Thursday, January 9 – Nahum 2, 3 – Additional Reading: Prophets and Kings, Chapter 30, “Delivered from Assyria”
Study Questions:
1. How graphically does the prophet describe the scenes of the battle against Nineveh? (Nahum 2:3)
2. What powerful animal is used to compare Assyria’s might, and what would be its end? (Nahum 2:11-13)
3. What was the city of Nineveh full of? (Nahum 3:1)
4. To what insects are the soldiers and princes of Assyria compared? (Nahum 3:15-17)
Commentary and Reflection:
The short book of the prophet Nahum contains the Lord’s message against Nineveh, the Assyrian capital and enemy of God’s people. In effect, Nahum follows in the footsteps of his predecessor, Jonah, completing this work of warning.
As we may recall, Jonah reluctantly traveled to Nineveh. I believe God allowed his story to be included in the sacred canon to demonstrate what divine mercy can do for those who repent. That is exactly what the king of this pagan city did: he repented wholeheartedly and decreed that his people and even their animals be covered in sackcloth. To the prophet’s astonishment, God forgave them then.
Unfortunately, as years passed, Nineveh forgot God and returned to idolatry and attacks against Judah. As predicted by the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 37:21-38), the Assyrians were defeated in Judah, but their ultimate destruction was still in the future. That was when the prophet Nahum came onto the scene. His entire book is dedicated to warning this pagan nation, to no avail. Finally, Nineveh was attacked and conquered by Nabopolassar, king of the Babylonians and father of Nebuchadnezzar, in 612 BC. This occurred about 30 years after Nahum had delivered the prophecies recorded in his book.
The description of the red shields and crimson garments of the soldiers poetically illustrates the epic victory over Nineveh, symbolized by the red of the blood of their defeated enemies. Nahum describes the chariots racing through the streets and squares like blazing torches, moving as swiftly as lightning (Nahum 2:4).
I recall reading one of the oldest books in our denomination, where the author applied this text as a prophetic vision of today’s highways, bustling with thousands of vehicles. While this may be a secondary application, the original context refers to the battle against Nineveh.
Throughout history, comparing men to women has often been considered an insult. Instead of being brave warriors, the Assyrians would be seen as weeping, cowering women. It is worth acknowledging, however, that Israel had examples of courageous women, such as Deborah, who led men into battle. Someone once said of a brave woman in history, “That woman was a great man!” Today’s brave women who fulfill their duties should also be recognized for their valor.
Enemies of God have often risen up, mocking the Lord and His truth. However, the day will come when all things will be set right. As followers of the Prince of Peace, we do not desire the destruction of the wicked, but neither can we prevent the inevitable consequences of their actions. Ultimately, the victory will belong to the Lamb who was slain and to those who humbly choose to follow and obey Him.
I want to stand on the Lord’s side. What about you?
Pastor Rolando de los Rios