. 00:02:14.165 --> 00:02:20.587 And now Nahum comes to depict God's declaration and execution of his judgment. 00:02:20.587 --> 00:02:31.944 In summary, this book is a straightforward, prophetic announcement of God's destruction of Assyria and her capital city of Nineveh. 00:02:31.944 --> 00:02:37.435 There would be no calls for repentance, no second chances. 00:02:37.435 --> 00:02:42.460 God had decided Nineveh's fate and it was going to happen. 00:02:42.460 --> 00:02:47.198 His fate and it was going to happen. 00:02:47.198 --> 00:02:54.975 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. 00:02:54.975 --> 00:03:08.680 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. 00:03:11.479 --> 00:03:15.840 The book's description of the Lord's anger is harsh and, for some of us, even frightening. 00:03:15.840 --> 00:03:23.379 However, the Lord's judgment of the wicked is connected to his compassion for their victims. 00:03:23.379 --> 00:03:38.500 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. 00:03:38.500 --> 00:03:45.524 That is why the book is also written to the people of Judah, because the God of wrath is also the God of compassion. 00:03:45.524 --> 00:03:56.532 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. 00:03:56.532 --> 00:04:09.812 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. 00:04:09.812 --> 00:04:19.293 The Lord's willingness to send Nahum into such a hopeless situation evidenced his unrelenting and overwhelming grace. 00:04:21.300 --> 00:04:27.694 So as we get started, we see a short book written in poetic form using imagery and symbolism. 00:04:27.694 --> 00:04:31.004 With only 47 verses. 00:04:31.004 --> 00:04:33.812 It is neatly divided into three chapters. 00:04:33.812 --> 00:04:39.411 Each chapter speaks to a different characteristic of Nineveh's destruction. 00:04:39.411 --> 00:04:43.903 So tonight's talk will be divided into three parts or points. 00:04:43.903 --> 00:04:45.564 So tonight's talk will be divided into three parts or points. 00:04:45.564 --> 00:04:50.447 Point number one focuses on chapter one, the destruction declared. 00:04:50.447 --> 00:04:57.112 Point number two focuses on chapter two, the destruction detailed. 00:04:57.112 --> 00:05:03.177 And point number three focuses on chapter three, the destruction deserved. 00:05:03.177 --> 00:05:11.004 So let's start with point number one, the destruction declared. 00:05:11.045 --> 00:05:13.728 Verse 1 introduces the author and his purpose. 00:05:13.728 --> 00:05:22.889 It says a prophecy concerning Nineveh, the book of the vision of Nahum, the Elkishite Notice. 00:05:22.889 --> 00:05:24.934 It says the book of the vision. 00:05:24.934 --> 00:05:30.625 This was more than a message communicated in just words or phrases from God. 00:05:30.625 --> 00:05:39.946 When we see the vivid description, the way Nahum writes, we understand that the book records what he saw in his vision. 00:05:39.946 --> 00:05:54.894 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. 00:05:57.100 --> 00:06:00.105 Nahum establishes the fact that God is omnipotent. 00:06:00.105 --> 00:06:04.795 A holy and jealous God who will punish the wicked and avenge his own. 00:06:04.795 --> 00:06:09.680 A holy and jealous God who will punish the wicked and avenge his own. 00:06:09.680 --> 00:06:17.540 God has a burning zeal for Israel and often reacts passionately towards anyone who comes against him. 00:06:17.540 --> 00:06:21.939 But his jealousy does not suggest he is quick to anger. 00:06:21.939 --> 00:06:30.240 Instead, he is long-suffering, as shown by his response to Nineveh's earlier repentance. 00:06:30.240 --> 00:06:35.439 And we also see that God is far more patient than man. 00:06:35.439 --> 00:06:38.735 Although there is a time and a place where he does display his anger, it doesn't come quickly or randomly. 