World, history, near and during the destruction of the temple

BACKGROUND HISTORY: what was happening in the world just before the destruction of the temple of God in Jerusalem.

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.

Would you like me to expand on any specific aspect or region?

—From God's Perspective