Justin Houtz

Nahum 2

DateVersionReading Plan
@December 2, 2023ESV (2016)ESV Prophets Plan 2023

Pericopes

  • The Destruction of Nineveh

Notes/Application

A scatterer had come upon Ninevah, a reference to the combined armies of Babylonians, Medes and Scythians. The Lord’s use of the conquering armies would bring restoration to Israel, signaling the end of His judgment. Great detail is given to the invasion, Babylonian soldiers clothed in red, flashing metal chariots and brandished cypress spears. The city of Nineveh was like a pool “whose waters run away.” (Nahum 1:8), a fleeing of the people like a reservoir that had never been drained. The plunder of Assyria was massive, her treasure stores from looting other cities was a quantity beyond counting. The once mighty lions of Assyria was now being made prey themselves and their young lions (warriors) would be killed in battle. The LORD of hosts declared his opposition to Nineveh, to burn her chariots and cut her prey from the earth, so that her “messengers shall no longer be heard.” (Nahum 1:13)

Only one verse in this chapter speaks to the purpose of the Ninevite destruction: “restoring the majesty of Jacob as the majesty of Israel” (Nahum 1:2). Much more attention is given to the particulars of how this was going to take place. This majority consideration illuminates the lengths to which God would go to restore His people. It helps us to see His heart in doing what needs to be done in order to bring about the intended effect. This He does both at a collective and an individual level. His means may seem elaborate at times (and often painful), but they the workings of a loving, sovereign God who alone holds the full understanding of their necessity. At this moment, we see only through a glass darkly, but we know by His Word we know that He is faithful. Through this we extend our trust that He is doing great things.

Scripture Journal Notes

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