00:06:40.600 --> 00:06:44.168 Let me read you a quote by Charles Spurgeon on God's patience. 00:06:44.168 --> 00:06:50.411 It says God's sword of justice is in its scabbard, not rusted in it. 00:06:50.411 --> 00:06:57.130 It can easily be withdrawn, but held there by that hand that presses it back into its sheath. 00:06:57.130 --> 00:06:58.120 Crying. 00:06:58.120 --> 00:06:59.666 Sleep, o sword. 00:06:59.666 --> 00:07:05.526 Sleep, for I will have mercy upon sinners and will forgive their transgressions. 00:07:05.526 --> 00:07:15.377 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. 00:07:15.377 --> 00:07:21.632 Sin must be accounted for because he will not acquit the wicked. 00:07:38.843 --> 00:07:40.404 Nahum goes on to describe power saying man. 00:07:40.404 --> 00:07:46.512 A huge whirlwind or storm is nothing to God because he has his way in them. 00:07:46.512 --> 00:07:56.882 And although he is slow to anger when God is resisted long enough and rejected strongly enough, his judgment eventually comes. 00:07:56.882 --> 00:08:01.869 And when it does come, his fury is poured out like fire. 00:08:01.869 --> 00:08:07.055 Understanding this should make any person quick to repent. 00:08:07.055 --> 00:08:10.709 We should never presume upon God's patience. 00:08:13.000 --> 00:08:19.254 In verse 7, we see a glimmer of hope as Nahum speaks to the eventual restoration of Judah. 00:08:19.254 --> 00:08:25.170 He reminds us that God is compassionate to those who put their hope in him. 00:08:25.170 --> 00:08:30.509 It says the Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. 00:08:30.509 --> 00:08:33.388 He cares for those who trust in him. 00:08:33.388 --> 00:08:44.652 But he quickly switches back to Nineveh's fate by describing it metaphorically as an engulfing flood and darkness from which none can escape. 00:08:44.652 --> 00:08:51.232 Verse 8 says God will pursue his foes into the realm of darkness. 00:08:51.232 --> 00:08:55.549 Sounds to me like God is chasing them right into hell. 00:08:58.321 --> 00:09:09.571 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. 00:09:09.571 --> 00:09:14.230 Nineveh was ripe for a devastating judgment. 00:09:14.230 --> 00:09:15.441 Now. 00:09:15.441 --> 00:09:19.211 This was not a harsh chastening like a father scolding his children. 00:09:19.211 --> 00:09:23.191 This was utter destruction to come upon the city. 00:09:23.191 --> 00:09:29.672 All Assyrian attempts to prevent God's judgment would be futile. 00:09:29.672 --> 00:09:44.501 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. 00:09:46.870 --> 00:09:54.365 In verses 12 through 14, god himself speaks directly, first to Judah and then to Nineveh. 00:09:54.365 --> 00:09:59.019 He encourages Judah in verses 12 and 13. 00:09:59.019 --> 00:10:05.001 He says Although I have afflicted you, Judah, I will afflict you no more. 00:10:05.001 --> 00:10:10.682 Now I will break their yoke from your neck and tear your shackles away. 00:10:10.682 --> 00:10:23.572 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. 00:10:23.572 --> 00:10:25.996 It is always God who ordains a judgment. 00:10:25.996 --> 00:10:30.211 Assyria could do no more than God allowed them to do. 00:10:30.211 --> 00:10:35.956 And then, in verse 14, god turns his attention back to Nineveh. 00:10:35.956 --> 00:10:37.138 He says God turns his attention back to Nineveh. 00:10:37.138 --> 00:10:44.826 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. 00:10:44.826 --> 00:10:51.475 I will prepare your grave for you are vile. 00:10:51.475 --> 00:11:09.394 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. 00:11:09.394 --> 00:11:13.139 But then, in verse 15, god again gives the ultimate hope to his people. 