Justin Houtz

Nahum 1-3; John 5

DateVersionReading Plan
August 3, 2026ESV (2016)ESV Life Journal Plan – 2026

Nahum 1-3

Observation & Interpretation

The Book begins with an introduction of Nahum’s vision and describes God’s jealousy and vengeance, that He is slow to anger and great in power (Nahum 1:1-3). Vibrant language is used to illuminate God’s sovereignty, immensity and grandeur. However, He is also wholly good and righteous, a stronghold in time of trouble and knows those who take refuge in Him (Nahum 1:7). “The Hebrew term here denotes the sense of protection or providence.” (FSB). The LORD through Nahum declares that the name of the Assyrians would be cut off (Nahum 1:14). He calls for the people to keep their feasts and fulfill their vows as the worthless will never again pass through (Nahum 1:15).

In Chapter 2, the LORD through Nahum exhorts them to prepare for battle, how the LORD will restore the majesty of Jacob as the majesty of Israel (Nahum 2:1-2). More descriptive language is used in how Ninevah will be destroyed. There will be desolation and ruin. “Comparing Nineveh to a lion’s den, Nahum pushes his ironical knife in deeply to wound Ninevite arrogance.” (BBC).

In Chapter 3, woe is declared against Ninevah, a bloody city full of lies and plunder (Nahum 3:1). The LORD is against all their whorings and will lift their skirts over their face (Nahum 3:5). He will make the nations look at their nakedness. They will say that Ninevah is wasted and ask who will grieve for her (Nahum 3:7). “She will not escape any more than No Amon (Thebes) did, that great city which symbolized the concentrated might of Ethiopia and Egypt.” (BBC). Despite their preparation and defense, the fire will devour them and the sword will cut them off (Nahum 3:15). They are many in number, “yet they would desert the city like swarming locusts flying off at sunrise.” (BBC). There would be none to ease their hurt because their wound is grievous. All who hear of the news about them would clap their hands and ask regarding them, “For about whom has not come your unceasing evil?” (Nahum 3:19).

Application

God’s wrath was coming to Ninevah in righteous judgment as it will come to all those who who do not repent of their sin and place their faith in Christ Jesus. The ESV Bible introduction to Nahum says that “The Assyrians were notorious for the brutality of their treatment of other nations.” Far too easily can we read of the atrocities propagated by the Assyrians and make comparison to ourselves. However, we are equally guilty and deserving of God’s punishment for our sin. While it may not manifest in same way as the Assyrians through destructive military conquests, we fail to give God the attention and glory He is deserving and seek to fulfill our selfish desires. It is a work of God’s grace through His Spirit to bring awareness of our sin, fostering a full hatred of it in realizing its offensiveness against God. What praise is due to our God for His mercy made manifest, giving us eyes to see our transgression against Him and providing His only Son to be the propitiation that brings redemption.

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