NAHUM 1:1 Introduction. This is the only OT book that begins with a “double title.” ORACLE describes a prophetic proclamation (see note on Hab. 1:1). VISION indicates how God communicated the contents of the book to Nahum. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=i... [ Continue Reading ]
NAHUM—NOTE ON NAHUM 1:2 A Psalm Descriptively Praising the Lord. These verses praise God as he has been and will be throughout world history. It presents God’s attitude toward, and action relating to, his enemies and his people. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0,... [ Continue Reading ]
NAHUM—NOTE ON NAHUM 1:4 REBUKES THE SEA... DRIES UP... RIVERS recalls the exodus from Egypt (Exodus 14:1) and the conquest of Canaan (Joshua 3:1). BASHAN was famous for its rich pasturelands. CARMEL was well known for its beauty and its fruitful countryside. LEBANON was noted for its forests. HILLS... [ Continue Reading ]
NAHUM—NOTE ON NAHUM 1:6 FIRE is a frequent OT image describing God’s wrath (e.g., Genesis 19:24; Psalms 11:6). ROCKS, the hardest objects in nature, are easily shattered by the Lord. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img [ Continue Reading ]
NAHUM—NOTE ON NAHUM 1:7 In contrast to his anger, God is GOOD to his people. The Lord is the never-failing STRONGHOLD for his people (e.g., Psalms 27:1; Psalms 37:39), whom he KNOWS with love and affection. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElem [ Continue Reading ]
NAHUM—NOTE ON NAHUM 1:8 A striking contrast to v. Nahum 1:7. Like an OVERFLOWING FLOOD, God’s judgment is overwhelming; Nineveh was to be destroyed as by a flood (see Nahum 2:6, Nahum 2:8). COMPLETE END... DARKNESS. God’s judgment will end with death and everlasting separation from him. ⇐ ⇔... [ Continue Reading ]
NAHUM—NOTE ON NAHUM 1:9 The Lord’s Coming Judgment on Nineveh and Deliverance of Judah. In these verses Nahum alternates between the Lord’s coming judgment on Nineveh and his gracious deliverance of Judah. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img... [ Continue Reading ]
NAHUM—NOTE ON NAHUM 1:10 ENTANGLED THORNS can be thrown all at once into the fire, just as the Assyrians as a whole will be wiped out. LIKE DRUNKARDS, the Assyrians will be unable to defend themselves against their attackers. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, le... [ Continue Reading ]
NAHUM—NOTE ON NAHUM 1:11 WORTHLESS COUNSELOR refers either to a particular wicked Assyrian king or to the series of kings who reigned in Nineveh after Sennacherib made that city the capital. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
NAHUM—NOTE ON NAHUM 1:12 THOUGH I HAVE AFFLICTED YOU. Suddenly God turns his attention to Judah (as he will again in v. Nahum 1:15). This dramatic change in the flow of v. Nahum 1:12 emphasizes the announcement of good news that follows. I WILL AFFLICT YOU NO MORE. Since God would overthrow Nineveh,... [ Continue Reading ]
NAHUM—NOTE ON NAHUM 1:13 HIS YOKE. The Assyrian monarchs’ burdensome rule over Judah (see 2 Kings 18:13). BREAK... BURST. Judah was controlled by Assyria from about 734/733 B.C. (during the reign of Ahaz; 2 Kings 16:7) until the reign of Josiah (640–609), when Assyria began to decline rapidly and fi... [ Continue Reading ]
NAHUM—NOTE ON NAHUM 1:14 YOU is masculine singular in Hebrew. Nahum suddenly switches to directly addressing the Assyrian king(s) (see v. Nahum 1:11). The Assyrian monarchy would come to a decisive end. THE HOUSE OF YOUR GODS I WILL CUT OFF. Complete defeat of the Assyrian ruler would also be marked... [ Continue Reading ]
NAHUM—NOTE ON NAHUM 1:15 Nahum addresses Judah again, as in vv. Nahum 1:12. UPON THE MOUNTAINS, a messenger brings the GOOD NEWS of Nineveh’s fall (compare Isaiah 52:7). PEACE. Judah does not have to be afraid of any more military action and oppression from Assyria. KEEP YOUR FEASTS. These festivals... [ Continue Reading ]