Nahum, the prophet

Posted on by doyouseehim_qt4s34

Nahum was a prophet under one of the worst and most evil kings in the history of Israel. It is said that king Manasseh had Isaiah the prophet put into a hollow log and commanded that Isaiah be sawn in two. So great was the wickedness in the king of Judah. Yet, it is interesting to know that the prophetic ministry and work of Neha was not against Judah, but was directed against Jonah’s NAVAH and Assyria. Keep reading and watch the incredible video that details the story of the workings of God among the rebellious people of the Earth.

Nahum

Nahum was a minor prophet in the Hebrew Bible in the Christian Old Testament. Here’s an overview:

Life and Background

  • Nahum’s name means “comfort” or “consolation” in Hebrew.
  • He prophesied during the 7th century BC, specifically during the reign of King Manasseh (687-642 BC).
  • His hometown is unknown, but some traditions suggest he was from Elkosh or Capernaum.

Prophecies and Book of Nahum

  • The Book of Nahum contains three chapters, focusing on God’s judgment and destruction of Nineveh, the Assyrian capital.
  • Nahum predicted the fall of Nineveh (612 BC) due to its wickedness, idolatry and cruelty.
  • Key themes: God’s justice, power and mercy.

Key Messages

God’s Character

  • God is slow to anger but will not tolerate persistent wickedness.

Judgment and Destruction

  • Nineveh’s destruction serves as a warning to all nations.

Hope and Redemption

  • God offers refuge and protection to those who trust Him.

Impact and Legacy

  • Nahum’s prophecies demonstrated God’s control over nations and empires.
  • His message encouraged the Israelites during Assyrian domination.
  • The book remains part of the Hebrew Bible and Christian Old Testament.

 

 

The book of Nahum is the final message of destruction. The book of Jonah was a preliminary message of destruction, but the people of Navah and a Syria repented of their evil, and God forgave them but as it turned out overtime, they returned to their sins and continued to evi, and finally came under God’s final judgment.
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In the Bible, God promises, that he does nothing on earth, without revealing it to his prophets. 

Amos 3:7 (KJV)

“Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.”

This verse emphasizes God’s sovereignty and His relationship with His prophets. Here, God declares that He will not act without first revealing His plans to His faithful servants, the prophets. In Many of the key events of history, God told his profits to write down and record his messages, both as a witness to those living at the present time, and those who would read and learn from his messages in the future.

Yet not all that God revealed to his prophets became a part of his eternal record. If that were the case, the testimony of God would be far too long for anyone to read. Therefore what we have in the canon of scripture, are the key events that highlight the main points, and only some of the details that God has chosen to reveal in his word.

But even in this condensed version, God communicates things, even beyond one place, one time frame, one event, and one particular season of him working among one particular community of people.

In every testimony of God, he lays down principles that are eternal, and that shape not only the present, but also the future, and eternity.

Those who have ears to hear, and eyes to see, and a heart that can comprehend the language of the kingdom of God, will be able to access the treasures of God, and that will make them his chosen people, his eternal treasure, his voice upon the Earth, and they will become his witnesses. So mark this down: you and I can choose to become his witnesses, or we can choose to follow the herd, sticking our heads in the sand, stuffing our eyes and ears with sand, and remaining ignorant of all the treasures God has chosen to reveal to us, but we have chosen to be just too busy, too distracted, too deeply involved in our entertainment, and our empty and worthless pursuits.

That would describe maybe 95% of the population of those walking on the face of the Earth (myself included). And yet there still remains, the challenge to the 5% who would read the book of Nahum, and receive a revelation, and would apply that revelation to world history, and then to their own lives. Then  personally see the principles, and become the witness that God called us to be, if we would only choose to pay attention to him and his word.

