The book of Nahum focuses on God’s judgment against the ancient Assyrian city of Nineveh. Nahum prophesied sometime between 663-612 BC, likely closer to the latter date right before Nineveh fell to the Babylonians in 612 BC. The Assyrians were a cruel, warlike people who committed terrible atrocities against nations they conquered. So why did God judge Nineveh so harshly through Nahum’s prophecies?
Here are some key reasons:
1. Nineveh’s long history of evil, violence and idolatry
Nineveh was the capital of the Assyrian empire, which was characterized by evil, violence and idolatry for centuries. Their kings worshipped false gods and led the people away from the true God. The Assyrians were aggressive conquerors, treating subjected peoples with exceptional cruelty. This included skinning people alive, dismembering bodies, enslaving nations and burning cities.
Nahum 3:1 says “Woe to the city of blood, full of lies, full of plunder, never without victims!” This sums up Nineveh’s legacy. Despite God relenting judgment after Jonah’s preaching (Jonah 3:10), the Ninevites returned to their evil ways shortly thereafter. They repeatedly ignored God’s warnings through the prophets. So after centuries of unrepentant sin, God decreed their destruction.
2. Pride, arrogance and belief in their own invincibility
The Assyrians became extremely proud, arrogant and believed their capital Nineveh was invincible against any attacker. They believed their own military might had led to their dominance, not recognizing God as the true sovereign ruler of all.
Nahum 1:11 states: “From you, Nineveh, has one come forth who plots evil against the LORD and counsels wickedness.” This points to the arrogant plotting and feeling of invincibility that marked Nineveh’s leadership. They felt they could even rebel against God without consequence.
Nahum 3:8-11 highlights Nineveh’s arrogance, believing no enemy could penetrate their defenses. But God declared He would expose their false strength, strip them naked and destroy them.
3. Their violence, oppression and cruelty knew no limits
The Assyrians were unspeakably cruel in warfare. They skinned captives alive, dismembered bodies, enslaved nations and showed no mercy.KEYS Military documents record horrendous practices like burning children, impaling bodies and horrific torture of all kinds.
Nahum 3:1-4 highlights Nineveh’s abundant wickedness, lies, plunder, victims, nakedness, lust and sorceries. Verse 19 says “There is no easing your hurt; your wound is grievous. All who hear the news about you clap their hands over you. For upon whom has not come your unceasing evil?”
The judgment came because Nineveh’s evil was unrelenting. They persecuted God’s people and many others without remorse. Their violence and oppression knew no limits, necessitating God’s judgment.
4. They refused to repent despite God’s repeated warnings
God is patient, giving people chances to repent (2 Peter 3:9). The Assyrians repeatedly received warnings from prophets like Isaiah and Jonah. But they continued down an unrepentant path of idolatry and violence.
Nahum 1:14 states: “The LORD has given a command concerning you, Nineveh: ‘You will have no descendants to bear your name.'” Here the destruction is presented as unavoidable because they passed the point of repentance.
God was justified in acting without delay because the Ninevites persisted in sin despite knowing the truth. The cup of God’s wrath was now full and judgment was on its way.
5. Judgment was also to protect Judah from Assyrian attacks
Nahum reassured Judah that God saw the Assyrian attacks they endured. The judgment on Nineveh would stop the Assyrian threat against Judah.
Nahum 1:12 states: “This is what the Lord says: ‘Although they have allies and are numerous, they will be destroyed and pass away.'” God would end Assyrian military might despite their many allies.
Nahum 1:15 proclaims: “Look, there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace! Celebrate your festivals, Judah, and fulfill your vows. No more will the wicked invade you; they will be completely destroyed.” This promised protection for Judah.
6. God hates sin and judges unrepentant nations
Ultimately, Nineveh’s judgment reflects God’s hatred of sin. God is patient, but unrepentant sin eventually brings forth His wrath. This applies to nations and individuals.
Nahum 1:2 declares God is jealous, avenging and wrathful. Verse 3 states: “The Lord is slow to anger but great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished.” God’s just nature requires judgment of continual, unrepentant sin.
Nineveh stands as a warning that while God is merciful, He will not indefinitely tolerate evil. There is always a limit after which judgment must come. All people and nations should heed this sobering lesson.
7. God’s sovereignty over all nations and rulers
Nahum highlights God’s sovereign control over the rise and fall of nations. Despite Assyrian arrogance, the Lord orchestrated their downfall to humble them and display His supremacy.
Nahum 1:6 asks: “Who can withstand his indignation? Who can endure his fierce anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; the rocks are shattered before him.” None can resist when God decrees judgment.
Nahum 2:11 states: “Where now is the lions’ den, the place where they fed their young, where the lion and lioness went, and the cubs, with nothing to fear?” God dried up the strength symbolized by the lion.
Ultimately the judgment showed that God rules over earthly powers. Nineveh was only mighty because He allowed it for a time. In the end, only the Lord’s purposes prevail.
8. Judgment came at the appointed time according to God’s wisdom
Though Nineveh’s judgment tarried, it came at exactly the right time in God’s perfect wisdom. God is very patient, but His judgment arrives precisely when He knows it must occur.
Nahum 2:3 states: “The shields of the soldiers are red; the warriors are clad in scarlet. The metal on the chariots flashes on the day they are made ready; the spears of juniper are brandished.” This suggests God prepared Nineveh’s enemies to be instruments of His judgment at just the right time.
History records that the Medo-Babylonian army advanced on Nineveh shortly after Nahum’s prophecies. God’s timing is perfect. When the judgment came, nothing could stop it.
9. God judged Nineveh, but showed mercy to the repentant
Despite the certainty and severity of the judgment, God still showed mercy to those who repented. Though the nation faced destruction, individuals could receive forgiveness.
Nahum 1:7 promises: “The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.” God sheltered the faithful remnant. Those who turned to the Lord found mercy even during judgment.
And even in wrath God remembered compassion. Nahum 1:15 declares that Judah will celebrate their festivals in peace. God is compassionate even amidst necessary judgment.
10. Destruction fulfilled earlier prophecies about Nineveh
Nahum’s prophecies echoed earlier oracles predicting Nineveh’s demise. Isaiah 10:5-19 prophesies Assyria will be destroyed after being used as God’s instrument. Zephaniah 2:13-15 foretells the destruction and desolation coming upon Nineveh.
So Nahum provides the capstone prophecy making it clear the time for Nineveh’s judgment had fully come. The destruction fulfilled the earlier oracles through a long period where Nineveh failed to repent.
In conclusion, the book of Nahum reveals why Nineveh experienced God’s wrath. After centuries of evil, violence and idolatry, their judgment could no longer tarry. They haughtily believed they were invincible, but God proved otherwise. Ultimately Nineveh stands as a warning about the inevitable judgment unrepentant sin brings.
