The God Who Avenges - NAHUM START

We come to one of the Bible's most obscure books. It's a valuable book, just not referenced much nor preached often. Yet it is one of the inspired texts of scripture and carries with it essential truths about God that we might neglect if we aren't careful. 

What truth does Nahum present? That God avenges His people. Nahum prophesied 100 years later to the same people to whom God sent Jonah. Jonah preached reluctantly, and the entire city of Nineveh repented. This leading city of Israel's enemies was spared. And then later, they conquered Jonah's nation - the Northern Kingdom. 

If you were a faithful Israelite in those days, you'd have reason to harbor resentment over the fact that the very nation God spared would then be God's tool of judgment against you. God is in charge of the nations and uses them to bring judgment on one another when necessary. So perhaps Nahum is often ignored because the context of its message is not taken into account. The opening words come to life much more when we know the backstory. 

Nahum 1:1–2 (ESV) An oracle concerning Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum of Elkosh. 2 The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD is avenging and wrathful; the LORD takes vengeance on his adversaries and keeps wrath for his enemies.

Assyria was the dominant force in the world around the time these words were spoken. They knew it as well. Consequently, as empires do, Assyria came to believe it was unstoppable. The Lord delivered a strong rebuke to them. 

Nahum 1:12–13 (ESV) Thus says the LORD, “Though they are at full strength and many, they will be cut down and pass away. Though I have afflicted you, I will afflict you no more. 13 And now I will break his yoke from off you and will burst your bonds apart.”

All nations succumb to the glory and sovereignty of the Lord. He is undefeated in His reign as King of the Universe. In an earlier verse, Nahum clarifies that the Lord's patience, though great, is not unlimited. 

Nahum 1:3 (ESV) The LORD is slow to anger and great in power, and the LORD will by no means clear the guilty. His way is in whirlwind and storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.

Ultimately, no one stands before Him when he summons His justice upon them. 
Nahum 1:6 (ESV) Who can stand before his indignation? Who can endure the heat of his anger? His wrath is poured out like fire, and the rocks are broken into pieces by him.

The good news for Judah, who received Nahum's message, was that the Lord, who overthrew Israel with Assyria, and now will overthrow Assyria, will protect them. 

Nahum 1:7 (ESV) The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.

Don't miss that statement. It's a clear call to repentance for those in Judah. Their nation at this time was led by a Godly king named Josiah, who found the book of the Law and brought about great repentance in the Southern Kingdom, leading the people back to the Lord. They must seek the Lord to find their protection. And in that protection is good news. 

Nahum 1:15 (ESV) Behold, upon the mountains, the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace! Keep your feasts, O Judah; fulfill your vows, for never again shall the worthless pass through you; he is utterly cut off.

Judah would be preserved from Assyria's assault. God would vindicate His people. The destroyer would be destroyed. The message brings comfort for the Christian. Even the harassment of our enemy can be a tool of God to discipline us and keep us from sin. Paul mentions a "messenger of satan" sent to keep him from conceit in 2 Corinthians 12. Weird to think that God can and will use satan to keep His servants humble. Yet we rejoice knowing that our enemy is simply a temporary tool for our good. His days are numbered and he will meet a swift and just end. We will be sanctified and made pure through the process.





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