Bible Study: The Prophet Nahum - Comfort and Judgment

Introduction:

• Nahum, whose name means "Comforter," delivers a powerful message of judgment against Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, a nation that had oppressed God's people.

• His book serves as a reminder of God's justice and His comfort to those who trust in Him.

• We'll explore Nahum's background, his prophetic message, and its relevance for us today.

I. Nahum: The Prophet and His Message:

• Name Significance:

◦ Nahum (נַחוּם, Nachum) means "Comforter" or "Consolation."

◦ It is derived from the verb meaning "to comfort" or "to repent."

◦ Some see Nahum as a figure of the Holy Spirit, who comforts God's people.

• Background:

◦ He was called an Elkoshite, meaning he was from the city of Elkosh in Judah.

◦ Little is known about his personal life.

• New Testament Significance:

◦ Nahum is not explicitly mentioned in the New Testament, except possibly in the genealogy of Jesus (Luke 3:25).

II. Purpose and Outline of the Book of Nahum:

• Theme:

◦ Nineveh's destruction and Judah's vindication.

• Book Context:

◦ Nahum's book can be seen as a sequel to Jonah, written about 100-150 years later.

◦ While Jonah proclaimed repentance to a Nineveh that temporarily turned from evil, Nahum proclaims the certain judgement of a Nineveh that has returned to its evil ways.

• Book Outline:

◦ Chapter 1: A Psalm describing God's character and judgment.

◦ Chapters 2-3: Prophetic oracles against Nineveh, detailing its destruction.

• Literary Style:

◦ Nahum's writing is characterized by lyrical poetry of high quality.

◦ His messages are vivid, powerful, and impetuous.

• Nahum 1:2-3:

◦ "The Lord is slow to anger, but great in power, and will never acquit the guilty. The Lord has his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet."

◦ This verse reveals three key aspects of God's character:

▪ God's patience (longsuffering).

▪ God's immense power.

▪ God's certain judgment against the wicked.

III. Message of the Book:

• Nineveh's Destruction:

◦ The central message is the certain destruction of Nineveh.

◦ This prophecy brought comfort to Judah, who had suffered under Assyrian oppression.

• Nahum 2:1:

◦ "The destroyer is upon you, O Nineveh! Guard the fortress, watch the way, strengthen your loins, gather all your strength!"

◦ This verse highlights the inevitability of Nineveh's downfall.

• Nahum 3:19:

◦ "There is no remedy for your wound; your wound is incurable; all who hear your fame will clap their hands over you; for upon whom has not your wickedness continually passed?"

◦ This verse underscores the severity of Nineveh's sins and the justness of God's judgment.

IV. Fulfillment of Prophecy:

• Historical Context:

◦ The Assyrians of Nahum's time were different from those of Jonah's time.

◦ They had reverted to their former wickedness.

• Nineveh's Fall:

◦ Nineveh began to decline in 625 BC as the Babylonians rose to power.

◦ In 612 BC, Nineveh was conquered and destroyed by the Babylonians and other allies.

• Nahum 2:4:

◦ “THE CHARIOTS RUSH IN THE STREETS, AND THEY RUSH IN THE STREETS; THEY LOOK LIKE TORCHES, THEY RUN LIKE LIGHTNING”

◦ This verse is often pointed to as a possible description of motorized vehicles, although it is more likely a poetic description of the chaos of war.

V. Application:

• God's Justice:

◦ How does Nahum's message demonstrate God's justice against oppression?

◦ How can we trust in God's justice, even when we see injustice in the world?

• God's Comfort:

◦ How does Nahum's message offer comfort to those who are suffering?

◦ How can we find comfort in God during difficult times?

• The Consequences of Sin:

◦ What lessons can we learn from Nineveh's downfall?

◦ How does Nahum's message warn against pride and violence?

• Gods timing:

◦ How does the difference between the time of Jonah, and the time of Nahum, show Gods timing?

• The nature of God:

◦ How does Nahum show us the different sides of Gods nature, both comforting and just?

Bible Study: The Prophet Nahum - Comfort and Judgment

Conclusion:

• Nahum's prophecy is a powerful reminder of God's justice and His comfort for those who trust in Him.

• It serves as a warning against pride and oppression and a call to trust in God's sovereignty.

• By studying Nahum, we gain a deeper understanding of God's character and His enduring concern for His people.

Bible Study: The Prophet Nahum - Comfort and Judgment