00:11:13.139 --> 00:11:20.162 Look there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace. 00:11:20.162 --> 00:11:27.143 And thus the chapter ends with encouragement for Judah, the promise of the coming Messiah. 00:11:27.143 --> 00:11:36.203 So we saw the destruction declared, and now we move to point number two, the destruction detailed. 00:11:37.610 --> 00:11:41.061 Chapter two is a classic display of military assault. 00:11:41.061 --> 00:11:45.177 It begins with a call to battle in verses one and two. 00:11:45.177 --> 00:11:52.052 In the vision, nahum sees a mighty army coming against the city of Nineveh. 00:11:52.052 --> 00:12:02.385 Although he describes it in the present tense, he is looking 50 years ahead, when Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon would conquer the Assyrian capital. 00:12:02.385 --> 00:12:12.163 The Assyrians had a practice of scattering their captives all over the map, and this is the same fate they would face themselves. 00:12:12.163 --> 00:12:17.898 Verse 1 begins with the one who scatters has come up against you. 00:12:17.898 --> 00:12:24.182 Another translation says he who scatters has come up before your face. 00:12:24.182 --> 00:12:38.182 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. 00:12:38.182 --> 00:12:40.153 Also declares that God would restore his people by destroying their enemies. 00:12:40.173 --> 00:12:50.504 In verses 3 to 12 in chapter 2, nahum can see it all in his vision, both the battle and the outcome. 00:12:50.504 --> 00:12:57.839 The battle of Nineveh was fierce, and bloody Confusion reigned as the troops were assembled and the chariots hastily moved into position. 00:12:57.839 --> 00:13:05.380 In verse 6, it says the river gates are opened and the palace erodes away. 00:13:05.380 --> 00:13:15.100 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. 00:13:15.100 --> 00:13:25.100 Verse 6 suggests that these dam gates were opened, causing the walls of the city to be destroyed and the palace to be captured. 00:13:25.100 --> 00:13:32.759 The people of Nineveh were taken away into exile and the spoils of silver and gold would be plundered. 00:13:32.759 --> 00:13:41.219 As the city is stripped bare, verse 10 describes it she is emptied, yes, she is desolate and waste. 00:13:41.219 --> 00:13:48.238 And then, in verse 11, nahum sarcastically asks where is the den of the lions? 00:13:48.238 --> 00:13:50.475 So let me explain. 00:13:50.475 --> 00:13:55.461 The lion was one of the national emblems of the Assyrian Empire. 00:13:55.461 --> 00:14:05.038 Their military style was similar to that of a lion. 00:14:07.261 --> 00:14:11.787 Nahum continues by taunting her, ridiculing her fall from power and glory. 00:14:11.787 --> 00:14:19.793 Verse 13 sums up God's wrath. 00:14:19.793 --> 00:14:23.248 Herself has become prey for other nations, all under the sovereign direction of God. 00:14:23.248 --> 00:14:29.152 Verse 13 sums up God's wrath. 00:14:29.152 --> 00:14:30.234 Behold, I am against you, says the Lord of hosts. 00:14:30.234 --> 00:14:32.399 I will burn your chariots in smoke and the sword shall devour your young lions. 00:14:32.399 --> 00:14:38.500 I will cut off your prey from the earth and the voice of your messengers shall be heard no more. 00:14:38.500 --> 00:14:43.020 Imagine hearing those words from the true and living God. 00:14:43.020 --> 00:14:45.236 I am against you. 00:14:45.236 --> 00:14:51.162 Those are words that we don't want to hear, and it is a good lesson for us today. 00:14:51.162 --> 00:14:58.722 The Bible says in Romans, chapter 8 and verse 31, that if God is for us, who can be against us? 00:14:58.722 --> 00:15:04.361 That answer is no one, unless it is God himself. 00:15:04.361 --> 00:15:13.551 So, to sum up what we have learned so far, we saw the destruction declared and the destruction detailed. 00:15:13.551 --> 00:15:18.802 Moving to point three, we see the destruction deserved. 