| Date | Version | Reading Plan |
|---|---|---|
| @December 1, 2023 | ESV (2016) | ESV Prophets Plan 2023 |
Pericopes
- God’s Wrath Against Nineveh
Notes/Application
The prophet Nahum is given an oracle to deliver concerning Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire at the time. He opens with a description of God’s character, power and divine workings; slow to anger, great in power, perfectly just and righteous. God is in control of all things and the mountains quake before Him. As greater than His creation, no one is able to stand before His indignation. The LORD is good and knows who take refuge in Him, but will pursue and make a complete end to His enemies. The Assyrians will be cut down at the peak of their oppression, to pass away and afflict Judah no more. A messenger will bring the good news of God’s deliverance and the people shall resume their feasts and keep their vows, assured that the Assyrians will never again pass through their land.
The Assyrians dominated the ancient Near East, but were no match to God’s power and anger now positioned against them. In this we see the utter futility of efforts and forces in opposition to God’s will. God is patient and slow to anger, but His slowness should not to be taken as acceptance. There is coming a day when God’s judgment will completely consume all iniquity like fire consumes stubble fully dried. All imperfection will be eradicated and shalom restored. The wicked will perish, leaving only those who delight and take refuge in the Lord. To these will be given a place in the kingdom and Himself as their eternal blessing. He is our gift that has no equal, the treasure with Whom nothing compares.
Scripture Journal Notes
Commentaries & Resources Used
- ESV Study Bible. (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2008)
- Faithlife Study Bible (Lexham Press, 2016)
- Believer’s Bible Commentary (Thomas Nelson, 2016)
- CSB Study Bible Notes (Holman Bible Publishers, 2017)
- Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible (Guardian Press, 1976)
- The Bible: A Reader’s Guide (Sterling Publishing, 2011)
- The Infographic Bible (Zondervan, 2018)
- ESV Digital Scripture Journal (Crossway, 2019)