The Death Of An Empire Series

NAHUM Part 1

Nahum 1:1-11 (NIV)

1 An oracle concerning Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite. 2 The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD takes vengeance and is filled with wrath. The LORD takes vengeance on his foes and maintains his wrath against his enemies. 3 The LORD is slow to anger and great in power; the LORD will not leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet. 4 He rebukes the sea and dries it up; he makes all the rivers run dry. Bashan and Carmel wither and the blossoms of Lebanon fade. 5 The mountains quake before him and the hills melt away. The earth trembles at his presence, the world and all who live in it. 6 Who can withstand his indignation? Who can endure his fierce anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; the rocks are shattered before him. 7 The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him, 8 but with an overwhelming flood he will make an end of [Nineveh]; he will pursue his foes into darkness. 9 Whatever they plot against the LORD he will bring to an end; trouble will not come a second time. 10 They will be entangled among thorns and drunk from their wine; they will be consumed like dry stubble. 11 From you, [O Nineveh,] has one come forth who plots evil against the LORD and counsels wickedness.

Background:

Nineveh – Capital of Assyria

Jonah preached there 1000 years earlier

Nineveh repented but since returned to their wicked ways

Assyrians were known for their cruelty

They would capture a city and then….

Slaughter hundreds

Deport remaining population to other parts of the empire

Many would die in the brutal marches into exile

Leaders of the conquered cities were tortured without mercy and then executed

God used the Assyrians as his instrument of justice on Judah to destroy the capital city of Samaria and exile the northern kingdom.

Chapter 1 - The nature of God and His judgement.

2 The LORD is a jealous and avenging God

Not jealous like us.

Definition of jealous:

Apprehensive of losing affection or position

Being resentful or bitter in rivalry

Having to do with or arising from feelings of envy, apprehension or

bitterness

Vigilant in guarding something

(ex: protecting a good name)

Intolerant of disloyalty or infidelity

God is not jealous like we are

Galatians 5:19-21 (NIV)

19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;

20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions

21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

God’s jealousy is righteous

He does not tolerate disloyalty or infidelity

3 The LORD is slow to anger

God wants to people every chance to accept Him.

2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)

9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

God wants everyone to have a chance to accept Christ

7 The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him

When we put our trust in Him, He will always be good to His Word and see us through.

He really does care for us.