In this chapter, the Lord is following through with His word to destroy the people of Nineveh. Here’s the chapter in its entirety: “This message concerning Nineveh came as a vision to Nahum, who lived in Elkosh.
The Lord’s Anger against Nineveh
The Lord is a jealous God, filled with vengeance and wrath. He takes revenge on all who oppose him and furiously destroys his enemies! The Lord is slow to get angry, but his power is great, and he never lets the guilty go unpunished. He displays his power in the whirlwind and the storm. The billowing clouds are the dust beneath his feet. At his command the oceans and rivers dry up, the lush pastures of Bashan and Carmel fade, and the green forests of Lebanon wilt. In his presence the mountains quake, and the hills melt away; the earth trembles, and its people are destroyed. Who can stand before his fierce anger? Who can survive his burning fury? His rage blazes forth like fire, and the mountains crumble to dust in his presence.
The Lord is good. When trouble comes, he is a strong refuge. And he knows everyone who trusts in him. But he sweeps away his enemies in an overwhelming flood. He pursues his foes into the darkness of night.
Why are you scheming against the Lord? He will destroy you with one blow; he won’t need to strike twice! His enemies, tangled up like thorns, staggering like drunks, will be burned like dry straw in a field. Who is this king of yours who dares to plot evil against the Lord?
This is what the Lord says: “Even though the Assyrians have many allies, they will be destroyed and disappear. O my people, I have already punished you once, and I will not do it again. Now I will break your chains and release you from Assyrian oppression.”
And this is what the Lord says concerning the Assyrians in Nineveh: “You will have no more children to carry on your name. I will destroy all the idols in the temples of your gods. I am preparing a grave for you because you are despicable and don’t deserve to live!” (Wow! Jonah preached a message of destruction to Nineveh, and the people turned from their evil ways for a moment, and the Lord forgave them and didn’t destroy them. But now, destruction is certain for Nineveh because they returned to their evil ways. Let this be a message for all of us.)
Look! A messenger is coming over the mountains with good news! He is bringing a message of peace. Celebrate your festivals, O people of Judah, and fulfill all your vows, for your enemies from Nineveh will never invade your land again. They have been completely destroyed! (Nahum 1) (Wow…Lord, you are no joke! Just when the enemy thought they had gotten away, just when we thought our enemies had escaped without punishment, you provided justice!)
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Help us turn from our evil ways, not just for a moment, but for a lifetime! For you are a just God, and you will fulfill your Word. Lord, we love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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