00:15:20.510 --> 00:15:32.523 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. 00:15:32.523 --> 00:15:36.298 The first charge is in verse one. 00:15:36.298 --> 00:15:40.809 The first charge is in verse 1. 00:15:40.809 --> 00:15:46.380 Woe to the city of blood. 00:15:46.380 --> 00:15:48.470 Totally deceitful, full of plunder, never without prey. 00:15:48.470 --> 00:15:53.385 Throughout history, assyria proved to be a cruel and bloodthirsty nation. 00:15:53.385 --> 00:15:59.173 She conquered her enemies with ruthless treachery, filling her cities with the spoils of other nations. 00:15:59.173 --> 00:16:04.923 The consequence for this is in verse 3, where we see the armies of Nineveh in a state of disarray. 00:16:04.923 --> 00:16:14.216 They were so overrun that the streets were filled with corpses, so many that the defenders stumbled over them. 00:16:17.870 --> 00:16:22.302 The second charge against Nineveh was spiritual and moral prostitution. 00:16:22.302 --> 00:16:31.384 In verse 4, nahum describes the city's deep-seated wickedness, highlighting its immoral practices. 00:16:31.384 --> 00:16:41.471 This included acts of idolatry, sorcery, witchcraft and sexual immorality, which would ultimately lead to its downfall. 00:16:41.471 --> 00:16:56.773 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. 00:16:56.773 --> 00:17:02.998 In verses 5 and 6, god tells them I will lift your skirts over your face. 00:17:02.998 --> 00:17:07.300 I will show the nations your nakedness and the kingdoms your shame. 00:17:07.300 --> 00:17:09.115 I will pelt you with filth. 00:17:09.115 --> 00:17:12.740 I will treat you with contempt and make you a spectacle. 00:17:12.740 --> 00:17:19.758 Nineveh is in ruins, but there would be no mourning for her. 00:17:19.758 --> 00:17:29.122 In fact, there would be much rejoicing at her fall, none would be found to comfort her and she would bear her misery alone. 00:17:31.871 --> 00:17:33.759 The third charge against Nineveh was pride. 00:17:33.759 --> 00:17:40.500 One of the cities that Assyria destroyed was the Egyptian city of Thebes. 00:17:40.500 --> 00:17:46.194 Like Nineveh, thebes was a wealthy city that was protected by water. 00:17:46.194 --> 00:18:13.364 In verses 8 to 10, nahum reminds Nineveh about their destruction of that city. 00:18:13.364 --> 00:18:18.086 It says Her children were also dashed to pieces at the head of every street. 00:18:18.086 --> 00:18:26.753 They cast lots for her dignitaries and all her nobles were bound in chains. 00:18:26.753 --> 00:18:32.202 Now, thebes was a recent conquest for Assyria and it should have been very fresh in their minds. 00:18:32.202 --> 00:18:45.650 Like Nineveh by the Tigris River, thebes was situated next to the Nile, enjoying the security of conquered nations around her. 00:18:51.950 --> 00:18:53.269 No-transcript. 00:18:53.269 --> 00:18:55.294 Now there is a lesson for us in this present day. 00:18:55.294 --> 00:19:00.616 How often do we sit in pride and arrogance when it comes to those around us? 00:19:00.616 --> 00:19:04.151 We see people and nations judged. 00:19:04.151 --> 00:19:16.319 Just like the Assyrians saw Thebes destroyed, yet, like the Ninevites, somehow we think we will be spared, despite our sinful rebellion. 00:19:16.319 --> 00:19:21.557 So we must take heed and humble ourselves, because God is watching us. 00:19:24.185 --> 00:19:32.936 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. 00:19:32.936 --> 00:19:38.253 He compares their fortresses to ripe fig trees, easily shaken. 00:19:38.253 --> 00:19:44.275 He taunts their troops by calling them weak, and their city gates are wide open. 00:19:44.275 --> 00:19:51.400 The prophet practically mocked the people of Nineveh, cheering them on to do the best they could to defend their city. 00:19:51.400 --> 00:20:02.191 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. 