Redemption in Nahum

The prophecy of Nahum opens by explaining that it is a message of God's judgment against the city of Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian empire. The book first tells us about the Lord: “A jealous and avenging God is the Lord. The Lord is avenging and wrathful. The Lord takes vengeance on His adversaries and He reserves wrath for His enemies” (Nah. 1:2). Nahum writes these words against ancient Assyria, yet his words give us great comfort at the same time. While delivering a prophecy of judgment, Nahum also writes, “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knows those who take refuge in Him” (Nah. 1:7).

What about the events mentioned in the book of Jonah, just two books earlier than Nahum in the biblical canonical order? God said that their wickedness had come up before Him (Jon. 1:2). Even though Nineveh repented when Jonah preached to them, now, about 150 years later during the time of Nahum, that repentance was a distant memory. God was bringing His wrath on them once again. However, God is still good and knows those who take refuge in Him.

The book of Nahum gives a graphic account of the sins that brought God's wrath on Nineveh. Yet God's wrath is a comfort to His people. It shows that wickedness and evil are only temporary. God brings judgment on sin but offers redemption to those who take refuge in Him.

Ben