There is a short introduction available for the book of Naham. You can read it here.
Key Themes (Nahum)
The book of Nahum is a prophetic book in the Old Testament that focuses on the impending judgment of Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire. Nahum’s prophecies are directed primarily against Nineveh, which had previously repented at the preaching of Jonah but had since returned to its violent and oppressive ways. The book of Nahum serves as both a warning to Assyria and a message of comfort to Judah, who had suffered under Assyrian domination. The key themes include:
- Divine Judgment Against Nineveh: The central theme of Nahum is the proclamation of God’s judgment against Nineveh. The book vividly describes the coming destruction of the city as a punishment for its cruelty, arrogance, and persistent wickedness. This theme emphasizes the certainty of God’s judgment against nations that oppose Him and oppress others, illustrating that no power is beyond God’s reach.
- The Justice and Vengeance of God: Nahum portrays God as a just and avenging deity who will not leave the guilty unpunished. The book highlights God’s righteous anger against sin and injustice, particularly as it relates to the oppression and violence perpetrated by Nineveh. This theme reinforces the idea that God is committed to upholding justice and that He will act decisively against those who persist in evil.
- The Sovereignty of God Over Nations: Nahum affirms God’s sovereignty over all nations, including mighty empires like Assyria. The prophecy declares that God is in control of the rise and fall of nations and that He will bring down those who act with arrogance and brutality. This theme underscores the belief that God governs the affairs of the world and that human power is ultimately subject to His will.
- Comfort for Judah: While Nahum’s message is one of judgment against Nineveh, it also serves as a message of comfort and hope for Judah. The downfall of Nineveh is presented as a cause for celebration among those who have suffered under Assyrian oppression. This theme highlights the idea that God’s judgment on the wicked brings relief and deliverance to the oppressed, reassuring the faithful that God will act on their behalf.
- The Certainty of God’s Word: Nahum emphasizes the certainty and inevitability of God’s pronouncements. The prophet’s declarations about Nineveh’s downfall are portrayed as definite and unstoppable, reflecting the theme that God’s word is powerful and will always come to pass. This theme serves as a reminder of the reliability and authority of God’s promises, whether of judgment or salvation.
The book of Nahum is a powerful and vivid portrayal of God’s justice and sovereignty, particularly in the context of His judgment against oppressive and violent nations. It serves as both a warning to those who persist in evil and a message of hope to those who suffer under tyranny. Through its themes of divine judgment, justice, and the certainty of God’s word, Nahum provides a profound reflection on the nature of God’s dealings with the nations and His commitment to defending the oppressed.
What I Noticed Today (Nahum 1-Habakkuk 3)
Nahum 1-3
Each chapter of Nahum has a distinct message. Nahum 1 is a victory psalm celebrating the Lord’s victory over Nineveh (before it happens). Nahum 2 explains what the Lord will do to bring about the destruction of Nineveh. Nahum 3 explains the reasons for God’s judgment against Nineveh.
Nahum 1
In verse 1, Nahum describes his prophecy as an “oracle.”
Note: The word oracle may also be translated as “burden” or “word.” It was used in conjunction with a message received from God either to provide guidance or to answer a question.
In verses 2-8, Nahum sings a victory hymn to God. God is a jealous God, who will avenge His enemies. He is slow to anger but great in power and will not ignore the guilty. No one can withstand His indignation or the heat of His anger. He will make an end to His enemies.
Note: Some translations of verse 8 specifically mention Nineveh. Nineveh is not in the Hebrew text but is clearly intended by the context of the passage (v. 1).
In verses 9-11, Nahum says whatever Nineveh is plotting against the Lord will not succeed.
In verses 12-15, the Lord has commanded Nineveh to be destroyed with no place to worship because they are vile. This will be good news to the people of Judah because Nineveh will be cut off. Judah should resume their worship festivals and fulfill their vows.
Nahum 2
In verses 1-6, Nahum describes the “scatterer” who will come against Nineveh. The Lord’s army will plunder those who plunder Judah and Israel.
In verses 7-13, Nineveh is destroyed; plundered until nothing is left. There is only desolation and ruin where the palace once stood (the reference to the lion’s den). The Lord is against Nineveh. He will burn their chariots and the sword will devour their young lions (princes) until there will not even be a messenger left.
Nahum 3
In verses 1-7, Nahum pronounces a woe on the city of Nineveh (in this case the woe is the notice of impending judgment & death). Nineveh was a city of blood and lies.
Note: The people of Nineveh were known for their brutal treatment of their enemies. They would maim captives by cutting off body parts, impale them on stakes and strip off their skin, and cut off enemy’s heads and pile the skulls at the entrance of the city.
When God attacked there would be corpses everywhere.
God was opposed to the Ninevites because they trampled on the innocent. Because of this, He would bring shame upon them. There will be no one to grieve for Nineveh and no one to comfort them.
In verses 8-11, Nahum calls out how the Assyrians conquered Thebes (in Egypt) saying it would be no different for Nineveh. None of Thebe’s allies were a help to her and the people were sent into exile. The Assyrians were ruthless with the people of Thebes and so God would bring similar ruthlessness to Nineveh.
In verses 8-12, Nineveh’s fortresses would be of no help. Their enemies would set fire to the city gates and rush in taking the city. After the fire would come the sword of the armies as numerous as grasshoppers. The people will be scattered and the leaders will be gone (no shepherds). When people hear of the fall of Nineveh they will clap their hands.
All the notes for the book of Naham have been compiled into a single pdf document. You can download it by clicking here.
There is a short introduction available for the book of Habakkuk. You can read it here.
