Get the appConsolation: A Study in NahumSample
What does it say?
The Lord Almighty was against Nineveh but would restore the majesty of Jacob.
What does it mean?
The Assyrians were fierce warriors and cruel captors, amassing great wealth by attacking and pillaging other nations. Now the tables were turned; their brutality would come back on them. The silver and gold they plundered from other nations would be stripped from Nineveh, and her people would flee the city like a flood. Nahum’s prophecy of the destruction of Nineveh by Babylon is similar to the devastation of Jerusalem foretold by other prophets. Jerusalem, however, would be restored to her land and her God one day. As an enemy of the Lord, Nineveh had no hope for the future.
How should I respond?
Who comes to mind when you hear the phrase “enemy of God”? You likely imagine people who steal, kill, and abuse others. The image in the mirror probably didn’t come to mind if you are a moral, upstanding citizen. God’s Word lays out a different picture, though. Anyone who hasn’t placed faith in Christ is God’s enemy, alienated from Him (Col. 1:21). As a believer, you act like an enemy of God any time you flirt with the ungodly things of this world (James 4:4.) Jesus’ death, however, offers reconciliation and cleansing for His enemies (Rom. 5:10; Col. 1:22). With what worldly mindset have you become too friendly? What will God see in you today: friend or foe?
Scripture
About this Plan
A century following Jonah’s proclamation of judgment and Nineveh’s repentance, Nineveh once again fell into sin. Nahum consoles Israel by prophesying the destruction of Nineveh and all of Assyria for the devastation they brought to God’s people. The prophecies in Nahum remind us that God Himself is not aloof or disinterested; rather, He is the Lord of history. He builds and destroys empires according to His good purposes.
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