 

In context, Amos 3:7 highlights God’s desire to warn Israel of impending judgment through His prophets, demonstrating His mercy and desire for Israel’s repentance.
Here’s a deeper comprehensive overview of the Book of Nahum:

Introduction

  • The Book of Nahum is the seventh book of the Minor Prophets in the Hebrew Bible and Christian Old Testament.
  • Written by Nahum, a prophet from Elkosh or Capernaum, around 650-620 BC.
  • The book contains three chapters, 47 verses.

Historical Context

  • Nahum prophesied during King Manasseh’s reign (687-642 BC), a time of Assyrian dominance.
  • Assyria’s capital, Nineveh, was a powerful and wicked city.
  • Israel was struggling with idolatry, corruption and Assyrian oppression.

Outline

Chapter 1: God’s Character and Judgment

  • 1:1-8: Introduction to Nahum and God’s character (just, powerful, slow to anger).
  • 1:9-15: Judgment against Nineveh and Assyria.

Chapter 2: Fall of Nineveh

  • 2:1-10: Description of Nineveh’s destruction.
  • 2:11-13: Reasons for judgment (idolatry, cruelty).

Chapter 3: Wickedness and Downfall

  • 3:1-7: Nineveh’s wickedness (bloodshed, idolatry, prostitution).

  • 3:8-19: Comparison to Thebes (Egypt), emphasizing inevitable destruction.

     

    • In the Bible, Thebes (also known as No-amon or No) in Egypt is mentioned in connection with God’s judgment in Nahum 3:8-10. The prophet Nahum declares that God will judge Thebes, the capital city of Egypt, for its wickedness and idolatry.
               Historically, Thebes was conquered and destroyed by the Assyrian king Ashurbanipal in 663 BCE, which some interpret as a fulfillment of Nahum’s prophecy.
      Additionally, Ezekiel 30:14-16 and Ezekiel 32:17-32 also mention Thebes as a target of God’s judgment, emphasizing the city’s downfall and devastation.
             Thebes’ destruction served as an example of God’s judgment on nations that opposed Him and His people, demonstrating His power and authority over all nations.
      .

Key Themes

  • God’s Justice: Nahum emphasizes God’s control over nations and empires.
  • Judgment: Nineveh’s destruction serves as a warning to all nations.
  • Hope: God offers refuge and protection to those who trust Him.
  • Idolatry: Condemnation of Assyria’s idolatrous practices.
  • Power: Display of God’s power over human empires.

Key Prophecies and Fulfillments

  • Destruction of Nineveh (612 BC): Nahum 1:14, 2:6-10, 3:7-19 (fulfilled by Babylonians and Medes).
  • River Tigris overflowing: Nahum 1:8, 2:6 (fulfilled during Nineveh’s fall).
  • Plunder and desolation: Nahum 2:9-10, 3:7-10 (fulfilled by Babylonians).

Symbolism and Imagery

  • Lion: Symbolizes God’s power and judgment (Nahum 2:11-12).
  • Leopard: Represents Assyria’s speed and ferocity (Nahum 2:11-12).
  • River Tigris: Imagery of judgment and destruction.

Interpretation and Application

  • God’s sovereignty: Recognize God’s control over nations and empires.
  • Moral accountability: Nations will be judged for their actions.
  • Trust in God: Seek refuge in Him during times of turmoil.

Legacy and Impact

  • Influence on biblical literature: Cited in Isaiah, Jeremiah and Revelation.
  • Early Christian interpretation: Seen as a precursor to Christ’s judgment.
  • Liturgical use: Part of Jewish and Christian worship traditions.
Nahum 1:1

When a nation rejects, the righteousness of God and through idolatry, kills and murders the innocent, that nation comes underneath the confusions of man, and the judgments of God. And that fairly describes our current culture.

 

 

Below is a brief overview of the historical and cultural background information that can enhance your reading and study of the book of Nahum.

