Nahum Predicts Nineveh’s Destructon
March 6, 2022
Commentary
Nahum now predicts the actual way Nineveh would meet its complete destruction (vv. 9-13). There would not be a second chance for the wicked city, which had experienced warning and mercy before. While a drinking party was in process in the place a flood of the Tigris River washed out a section of the city wall and Babylonian troops poured through the hole and applied the torch to the city. This confusion, because of their drunkenness, resulted in complete disaster as the people were consumed quickly like the burning of dry stubble (Isaiah 10:12,17).
Nineveh had gone unscathed; no enemy had ever penetrated her walls. Yet God promised that she would be “cut down” and would “pass away” (vv. 14-15). The Lord’s judgment on the city would touch her prosperity and her false worship. No one would be left to worship and no idols would be left to be worshiped.
So completely did God bury Nineveh that every trace of her existence disappeared for centuries. It was not until 200 years later that the site known as Kuyunjik was identified as the location of this once powerful city. Nineveh was never rebuilt. In contrast with Nineveh’s fall (v.14) Judah would experience freedom (v.15). The yoke of Assyria was broken.
Application
Galatians 6:7 says, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” That is why it is so important that I sow good seed that will reap good fruit.
Nahum 1:9– 15 (NET)
9 Whatever you plot against the Lord, he will completely destroy! Distress will not arise a second time.
10 Surely they will be totally consumed like entangled thorn bushes, like the drink of drunkards, like very dry stubble.
11 From you, O Nineveh, one has marched forth who plots evil against the Lord, a wicked military strategist.
12 This is what the Lord says: “Even though they are powerful — and what is more, even though their army is numerous — nevertheless, they will be destroyed and trickle away! Although I afflicted you, I will afflict you no more.
13 And now, I will break Assyria’s yoke bar from your neck; I will tear apart the shackles that are on you.”
14 The Lord has issued a decree against you: “Your dynasty will come to an end. I will destroy the idols and images in the temples of your gods. I will desecrate your grave, because you are accursed!”
15 (2:1) Look! A herald is running on the mountains! A messenger is proclaiming deliverance: “Celebrate your sacred festivals, O Judah! Fulfill your sacred vows to praise God! For never again will the wicked Assyrians invade you; they have been completely destroyed.”
Illustration: Moody Preaching About The Value of God’s Word
Dwight L. Moody was in a southern city preaching about the value of the Word of God in a person’s life. He was interrupted by the loud voice of a man in the audience. “Mr. Moody, I do not believe a single word in that collection of old wives’ tales you call your Bible!” “My dear man,” replied Mr. Moody, “there is one verse in this Bible that you are forced to believe. ‘Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.’ If a man sows wheat, he does not reap potatoes or peanuts. Take the saloon keeper, for example. He sows drunkards, and he will reap drunkards.” The man sat down as the audience broke into loud applause. Mr. Moody, of course, did not know the man, but the audience did. He was a notorious, longtime, atheistic saloon keeper, and all his children, both sons and daughters, were drunkards. (cf: Galatians 6:7) (Encyclopedia of Illustrations #691).