Bible Pathways - Sept. 26, 2006

Nahum 1

In Today's Scripture Reading:

Prophecy and fulfillment of Nineveh's destruction; vision of coming woes; Habakkuk's prayer

About 150 years had passed since the revival of Jonah's day when all of Nineveh repented and fasted (Jonah 3:5-10). However, as the years passed, several generations of Ninevites failed to teach their children about the One True God who had spared their lives, so they returned to their sinful behavior. The time had now come for God to judge them. Judah was oppressed by Assyria, but the prophet Nahum foretold its freedom if the Israelites remained faithful to God. He appealed to them: O Judah . . . perform thy vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off (destroyed) (Nahum 1:15).

Assyria was probably the most brutal of all the ancient heathen nations, and its capital Nineveh had greatly enriched itself by wars. Through Nahum, God forewarned: Woe to the bloody city! it is all full of lies and robbery. . . . Nineveh is laid waste. . . . the sword shall cut thee off (3:1,7,15). Nineveh was destroyed exactly as foretold. That once-mighty city is still laid waste as a witness to the accuracy of the Word of God.

Habakkuk foretold the coming judgment that God would bring on His idol-worshiping people in Judah by using Babylon to punish them. He also foretold the judgment of God upon Babylon for its destruction of Judah: O LORD, Thou hast ordained them (Judah) for judgment; and, O mighty God, Thou hast established (ordained) them for correction (Habakkuk 1:12; compare II Corinthians 4:17).

Since we do not know all the facts, in the midst of our numerous, perplexing injustices, where too often evil seems to triumph, we should not express doubt in the Holy One (Habakkuk 1:12) by asking: Why me, or Why did He allow this to happen? God is just as uncompromising toward sin today as He was then. Yet the Lord always forgives even the most sinful person who truly repents and turns to and receives Christ as Savior and Lord of his life. All mankind will one day realize that the justice and mercy of the LORD is good, a strong hold (refuge) in the day of trouble; and He knoweth (loves) them that trust in Him (Nahum 1:7). We expectantly look forward to that day when the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD (Habakkuk 2:14; compare Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38; 11:1-6).

Christ Revealed:

As the One whom even the sea obeys (Nahum 1:4). Jesus rebuked the winds and the sea (Matthew 8:26-27).

Word Studies:

Nahum 1:12 quiet =b> strong, safe, secure; 1:14 no more of thy name be sown =b> nothing of your name will remain; 2:7 tabering =b> beating; 3:19 bruit =b> report. Habakkuk 1:4 slacked =b> not enforced.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Timothy A. Keener Sr. and Mr. & Mrs. Charles Barbey · The Arabic International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Mrs. Ann Wharton · Staff: Ken Sharp Government Official: Rep. Sue Kelly (NY) Country: Mauritius (1 million) 500 miles east of Madagascar Major languages: English and Creole Limited religious freedom 50% Hindu; 27% Roman Catholic; 17% Muslim; 5% Protestant Prayer Suggestion: Humbly kneel before the Lord in prayer and worship the Lord (II Chronicles 6:13).

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 103:13