Nahum: God Is In Control!
Get To Know Nahum
Nahum means “The Lord Comforts.:
He “comforts” Judah by declaring the absolute destruction of Assyria.
Setting The Stage: Nahum
100 years earlier Jonah went to Nineveh and they repented.
The Ninevites had again fallen into their wicked ways.
Nahum declares their coming destruction.
Israel was soon rebuilt, but Nineveh was lost for around 2500 years.
God’s Story In Nahum
Nahum 3:1-4
V.1: blood, plunder & victims
- 2: Powerful, intimidating armies
V.3: Brutal murder of the nobles
V.4: They possessed a wicked bloodlust
In a condemned nation, God singles out one person in particular!
(Nahum 1:11, 2 Kings 18:13-37)
Do you know the voice of the “Rabshakeh”?
Nahum Speaks Today
God will not endure wickedness forever.
Nh 1:14: “I will prepare your grave, for you are vile.”
God hates violence, but a righteous God sometimes still demonstrates wrath.
See Nh 1:2,7. God’s wrath worked WITH his great love to save us from spiritual destruction! (Isaiah 53:6, Eph 4:1-5)
GOD IS IN CONTROL.
Discussion Questions
Share a funny story about when, as a kid, your words got you into trouble.
Was God justified in his judgement upon Assyria? Why? How do you feel about the concept that God is a God of wrath, but also a God of love? (Read: Ps 137:8-9, MT 19:14) How do we reconcile this paradox?
We could hear many positive words, but one negative criticism can ruin our whole day. Why do you think that happens?
What are the “Rabshakeh” lies that beset you? How has God’s Word helped you overcome that?