Key Themes (Habakkuk)
The book of Habakkuk is a unique prophetic work in the Old Testament, structured as a dialogue between the prophet Habakkuk and God. Habakkuk grapples with the problem of evil and injustice, questioning how a just God can allow wickedness to prevail. The key themes include:
- The Problem of Evil and Injustice: A central theme in Habakkuk is the prophet’s struggle with the existence of evil and injustice in the world. Habakkuk questions why God allows the wicked to oppress the righteous and why justice seems to be delayed. This theme reflects the human struggle to understand God’s ways, especially in the face of pervasive wrongdoing.
- God’s Sovereignty and Justice: In response to Habakkuk’s questions, God reveals that He is in control and that His justice will ultimately prevail. God’s use of the Babylonians as an instrument of judgment against Judah, despite their own wickedness, demonstrates His sovereignty over all nations. This theme underscores the belief that God’s plans are beyond human understanding, but His justice is sure and will be executed in His perfect timing.
- The Righteous Shall Live by Faith: One of the most famous verses in Habakkuk is the declaration that "the righteous shall live by his faith" (Habakkuk 2:4). This theme highlights the importance of faith and trust in God, even when His ways are mysterious and His timing is unclear. It calls the faithful to live in reliance on God’s promises, despite the surrounding turmoil.
- Judgment and the Fall of the Wicked: The book of Habakkuk prophesies the downfall of the wicked, particularly the Babylonians, who, despite being used by God as a tool of judgment, will themselves face divine retribution for their cruelty and arrogance. This theme reinforces the idea that no one is exempt from God’s justice and that the wicked will ultimately be held accountable for their actions.
- Hope and Rejoicing in God: Despite the ominous predictions of judgment, Habakkuk concludes with a profound expression of hope and trust in God. The final chapter is a prayer of praise, where Habakkuk acknowledges God’s past deeds and expresses confidence in His future deliverance. This theme emphasizes that, in the midst of suffering and uncertainty, believers can find joy and strength in their relationship with God.
The book of Habakkuk is a profound exploration of faith in the face of doubt and confusion. It challenges readers to trust in God’s sovereignty and justice, even when circumstances are difficult to understand. Through his dialogue with God, Habakkuk moves from questioning to a place of deep faith and trust, providing a powerful example of how to live faithfully amidst the realities of a broken world.
Habakkuk 1
In verse 1, Habakkuk receives an oracle (a burden).
In verses 2-4 Habakkuk asks the Lord three questions:
1) How long will I have to cry out for help before you (Lord) answers? (v. 2a).
2) How long will I have to point out violence and you (Lord) do not save? (v2b).
3) Why Lord aren’t you doing something about these wrongs? (v. 3).
Habakkuk says because of these issues the law is paralyzed, justice is not served, and the wicked are taking over the righteous.
In verses 5-11, the Lord responds saying He will take action and when He does people will be amazed. God’s plan is to use the Babylonians (aka Chaldeans) to bring justice to the people of Judah. They will come swiftly and take many captives.
Note: When God responds, He responds using the plural form of “you” indicating that He is speaking to Habakkuk and the people.
In verses 12-17, Habakkuk lodges a second complaint to God asking three more questions:
1) Are you (Lord) not the everlasting God? (v. 12).
2) Why do you allow traitors to swallow up the righteous? (v. 13).
3) Will you allow the merciless (Babylon) to continue killing nations forever? (v 17).
Habakkuk 2
In verse 1, Habakkuk announces he will take his position on the watchtower and listen for God’s answer to his complaints (the six questions in vv. 1:2-4, and 1:12-17).
In verses 2-5, the Lord responds telling Habakkuk to write down His answers so that they could be taken by messengers to the people. The Babylonians are puffed up says the Lord, they are not righteous, but the righteous will live by faith (see Romans 1:17). The Babylonians used wine to betray others, they were greedy, and never had enough of war and death. They plundered and took captives and did it all for their own benefit.
In verses 6-20, Habakkuk writes a song of five woes, each having three stanzas, against the Babylonians (Chaldeans).
Woe #1 in verses 6-8. Because the Babylonians heap up what is not theirs by plundering others, they will be plundered.
Woe #2 in verses 9-11. The Babylonians had built themselves up by cutting off other nations.
Woe #3 in verses 12-14. The Babylonians built their nation by bloodshed (implies murder) and lies.
Woe #4 in verses 14-17. The Babylonians made their neighbors drunk so they could take advantage of them. Because of this, the Lord’s judgment will come.
Woe #5 in verses 18-20. This final stanza does not begin with “woe” but asks what benefit comes from the making of idols. The woe is then announced on the person who worships the idol thinking the idol is a live god.
Habakkuk 3
Habakkuk 3 is a prayer of praise (a doxology) to the Lord.
In verse 1, the prayer of Habakkuk according to Shigionoth.
Note: “Shigionoth” is not a person. It is an unusual Hebrew word and in this case, the meaning probably has musical or liturgical significance.
In verses 2-3 Habakkuk has heard God’s report and it has made him afraid. God has come from Teman and the Holy One from Mt. Paran (the Lord appeared to Moses at Mt. Paran, Deuteronomy 33:2).
In verses 4-7, Habakkuk describes God appearance. God appeared as a light. A plague proceeded him and pestilence followed him. God measured the earth and shook the nations. The reference to Cush and Midian is to the nations that were on either side of the Red Sea when the Lord led the people out of Egypt.
In verses 8-15, Habakkuk describes God’s actions on earth.
In verse 16, Habakkuk trembles at hearing the actions of the Lord. He will wait quietly for the day of trouble when his nation is invaded.
In verses 17-19, even if fruit trees and olives trees fail along with all the other crops and all the animals are gone, Habakkuk will rejoice in the Lord. In the midst of these tribulations, he will rely on the Lord for his strength.
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