The Minor Prophets: Nahum Man reaps what he sows

Lesson 7 25 March 2012

Nineveh-Assyrian Empire
Founded by Nimrod we shall rebel (cf. Gen 10:6-12)
Son of Cush Descendent of Ham (3rd Son of Noah) Considered to be the first tyrant Also founded Babel became Babylon

Nineveh the city that represents mans inhumanity to man Babylon the city that represents mans rebellion against God First mentioned in the Code of Hammurabi (ca. 2200 BC) Rose to prominence from ca. 900 BC to 612 BC Height of power: Controlled Middle East Was known for its outstanding cruelty and greatly feared
The monument of Ashurnasirpal II

Introduction to Nahum
Nahum: means Comfort He is from Elkosh an unknown location in Judea Time period of service: Late reign of Manasseh (55 yrs) Key Event: Manasseh taken prisoner to Nineveh Theme: The Judgment on Nineveh
ca 650 BC 930 BC 722 BC 663 BC 612 BC 586 BC 536 BC 400 BC

The Divided Kingdom

Fall of Samaria

Fall of Thebes

Fall of Fall of Return to Nineveh Jerusalem Jerusalem

The End of the Old Testament

Nahum 1:1-2:13
God will avenge His people
vs. 2 14 Gods wrath avenges unrighteousness
Do not confuse Gods timing with excusing sin If God made all things; who is man to stand before His anger God is good; those who trust in Him receive shelter Those who do not trust in Him will be utterly destroyed What God commands will happen

vs. 15: The rejoicing of the righteous (Is. 52:7, Ro. 10:15) Chapter 2: The fall of the city
Ninevehs preparations to fight the battle The first sight of the armies The destruction of the outer defenses by chariots The defense of the walls The river undermines the foundations of the walls The plunder I am against you declares the LORD Almighty

Nahum 3:1- 19
Woe Proclaimed to the City
vs. 1-7: Pronouncement of Guilt
The City was built on violence The City was built on deceit The Citys wealth was based on plunder The City was full of witchcraft

vs. 8 11: The sacking of the city of Thebes

What comes around goes around

vs. 12 18: A Taunt Song

vs. 12: The city is ripe for the fall vs. 13: The army has lost its manliness vs. 14 15: Their hasty preparations will come to naught vs. 16 17: Their leadership will abandon them vs. 18: Their collapse is final

vs. 19: The applause over the Fall of Nineveh

References
The TANAKH. The Book of Nahum pp. 1055 1061 The NIV. The Book of Nahum The Narrated Bible in Chronological Order. The Prophecies of Nahum pp. 929 - 933 Bill T. and Beyer, Brian E. Encountering the Old Testament pp. 456 - 457 Boice, James Montgomery. The Minor Prophets vol. 2 pp. 369 - 386 Unger, Merrill F. Ungers Commentary on the Old Testament pp. 1877 - 1894