Take Two: Nahum 1, Proverbs 3

As we begin the reading of Nahum...you will notice that it is a short book. It is pretty straight forward...as a prophesy against Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. We do not know much about the author from the text itself. We believe he ministered in "Al-Qush" (located near Neneveh). Some say he was born there or perhaps in the region of Gallilee (In Capernaum-- which means city of Nahum). There is no real consensus and it does not bear directly on the biblical message.

To set the "oracle/mystery/prophesy) in historical context...Jonah prophesied against Nineveh in the mid 700s BC. Nineveh repented and God relented from His act of judgment. In 722 BC, the Northern Kingdom of Israel fell to Assyrian captivity as they continued to dominate as a world power. Their influence became prominent in the Southern Kingdom (Judah) as was seen in idolatrous practices among those in Judah. Thebes (lo-ammon/no-amon) was destroyed in 663 BC. Since its destruction is spoken of in the book (Nahum 3:8) and Nineveh/Assyria was not yet destroyed (which later occurred in 612BC) we can date the writing of the book in the mid 600s (Between 663 and 612 BC)...around 100 years following the Jonah event.

So...this prophesy of judgment against Nineveh comes about a century (or less) after they had seen God relent from His intended destruction of the city.

In Nahum 1:1-6, we see a picture of the awesome power of God. He is not only powerful but is one who has exercised his power in judgment against wickedness repeatedly. Sometimes...we see only the judgment of God and the awesomeness of His power...which leaves us somewhat intimidated by Him. We are afraid of what we cannot control and fully understand.

God's power displayed is also seen in light of His goodness (Nahun 1:7). Whatever God does in judgment is consistent with His goodness. An example:

If I kill a snake in my backyard....I have exercised judgment against it and displayed power against it. I have not done so because I am cruel and want to show my strength. I have done so because the snake is bad, and a danger/threat to those I love. So it is my "goodness" that directs me to act in judgment and exercise power against the snake.

We are tempted at times to only look at one dimension of God and to get an unbalanced picture of who He is. He is powerful, righteous, and displays wrath against unrighteousness; and, He is good, and protects those who run to Him.

Nahum 1:8 is a statement about the destruction. God announces that Nineveh will be destroyed and lost...covered by a flood (which did occur historically...and the city was covered...not to be unearthed again until the mid-1800s). Because of the wickedness and unrepentence of the Assyrians/Ninevites, God would blot them out (Nahum 1:9-14). The Assyrians had served a purpose in God's sovereign plan to bring Judah to a place of brokenness, but God would deliver them from the Assyrians soon (Nahum 1:12).

Nahum 1:15 announces to Judah...throw a party! The Lord has spoken. Your freedom is as good as possessed.

( I wonder if anyone looked at Nahum strangely?) His name means "comfort." While his words would be comforting to them...I wonder if they thought he was "off his rocker" a bit. They had idols all around them...Assyria was in control of the known world...and He tells them that he had a vision of their destruction. God had announced judgment against their evil-ness. They were about to be set free. Throw a party!

How do you look at the preacher when he tells you that this world is not your own? That this all ends soon and we are moving on to a better place. That the troubles in our midst have no more hold on us. Throw a party...the evil one will tread on you no more! "My chains are gone....I've been set free. My God, My Savior has ransomed me....."

Sometimes we fail to live in the reality of God's deliverance because we cannot seem to get our eyes off of our own circumstances. So what is reality? The troubles of this day...or the Day to come?

Proverbs 3:35 is the takeaway today. This struck me because the "wise" are not necessarily honored right now. Those who pursue God...who live according to God's purpose and are obedient to God's plan are not necessarily accepted (as it were) by those in the world. But one day...honor comes. One day...when all is revealed...it will be apparant that wisdom was the course that led to abundant life. The unwise (fools) do not inherit dishonor...they display it now. One who lives for Himself is not waiting for God's judgment...he displays it daily. He lives with less than he could, accomplishing less than he ought...and experiencing less than he was designed for. LIVE WISELY.

Grace,