Inspirational Message: Nahum Highlighted the Awesome Power of God!

The destruction of Nineveh was foretold by Nahum long after Jonah had them to repent. We can read and discover the cruelty endured because of the Assyrians as they conquered one nation after another. What did Nahum do in such turmoil? He, with God’s help, predicted the siege and destruction of Nineveh as a city and the end of the Assyrian Empire! What do we learn about God’s relationship with the Ninevites? In Nahum 1, we are told that:

1. The Lord is jealous and avenging.
2. The Lord takes vengeance on His foes.
3. He can be slow to anger, but great in power.
4. The Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished.
5. The Lord keeps wrath for His enemies.

Who can withstand His indignation? Who can endure His fierce anger? We are assured of His nature when we read that His wrath is poured out like fire and that rocks can be shattered before Him! Also the earth trembles at His presence. With sound minds, how can we deny God’s greatness? In the Book of Nahum, God denotes a prophetic proclamation of His praise and honor to the prophet. In chapter 1:2-3 the Lord takes vengeance on His enemies. God’s holy anger is righteous and just in defense of His word and His people. Being slow to anger, God waits for the appropriate time. God’s patience can explain why the wicked sometimes do not immediately receive the judgment they undoubtedly deserve! How can God help us? He delivers those who take refuge in Him. God is good to His people as He always blesses those of us who trust in Him.

In chapter 2, Nahum actually placed all readers vicariously into the city of Nineveh as it fell to the invaders. With imagination we readily feel the acts of destruction along with the plundering of Nineveh. Does the Lord speak a word of judgment? Will there be peace and deliverance for Judah? In this book we learn of a prophetic announcement of judgment against Assyria and the city of Nineveh for cruel atrocities and idolatrous practices.

The Lord is good and He reigns as a stronghold when troubles arise. Nahum only highlighted some of God’s powers in his vision of Nineveh, an ancient city and the capital of the Assyrian Empire. Let us conclude with Nahum 1:7 as a main idea: “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble.” Nahum was certainly a messenger of doom and a prophet sent by God. For the godly remnant in Israel, Nahum’s message was full of comforting reminders of God’s power and justice. As present-day believers, let us remember that God will one day right every wrong and punish those who defy him. Also let us not forget that those who cling to Him will forever be safe in the shadow of His wings for He is a just God!
Mrs. Gladys R. McElmore, a resident of Norfolk’s Middle Town Arch Community, is a New Journal and Guide Freelance Contributor on religion. She is a native of Essex County, Va.