Continuing in the first chapter of the book of Nahum, in verse 14, we’re back to Nineveh (or possibly, per Ham & Hahlen, the King of Nineveh specifically).
The LORD has given a command concerning you, Nineveh:
“You will have no descendants to bear your name.
I will destroy the images and idols
that are in the temple of your gods.
I will prepare your grave,
for you are vile.”
Nahum 1:14 NIV
Regardless of how we translate this prophecy, though, both the city and the king are toast. The Lookout says, “in fact, neither Xenophon the historian nor Alexander the Great knew where Nineveh was only two centuries after it fell).”
I wonder if there is some sub-text to be found here in the destruction of the symbols of the Assyrians’ false gods. These idols will be destroyed, but – after a while – the temple of God in Jerusalem will be rebuilt, and after that, God the Son – Jesus Christ – will offer a light yoke (Matthew 11:28-30) and break the power of death entirely (see Hebrews 2:14-15, 1 Corinthians 15:56-57).
And, as we close out this chapter (although apparently this is the first verse of chapter 2 in Hebrew texts, per NIV and NASB footnotes), there is a promise of restoration for Judah. (The NASB introduces this verse with one of my favorite words, “Behold”, reminding us to pause and consider something amazing.)
Look, there on the mountains,
the feet of one who brings good news,
who proclaims peace!
Celebrate your festivals, Judah,
and fulfill your vows.
No more will the wicked invade you;
they will be completely destroyed.
Nahum 1:15 NIV
As with all of God’s prophetic promises (as opposed to His promises that are explicitly conditioned on people’s behavior), His people can count on this truth. Since we’re not positive when Nahum was written, we don’t know how long it was until Nineveh was overthrown (and therefore we don’t know how many of those who heard these words lived to see them fulfilled), but we know that it did happen.
The good news that followers of Jesus have to share, though, isn’t just that God decisively freed Judah from the oppression of the Assyrian empire. We have good news of eternal salvation, and freedom from slavery to sin.
So, what can we learn from Nahum 1? I propose the following for your consideration, but encourage you to re-read the chapter yourself, and see if you agree or discover something else. (Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.)
It is a waste of time to keep fighting against God, rather than joining Him. He will always prevail, whether we wait for His justice (which is bad for us), or accept His mercy and grace (which is good for us). No amount of social clout, political influence, military might, or scientific-sounding claims can ultimately prevail against God and His truth. Like the Borg in the Star Trek universe, we might say, “Resistance is futile”. Unlike the Borg, who the Federation sometimes managed to defeat, there is no exception for those who remain opposed to an all-powerful God (i.e., never accepting His offer to return to Him and be restored).
And, if the event that we (like the residents of Judah) look forward to are the feet of those who bring good news, let me suggest that, for Christians today, the feet of those who bring good news should be attached to the end of our own legs. We should be the ones to share good news with others who are discouraged. Like Nahum, some of the people who we tell about Jesus Christ and God’s promises might not see all of the blessings in this life, but they can have the same confidence in God’s faithfulness, like the people of Judah should have had in Nahum’s time. God kept His promise to them, and He will keep His promises to us.
From Sunday School lesson prepared for August 6, 2023
References:
- The Lookout, August 6, 2023, © 2023 Christian Standard Media.
- Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
- Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation.
- The College Press NIV Commentary – Minor Prophets Volume 2, by Clay Ham and Mark Hahlen. © 2006 College Press Publishing Co.
Those Who Sin Differently 