Expository series on the book of Nahum part 3/4 Our God is the God of History

BRIEF HISTORICAL OVERVIEW Nahum a sequel Jonah Both addressed to the people of Nineveh Jonah’s message – Call to repentance Nahum’s message – Judgement and destruction Jonah spoke directly to the people of Nineveh Nahum – no clear evidence on how he gave the prophecy Time Interval between Jonah’s and Nahum’s prophecy – approx 100 years (750 B.C. & 663 B.C.)

Literal Interpretation v1. The scatterer has come up against you …. – the coming of the destroyer and a sarcastic call to mobilise troops in anticipation of war v3-5. – talk about the initial onslaught v6 - talks about the destruction by opening of the river gates v7-10 talk about how the city is plundered v11, 12 is a taunt – Assyrians considered themselves as Lions v13 is says it is not the Babylonians who are destroying the Nineveh but is the God who is against it.

#1. The Lord our God is the one who controls nations and history; He is the Ruler of history 5 Ah, Assyria, the rod of my anger;     the staff in their hands is my fury! 6 Against a godless nation I send him,     and against the people of my wrath I command him, to take spoil and seize plunder,     and to tread them down like the mire of the streets. 12 When the Lord has finished all his work on Mount Zion and on Jerusalem, he will punish the speech of the arrogant heart of the king of Assyria and the boastful look in his eyes Isa 10:5, 6; 12

#1. The Lord our God is the one who controls nations and history; He is the Ruler of history The LORD of hosts has sworn: “As I have planned, so shall it be, and as I have purposed, so shall it stand, that I will break the Assyrian in my land, and on my mountains trample him underfoot; and his yoke shall depart from them, and his burden from their shoulder.” This is the purpose that is purposed concerning the whole earth, and this is the hand that is stretched out over all the nations. For the LORD of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back? Isaiah 14:24-27

#2. The Lords promises never fail, they will surely come to pass because He is able to fulfil what He promised For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. Isaiah 9:6-7

#2. The Lords promises never fail, they will surely come to pass because He is able to fulfill what He promised And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever. 2 Samuel 7:16

#3. Live lives of godliness and holiness waiting expectantly for the Saviour of our souls to be revealed 15  Behold, upon the mountains, the feet of him     who brings good news,     who publishes peace! Nahum 1:15a 7 How beautiful upon the mountains     are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness,     who publishes salvation,     who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” Isaiah 52:7 Romans 10:15, Rev 18:10

#3. Live lives of godliness and holiness waiting expectantly for the Saviour of our souls to be revealed Keep your feasts, O Judah;     fulfill your vows, for never again shall the worthless pass through you;     he is utterly cut off. Nahum 1:15b   11 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, 12 waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn!  2 Peter 3:11,12