Nahum

Introduction
Nahum was a prophet of Judah sent by the Lord to pronounce God's judgment on Nineveh. This was no more than 51 years before their downfall and about 100 years after Jonah and the great revival that occurred. In 612 BC this prophecy came to pass. The people returned to their sinful ways. Nahum reveals the truth that God's righteous and just kingdom will ultimately triumph, while kingdoms of wickedness will be overthrown. 'Might does not make right'. God's character of both  justice and goodness is declared in this short book.

Key Verses: 1:3b, 1:7, 3:1

Theme: God the Avenger (D. Jeremiah)
    The Consequences of Negligence (Swindoll)

Suggested Outline:

I.  The Character and Power of God - 1
II. The Judgment of God - 2-3
    (Swindoll)

Nahum 1
Nahum opens with a declaration of the nature and character of God who is jealous and avenging 2, and also slow to anger 3. HE is the One who will judge the guilty. His power is seen in the world He has created 3-5. No one can stand before His judgment 5, yet He is good and a refuge for those who will trust in Him 7 ! Note: These themes are repeated throughout the divine record. We must always exercise care that we embrace, believe, teach, live, and proclaim a complete and balanced view of the Lord (as He has revealed Himself). Some would like to edit out the thought of God as avenging and jealous. Remember, The Word is the final authority and is truth ! Though Nineveh has plotted evil, the Lord would bring their plans to naught 8-11. The Lord's dealing with Judah is mentioned in 12-13,15, & 2:2. Can it be that the Lord is dealing with 'the nations' in connection with His people (Israel and Judah) ? If so, it should not surprise us that in the last days, the Lord will deal with the world in connection with Israel (a little nation, which is headline news in our day - wow !). Nineveh will suffer a complete overthrow. Their idols will be destroyed 14 ! Note: All false deities will be shown for what they are; a lie !

Nahum 2
The Lord raises up an attacker against Nineveh 1. their weaponry and military might is described 3-4, yet they will be overthrown 5-8 (like going down the drain 8). Those who were well trained and boasted in their strength would become weak and pail 9-10. Though once 'regal as a lion', they would face the Lord Almighty who would destroy them 11-13. Note: The Lord is not impressed with our might or accomplishments. He will call into account everyone, every deed, and every nation of the world. (Romans 3:19, Revelation 19:1-2,11-21). Note: As terrifying as this picture of God is to us (and rightly so); HE is a refuge and cares for those who trust in Him (1:7). Are you trusting in the Lord as your savior and refuge ?

Nahum 3
Nineveh was built by bloodshed 1-3, motivated by lust (a desire for more) 4. This leads to prostitution and witchcraft 4b. The Lord is against them and will shame them before nations 5-7. This once prominent nation will brought down. The Lord points to other nations that came under His judgment 8-10. Likewise, Nineveh will become as drunk and shaken so that her troops are weakened and consumed 11-13. They will be are straw to a fire 14-15 and like fields stripped clean by locusts 16-17. Even though they had much, this would be swept away. Note: Do we trust in the material stuff that fills are lives or the success we have in business ? This can be quickly removed by God in judgment. What will I have left that lasts and have eternal value ? The king of Assyria is given the final word of warning 18-19. All their leaders will be scattered and they would be beyond healing. Those who hear of their downfall will celebrate. The Assyrians were endlessly cruel to all those around them. The book ends in a question (as did Jonah); 'who has not felt your endless cruelty ?' This is main reason for the judgment of God falling upon them. Note: It is a comfort to know that the Lord will bring to justice those who act in wickedness and oppress others. (read: 2 Thessalonians 1:4-10).