Nahum’s prophecy comes against Nineveh, shortly before it gives way to the rising empire of Babylon This prophetic book speaks of another nation, but is likely intended as encouragement for a people subjected to oppression and suffering. Nahum reminds his hearers that God holds human history.
Sermon OutlinE
“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.” (Nahum 1:7)
Introducing Nahum and 7th BC Century Prophets
God the Patient Judge (Nahum 1)
God Deals with Oppressive Empires Like Nineveh (Nahum 2-3)
The Message of Nahum
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- When have you seen tough consequences come down after doing something wrong in your life or others? What happened and how did it resolve?
- This week, as we continue our series, “God in the Ruins: The Message of the Minor Prophets,” we turn to the little-known prophet Nahum. Before you begin this study, ask God to speak to you through His word.
- Read Nahum 1:1. Background: Nahum prophesied in the 7th century BC after the fall of the northern kingdom of Israel. We know very little about Nahum; even his hometown of Elkosh cannot be identified indisputably. His prophecy focuses on the Assyrian empire and their capital city of Nineveh, which was also the focus of Jonah. It appears the Ninevites have “repented of their repentance in Jonah,” and now are facing judgment from God. We know historically that Nineveh did fall in 612 BC and the Assyrian empire came crashing down shortly thereafter.
- Read Nahum 1:2-7. What do you learn about the character of God from Nahum’s prophe- cies here?
- What do you think it means that God is jealous? You may want to look at other references, such as Exodus 34:14; Deuteronomy 4:24; 6:15; and Joshua 24:19.
- How do you understand the tension in verse 3 between God’s slowness to anger and His decisiveness in dealing with the guilty? How is it possible for God to be both of these at the same time?
- Read Nahum 1:8-15. What does Nahum say will happen to Nineveh and the Assyrian empire?
- Echoing what we just read in the latter portion of chapter 1, Nahum 2 speaks of the judgment that will come upon Nineveh. Now read Nahum 3:1-7. What are the reasons given for the judgment upon Nineveh?
- Read Nahum 3:8-19. What does Nahum speak from God about the finality of Nineveh and Assyria’s overthrow?
- History tells us that the Assyrian empire was brutal in their conquering of nations, deporting people from their homelands and importing new people groups as a way to unmake cultures and establish their superiority. Do you think that it is right for God to bring judgment on a people like what we see in Nineveh? Why or why not?
- Return to Nahum 1:7 and read it aloud. What is the promise of God for those who seek refuge in Him?
- What is one thing God is speaking to you through this study of the prophet Nahum? If you are on your own, write that down. If you are in a small group, discuss your answers with one another. Close in prayer. Choose one person in your life with whom you will share something you have learned about God this week.