Nahum 1

The first chapter of Nahum vividly depicts God's attributes, showcasing His jealousy, vengeance, wrath, slowness to anger, and great power. While these qualities may seem fierce, Nahum emphasizes that the Lord is good and a refuge in times of trouble. The passage challenges modern Christians to recognize God's multifaceted nature, including both love and wrath, and not to overlook His role as a punisher of wickedness. Nahum 1:9-15 exposes Assyria's specific crimes against Judah, highlighting their plots against the Lord and God's use of them as a disciplinary tool. Despite their past repentance, Assyria's return to violence justifies God's impending judgment. The lesson draws parallels between Jonah 4:2 and Nahum 1:3, emphasizing the importance of recognizing God's patience, His desire for repentance, and the looming day of reckoning, urging believers to respond to those on a destructive path with patience and a call to Jesus.

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The vision of Ozark Christian College is to glorify God by evangelizing the lost and edifying Christians worldwide. The mission of Ozark Christian College is to train men and women for Christian service as a degree-granting institution of biblical higher education.

Classroom Instructions

Section 1

17:57

Nahum 1 2

Session 4: Nahum 1

The first chapter sets forth the detailed description of God’s disposition and power that will bring down the Assyrian Empire. Read Nahum 1:2-8. God is…

● jealous (1:2a; Ex 34:14)

● full of vengeance (1:2b)

● full of wrath (1:2b)

● slow to anger (1:3)

● great in power (1:3-6)

● punisher (1:3b)

Which of these attributes of God listed would you consider positive?

Notice right after Nahum lists these fierce attributes of God, he says, “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble.”

It’s tempting for Christians today to only lean into John 3:16 or 1 John 4:16. Yes, God loves the world and God is love, but this does not cancel his wrath.

● If God is the protector of the vulnerable, then he is the punisher of the wicked

assailant.

● In his love, God refuses to ignore sin or enables unholy behavior.

● All the qualities listed in Nahum 1:2-6 reflect God’s love for us.

Nahum 1:9-15 reveals Assyria’s specific crimes against Judah.

● Nineveh is not just plotting against their neighboring nations, but against the Lord himself. He promises this will not happen twice. (1:9-11)

● God acknowledges that he used the Assyrians as the rod of discipline against Judah. (1:12; cf. Isa 10:5) This happened during the reign of Ahaz. (2 Kgs 16:1-9; 2 Chr 28:1-27) and Manasseh (2 Kgs 21:1-16; 2 Chr 33:10-11) However, this does not justify the wicked actions of the Assyrians.

● List God’s Promises of Comfort

1:13
1:14
1:15 (cf. Isa 52:7; Rom 10:15)

Nahum 1 - Wrap-Up

● Compare and contrast Jonah 4:2 and Nahum 1:3 in context.

Nineveh experienced God’s love in the wake of their repentance.
But over the course of 100 years, they returned to their violence and wickedness. They are threatening the very people that introduced them to the Lord.

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

● How does 2 Peter 3:9-10 relate to Nahum?

● If you are doing a study of Nahum, you are probably not on the same destructive path as the Ninevite. However, do you have people in your life who are on a path of destruction?

● How are you responding to them regarding Jesus? He is patient, but the day of reckoning is coming?

Nahum 1 Instructions