Minor Prophets 07 - Nahum: Prophet of Nineveh’s Fall

Nahum: Prophet of Nineveh’s Fall – Cory Collins

(Sources include The Wiersbe Bible Commentary and the ESV Study Bible.)

(Photo shows Assyrian soldier with his enemy under his foot.)

Name: “comfort” or “compassion.” Date: Between the past fall of Thebes (3:8-10), which occurred in 664/663 BC, and the future fall of Nineveh, which would occur in 612 BC. Possibly 660 – 630 BC. His contemporaries were Habakkuk, Jeremiah, and Zephaniah,

Setting: Though Nineveh had repented at the preaching of Jonah about 100 years earlier, it later returned to sin and incurred God’s wrath and judgment. Nahum’s message to Judah is, “Nineveh will fall!” This would affirm God’s power over this evil enemy and bring joy to Judah.

Outline:

Ch. 1            Nineveh’s Judge

1:2-8           The Lord’s Kindness and Sternness

God is jealous … avenging … wrathful … slow to anger … good … a stronghold.

1:9-15                   Nineveh’s Overthrow and Judah’s Joy

“One who plotted evil against the Lord” (1:11) is an Assyrian king or series of kings.

God would cut down Assyria and “break off his yoke from you” (Judah).

Like a runner coming from the Judean mountains with good news. “Keep your feasts … vows!”

Ch. 2            Nineveh’s Fall

2:1-10                   Nineveh Besieged

Nahum challenges the Assyrians (2:1) and accused them of having plundered Judah (2:2).

He describes the Lord’s invincible army that will besiege, overpower, and plunder Nineveh.

2:11-13       Nineveh’s Desolation Contrasted with Her Former Glory

Analogy: Nineveh as a lion, tearing and devouring others to feed her cubs in its den.

Ch. 3            Nineveh’s Destruction

3:1-10                   Nineveh’s Sins

Ruthless bloodshed (3:1-3). “Whoring” idolatry (3:4-7). Pride and arrogance (3:8-10).

3:11-19       Nineveh’s Doom

Powerful images: ripe figs, multiplying locusts, and sleeping shepherds and nobles.

Key verses from Nahum:

Na 1:7 The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. 8 But with an overflowing flood he will make a complete end of the adversaries, and will pursue his enemies into darkness.

Na 1:15 Behold, upon the mountains, the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace! Keep your feasts, O Judah; fulfill your vows, for never again shall the worthless pass through you; he is utterly cut off.