Read: Nahum 2-3
This second chapter of Nahum describes in fuller detail how
the Assyrians will be destroyed. First
we read of how the soldiers are struggling to defend the city of Nineveh as the
invading army closes in on the city (2:3-5).
Then we read of the gates of the river being burst open (2:6) causing
devastation to the city as the city falls and is plundered (2:6-9). The next three verses (2:10-12) describe the
destruction of Nineveh and it’s termination as a world power. Finally the Lord speaks, “I am against you”
(2:13). Nineveh’s fall will not be
caused by merely natural forces or the superior power of her attacker but
because it is the will of the Lord.
Nahum then
describes that Assyria is being judged for her wickedness and evil practices. This
city will receive a fitting punishment as God will humiliate the city by having
it conquered and devastated. Nahum uses
the analogy of a dishonored queen who is dragged off and publicly shamed by her
skirt being lifted in a humiliating display of her nakedness (3:5). Verse seven asks a rhetorical question – “who
will grieve for her?” Nineveh will
receive no sympathy. Nahum then compares
her with the fall of Thebes (3:8-11).
Thebes was a great capital of upper Egypt that fell to Assyria. If
anyone thinks that it is impossible for Assyria to fall they should remember
that Thebes fell. Nineveh’s fortresses
looked fine (3:12) but they will fall easily and be fatally wounded (3:19). This time it was too late for Nineveh to
change. There is no remedy, they will
be utterly destroyed. Today Nineveh is a
desert wasteland. This once great world
empire is completely gone.
Prayer and Journaling
1. Although
God is slow to anger He will not leave the guilty unpunished. Evil will not triumph. What comfort does knowing this bring to
you?
2. God
is a God of love but He is also a God of judgement. Nineveh fell because of her godlessness,
violence, lust and greed. What does this
tell you about the holiness of God?
3. Although
God used Assyria to punish His people for their disobedience, He did not allow
Judah to be annihilated. God’s plan was
for the Messiah to come from the line of David so God left a remnant. God is in control! Thank God for this truth!