00:20:02.191 --> 00:20:10.397 Their leaders were numerous, like locusts and grasshoppers, but they would be ineffective in the face of the judgment. 00:20:10.397 --> 00:20:15.089 They were all powerless in the hands of the Almighty God. 00:20:15.089 --> 00:20:22.813 And the prophecy ends in verse 19, where Nahum declares the destruction complete. 00:20:22.813 --> 00:20:26.512 It says there is no remedy for your injury. 00:20:26.512 --> 00:20:28.171 Your wound is severe. 00:20:28.171 --> 00:20:33.115 All who hear the news about you will clap their hands because of you. 00:20:33.115 --> 00:20:37.628 For who has not experienced your constant cruelty? 00:20:37.628 --> 00:20:49.641 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. 00:20:49.641 --> 00:21:04.053 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. 00:21:04.053 --> 00:21:11.589 For Nahum and for us today, we take comfort in knowing that the judgments of the Lord are faithful and true. 00:21:13.933 --> 00:21:18.240 Now, in conclusion, let's look at some of the things we learned from the book of Nahum. 00:21:18.240 --> 00:21:24.317 Number one the Lord is a jealous and avenging God. 00:21:24.317 --> 00:21:32.098 Nahum's message to the world is nothing except true repentance and faith can spare you from God's wrath. 00:21:32.098 --> 00:21:42.684 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. 00:21:42.684 --> 00:21:49.454 But even this chosen nation would incur his judgment because they themselves were corrupt. 00:21:49.454 --> 00:21:55.233 Yet there was hope for Israel, because God would keep his covenant with them. 00:21:55.233 --> 00:22:03.855 His gracious intention to bring them a Messiah from the line of David, the true and final king, would not be thwarted. 00:22:03.855 --> 00:22:13.192 Number three judgment is assured for those who will not bow the knee and take refuge in the Lord. 00:22:13.192 --> 00:22:20.826 No one is exempt from God's righteous judgment that will overtake those who remain hostile to him. 00:22:20.826 --> 00:22:27.786 Yet there is a hope for all those who do take refuge in God and in the Savior that he sent. 00:22:27.786 --> 00:22:36.877 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. 00:22:36.877 --> 00:22:41.670 This is the proclaimed peace that we saw back in chapter 1 and verse 15. 00:22:44.474 --> 00:22:56.189 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. 00:22:56.189 --> 00:23:04.476 He uses language that will communicate the awful horror that awaits those who reject God and abuse God's people. 00:23:04.476 --> 00:23:11.617 And number five we have comfort as believers in today's wicked world. 00:23:11.617 --> 00:23:20.217 No matter what present circumstances may indicate, the Lord will bring every evil deed under his righteous judgment. 00:23:20.217 --> 00:23:24.273 Romans, chapter 12 and verse 19 promises this. 00:23:24.273 --> 00:23:26.892 Friends, do not avenge yourselves. 00:23:26.892 --> 00:23:35.693 Instead, leave room for God's wrath, because it is written vengeance belongs to me, I will repay, says the Lord. 00:23:35.693 --> 00:23:41.955 Believers worldwide can take heart in Nahum's prophecy. 00:23:41.955 --> 00:23:47.297 We don't need to envy the unrighteous or seek vengeance against them ourselves. 00:23:47.297 --> 00:23:49.371 The Lord is with us. 00:23:49.371 --> 00:23:52.332 He will bring judgment in his own time. 00:23:52.332 --> 00:23:53.736 Let's pray. 00:23:53.736 --> 00:23:58.375 Heavenly Father, we thank you for this time spent in your word. 00:23:58.375 --> 00:24:05.778 Help us to stand firm on your promises, but take heed of your warnings lest we suffer the same fate as Nineveh. 00:24:05.778 --> 00:24:07.926 In Jesus' name, we pray, amen.