Tag: jesus

Nahum

Written by: the Prophet Nahum

  • A collection of poems announcing the downfall of Assyria and Nineveh

Assyria was one of the great ancient empires and also known as one of Israel’s great oppressors. Assyria’s expansion into Israel destroyed The Northern Kingdom and it’s tribe there. (2Kings17)

The fall of Assyria came in 612 BC, Babylonians rose up and took the city of Nineveh (Assyria’s capital) Chapter two depicts the fall of the city of Nineveh followed by chapter three where it depicts the fall of the empire entirely. BUT chapter one’s introduction to the book begins with the Lord’s anger and how he plans on seeking vengeance for his people of Israel and heal the oppressed and those who go against Him. God appears to judge the evil among nations.

“The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in Him.” Nahum 1:7

Nahum quotes Exodus (34: 6-7) by saying The Lord is slow to get angry, but His power is great and He never lets the guilty go unpunished. The poems then goes on to discuss the differences and similarities to The Fate of the Nations vs. The Fate of God’s Faithful Remnant. He never mentions Ninevah or Assyria by name in chapter one which could imply a few things:

Nahum is portraying Ninevah’s fall as an example of how God is at work in different points of history.

Chapter two then brutally depicts the battle of Ninveah and the state in which the city becomes.

Chapter three goes into detail about how the city’s downfall effects Assyrian’s as a whole. “Woe to the city built on innocent blood” He proceeds to explain that their own voilence is what ultimately lead to their downfall.

Highlights from James 1

“When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it a great opportunity for joy.”

Not “if” but “when”. God knows we will face trials and tribulation and with his word he will give us everything we need to fight these battles.

“… Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea.”

As hard as it might be, you must have faith in God and God alone. You must be loyal to Him. Do not let your fear override your faith in Him.

“God blesses those who endure testing and temptation.”

Temptation does not come from God. He is never tempted to do wrong. When your faith is tested your endurance strengthens. God will gift you with the good and the perfect. We are God’s most prized possession and He reminds us of this throughout history. In Him, we are cared for.

“… You must be quick to listen and slow to speak and slow to get angry. “

Take time to hear what God is telling you. Do not be tempted by anger and aggression. Our human anger does not produce God’s righteousness. We must always humbly accept God’s word as it has the power to save our souls in times of temptation and weakness.

“Don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says.”

According to God, the perfect law will set you free. It’s important to apply the word to daily life. To not only read it but meditate on it and let it reside in your soul. God will bless you for doing so.

“If you claim religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself…”

Always be kind and courteous when it comes to your words. The tongue is the key to life and death, it can lead you astray. It important to season yourself with comforting words of grace and patience. Be kind to others, in word and in deed.