NextLevel Online: Obadiah & Nahum

Nahum 2-3

In Nahum 2, the vivid imagery of God's vengeance upon the Assyrians is portrayed, with Nahum using poetic language to describe the impending downfall of Nineveh. The vision envisions the city as a vulnerable and abused woman, signaling the imminent destruction that will leave hearts melting and faces pale. Chapter 2 concludes with a poignant statement, emphasizing the silencing of Nineveh's messengers contrasted with Israel's proclamation of peace. Moving to Nahum 3, the focus shifts to God's vindication, illustrating the rightness and justifiability of His wrathful actions against Nineveh. The city is metaphorically compared to a prostitute, highlighting the depth of her humiliation and the subsequent punishments that will follow. The final words of Nahum deliver a specific message to the King of Assyria, foretelling his mortal wound and the ultimate collapse of Assyria. The prophet's accurate predictions showcase God's faithfulness in keeping promises, both in love and justice, challenging misconceptions about His nature and reinforcing the divine fulfillment of prophecies. The lesson prompts reflection on God's goodness, His consistency in keeping promises through justice, and addresses common misconceptions about His character in different biblical contexts.
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Nahum 2-3

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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
12:33Nahum 2-3Nahum 2-3

Session 5: Nahum 2-3

Nahum 2 - A Vision of Vengeance

Read Nahum 2:1-10. What imagery is used to describe how God will repay the Assyrians for what they did to innocent nations around them?

Verse 10 is a personified poem to summarize the events of this bloodied day. Imagining Nineveh as an abused woman, Nahum states, “She is pillaged, plundered, and stripped! Hearts melt, knees give way, bodies tremble, every face grows pale.”

Nahum 2:11-12 provides a mocking question. Rhetorical questions often accentuate God’s moral indignation toward injustices (cf. Zech 8:16). He asks, “Where the strong lion is now?” The lion (Nineveh) can no longer provide or protect (2:11-13a).

Chapter 2 concludes with an inclusio, “The voices of your messengers will no longer be heard.” (2:13b) As Nineveh’s messengers are silenced in sorrow, Israel’s are shouting good news of peace. (1:15)

Nahum 3 - A Vision of Vindication

Vindication is evidence that God’s wrathful actions are right, reasonable, and justifiable.

How does Nahum 3:1-4 display God’s vindication?

Because of these acts, God sets his face against Nineveh by treating her like a prostitute (more personification Nahum 3:5-7 cf. Isa 47:3; Jer 13:22; Hos 2:3,10).

List the ways Nineveh will be humiliated like a prostitute from Nahum 3:5-7:

List the ways Nineveh will be punished beyond the humiliation (3:10):

The final words of Nahum are a personal message to the King of Assyria. Read Nahum 3:18-19.

● His shepherds, nobles, and other people will lay down to “rest.” (lit: death, 3:18)

● The king would receive a mortal wound. (3:19a) This comes as Nineveh was completely destroyed in 612 BC. It is covered by windblown sand and will never rise again.

● The rest of Assyria will scatter and finally collapse in 605 BC by Nebuchadnezzar at the battle of Carchemish.

● The book ends with one final reminder of why all this pain and suffering was due to Assyria’s capital city.

All who hear the news about you clap their hands at your fall, for who has not felt your endless cruelty. (3:19)

Application

It’s amazing that God used this prophet to predict the downfall of a ruthless superpower, and every word held true.

Describe how God is good even when exacting vengeance.

How do you respond to those who think God is full of wrath and vengeance in the Old Testament but loving and graceful in the New Testament?

How does Romans 11:22 help with this false notion?

We see consistently in the prophets that God keeps his promises of love and protection. We also get to see how he keeps those promises through justice.

Nahum 2-3 Instructions

Section 1
12:33Nahum 2-3Nahum 2-3

Session 5: Nahum 2-3

Nahum 2 - A Vision of Vengeance

Read Nahum 2:1-10. What imagery is used to describe how God will repay the Assyrians for what they did to innocent nations around them?

Verse 10 is a personified poem to summarize the events of this bloodied day. Imagining Nineveh as an abused woman, Nahum states, “She is pillaged, plundered, and stripped! Hearts melt, knees give way, bodies tremble, every face grows pale.”

Nahum 2:11-12 provides a mocking question. Rhetorical questions often accentuate God’s moral indignation toward injustices (cf. Zech 8:16). He asks, “Where the strong lion is now?” The lion (Nineveh) can no longer provide or protect (2:11-13a).

Chapter 2 concludes with an inclusio, “The voices of your messengers will no longer be heard.” (2:13b) As Nineveh’s messengers are silenced in sorrow, Israel’s are shouting good news of peace. (1:15)

Nahum 3 - A Vision of Vindication

Vindication is evidence that God’s wrathful actions are right, reasonable, and justifiable.

How does Nahum 3:1-4 display God’s vindication?

Because of these acts, God sets his face against Nineveh by treating her like a prostitute (more personification Nahum 3:5-7 cf. Isa 47:3; Jer 13:22; Hos 2:3,10).

List the ways Nineveh will be humiliated like a prostitute from Nahum 3:5-7:

List the ways Nineveh will be punished beyond the humiliation (3:10):

The final words of Nahum are a personal message to the King of Assyria. Read Nahum 3:18-19.

● His shepherds, nobles, and other people will lay down to “rest.” (lit: death, 3:18)

● The king would receive a mortal wound. (3:19a) This comes as Nineveh was completely destroyed in 612 BC. It is covered by windblown sand and will never rise again.

● The rest of Assyria will scatter and finally collapse in 605 BC by Nebuchadnezzar at the battle of Carchemish.

● The book ends with one final reminder of why all this pain and suffering was due to Assyria’s capital city.

All who hear the news about you clap their hands at your fall, for who has not felt your endless cruelty. (3:19)

Application

It’s amazing that God used this prophet to predict the downfall of a ruthless superpower, and every word held true.

Describe how God is good even when exacting vengeance.

How do you respond to those who think God is full of wrath and vengeance in the Old Testament but loving and graceful in the New Testament?

How does Romans 11:22 help with this false notion?

We see consistently in the prophets that God keeps his promises of love and protection. We also get to see how he keeps those promises through justice.