NahumSummary of the book:
The book of Nahum was written by Nahum, meaning compassion, of Elkosh. There are two major sections to this book: the hymn to the Divine Warrior and the fall of Nineveh. The first section deals with God the angry warrior and how He handles evil. The second section, Nineveh's fall, seemed very unlikely because Nineveh was a strong, well fortified city. Nevertheless, Nineveh did fall - the reason being unclear, but it is possible that it was due to a flood. Outsiders were not sorry and actually rejoiced over the fall. Destruction was complete and the city was abandoned; lost for a long time. |
Location: Assyrian EmpireHistorical Context: The Assyrian Empire was the first power to control the entire Ancient Near East (ANE), but they lacked natural resources needed for power such as slaves to irrigate farmland as well as horses and iron for building. The Assyrian military developed "Armies of Iron" which was an unprecedented military might. They also dominated the ANE for 150 years from around 890-640 B.C. in which they fought about 108 major and minor wars. Close to 50,000 soldiers fought in battle out of the total 150,000-200,000 soldiers. They created fear and cruelty as an art form.
|
Gallery
How Can You Apply This To Your Own Life?
Applications: The two major applications that come from the book of Nahum. The first is to trust in God's sovereignty. As in the case of Judah, Assyria had dominated for 100+ years, but the sovereign God would eventually judge them. Can we trust His sovereignty when the world changes? The second is to be encouraged by God's promise that He is in control even if and when the world changes, as well as the fact that He allows evil, but will eventually make things right.