SCRIPTURE: NAHUM 1
INTRODUCTION:
“Nahum” means “comfort”. God’s mercy was a comfort to the Jews who hated the Assyrians for their cruel treatment. Assyria was the most powerful nation on earth. They plundered, oppressed and slaughtered their victims. Jonah had preached there and the people heard God’s message and had turned from evil. But generations later, evil was again reining. Nahum predicted the siege and destruction of Nineveh and the end of the kingdom. The righteous God will avenge sin and bring justice. God will not allow sin to go unpunished.
MEMORY VERSE:
“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him.” (Nahum 1:7)
THE LORD’S ANGER AGAINST NINEVEH (vs. 2-15)
- God will use an overwhelming flood to make an end to Nineveh and pursue them into darkness. (v. 8)
- They will be entangled among thorns and drunk from their wine. They will be consumed like dry stubble. (v. 10)
- They will be cut off and pass away. (v. 12)
- They will have no descendants to bear their name. (v. 14a)
- God will destroy the carved images and cast idols that are in their temples (v. 14b)
- God will prepare graves for them. (v.14c)
THOUGHTS:
Nahum prophesized the coming destruction of Nineveh. It was a relief for the Jews because they will no longer be forced to pay tribute. Nineveh was an example to show to all rulers and nations of today that God is sovereign and God’s power and justice will conquer all evil.
God is merciful to those who love Him. But those who oppose him, He is an overwhelming flood that will sweep them away. No one can challenge His great power.