 

Here’s a thorough historical background of the world during the time of Nahum’s writing (circa 650-620 BC):

Near East and Middle East

  • Assyrian Empire (911-612 BC): At its peak, covering modern-day Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel and parts of Turkey, Egypt and Iran.
  • King Ashurbanipal (668-627 BC): Ruled Assyria during Nahum’s time, known for cultural achievements and brutal military campaigns.
  • Babylonian Empire (626-539 BC): Emerging power, eventually conquered Assyria in 612 BC.
  • Medes Empire (678-550 BC): Played a crucial role in Assyria’s downfall.

Israel and Judah

  • Divided Kingdoms (930-586 BC): Israel (north) and Judah (south) were separate kingdoms.
  • King Manasseh (687-642 BC): Ruled Judah during Nahum’s time, known for idolatry and corruption.
  • Israel’s fall (722 BC): Assyria conquered Israel, deporting its inhabitants.
  • Judah’s struggles: Faced Assyrian domination, internal corruption and prophetic calls for reform.

Mediterranean and Europe

  • Greek Dark Ages (c. 1100-750 BC): Greece was in a period of cultural and economic decline.
  • Rise of Athens and Sparta: City-states emerged as powers in Greece.
  • Phoenician and Carthaginian expansion: Mediterranean trade and colonization flourished.

Africa

  • Egyptian 26th Dynasty (664-525 BC): Egypt experienced a resurgence under Psamtik I.
  • Nubian Kingdom (2000 BC-300 AD): Flourished in present-day Sudan.

Asia

  • Rise of the Chinese Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC): China’s feudal era.
  • Emergence of Buddhism (563 BC): Siddhartha Gautama’s teachings in ancient India.

Key Events

  • Assyrian conquest of Egypt (671 BC): Ashurbanipal’s campaign.
  • Siege of Jerusalem (701 BC): Assyria’s failed attempt to conquer Judah.
  • Scythian invasions (650-600 BC): Nomadic people raided Anatolia and the Near East.
  • Babylonian-Median alliance (616 BC): Laid groundwork for Assyria’s downfall.

Cultural and Economic Trends

  • Trade and colonization: Phoenicians, Carthaginians and Greeks expanded Mediterranean trade.
  • Cultural exchange: Assyrian, Babylonian and Egyptian influences spread.
  • Literacy and writing: Alphabetical writing emerged, replacing cuneiform.
  • Architectural advancements: Temple construction, palace buildings and infrastructure development.

Social and Religious Context

  • Assyrian idolatry: Worship of multiple gods, including Ashur and Ishtar.
  • Judaism’s struggles: Internal conflict, corruption and prophetic calls for reform.
  • Emerging philosophical thought: Precursors to ancient Greek philosophy.
This historical context provides a rich backdrop for understanding Nahum’s message, emphasizing God’s judgment on Assyria’s wickedness and His sovereignty over nations.
Outlines provided by Meta.AI
What is the key verse of the prophet Nahum?

Nahum 1:7 (KJV)

 

The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble;
and he knoweth them that trust in him.

  • Highlights God’s character: Emphasizing His goodness, protection and care.
  • Emphasizes trust: Encouraging reliance on God in times of turmoil.
  • Contrasts with Nineveh’s wickedness: Serving as a foil to the wickedness of Nineveh.

Why is Nahum 1:7 significant?

  • Introduction to Nahum’s message: Sets the tone for the book’s themes.
  • God’s justice and mercy: Balances judgment on Nineveh with His care for the faithful.
  • Timeless relevance: Offers comfort and assurance for believers in crisis.

Key takeaways from Nahum 1:7:

  • God’s goodness is constant.
  • Trust in Him for refuge.
  • Faithfulness brings divine protection.
  • God distinguishes between the righteous and wicked.

Context

Nahum prophesied during the 7th century BCE, addressing the Assyrian Empire’s capital, Nineveh (645-612 BCE). Nineveh’s destruction served as judgment for their wickedness.

Other pivotal verses in Nahum

  • Nahum 1:2-6: Describes God’s wrath against the wicked.
  • Nahum 1:8-14: Foretells Nineveh’s destruction.
  • Nahum 3:1-19: Condemns Nineveh’s cruelty and idolatry.

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