Slices
Prepare
The book of Nahum has no ‘feel-good factor’. As we read more doom and gloom, reflect on what it teaches us about God.
Bible passage
1 A prophecy concerning Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.
The Lord’s anger against Nineveh
2 The Lord is a jealous and avenging God;
the Lord takes vengeance and is filled with wrath.
The Lord takes vengeance on his foes
and vents his wrath against his enemies.
3 The Lord is slow to anger but great in power;
the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished.
His way is in the whirlwind and the storm,
and clouds are the dust of his feet.
4 He rebukes the sea and dries it up;
he makes all the rivers run dry.
Bashan and Carmel wither
and the blossoms of Lebanon fade.
5 The mountains quake before him
and the hills melt away.
The earth trembles at his presence,
the world and all who live in it.
6 Who can withstand his indignation?
Who can endure his fierce anger?
His wrath is poured out like fire;
the rocks are shattered before him.
7 The Lord is good,
a refuge in times of trouble.
He cares for those who trust in him,
8 but with an overwhelming flood
he will make an end of Nineveh;
he will pursue his foes into the realm of darkness.
9 Whatever they plot against the Lord
he will bring to an end;
trouble will not come a second time.
10 They will be entangled among thorns
and drunk from their wine;
they will be consumed like dry stubble.
11 From you, Nineveh, has one come forth
who plots evil against the Lord
and devises wicked plans.
12 This is what the Lord says:
‘Although they have allies and are numerous,
they will be destroyed and pass away.
Although I have afflicted you, Judah,
I will afflict you no more.
13 Now I will break their yoke from your neck
and tear your shackles away.’
14 The Lord has given a command concerning you, Nineveh:
‘You will have no descendants to bear your name.
I will destroy the images and idols
that are in the temple of your gods.
I will prepare your grave,
for you are vile.’
15 Look, there on the mountains,
the feet of one who brings good news,
who proclaims peace!
Celebrate your festivals, Judah,
and fulfil your vows.
No more will the wicked invade you;
they will be completely destroyed.
Explore
Little is known of Nahum, who has the task of bringing God’s strong judgement to Nineveh – again! Only about 100 years after their repentance in response to God’s message through Jonah, the Assyrians have slipped back into their evil ways. God’s anger at their behaviour is clear.
God leaves the recipients of his message in no doubt at all as to who has ultimate power – a comfort to us as we observe the current state of our world in the twenty-first century. And verse 7 brings comfort to the people of Judah, dominated by the cruel Assyrian regime. Verses 8 and 9 make it clear God will not allow the nation of Assyria to continue. The destruction of Nineveh (in 612 bc) is still in the future, so for the people of Judah this prophecy is an encouragement that, one day, their suffering will come to an end.
When confronted with Almighty God, human power is futile. Through Nahum, God asserts his authority (see in particular vs 2,3,6). God is righteous and holy and we can be confident that he is in control and justice will prevail (v 15).
Respond
Verse 7 brings hope – a reminder that we need to trust in God, whatever is happening. Easy to say, but hard to do! Read the verse again as a prayer for help and strength.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: 2 Samuel 11,12; Psalm 51
Pray for Scripture Union
Please ask God to inspire other ordinary Christians to become Faith Guides, and to use their situation and the gifts God has given them so that many more children and young people can discover Jesus. (This week's prayers relate to two stories about Faith Guides Tina (read her story here), and Huw (read his story here).
Discover The Restoration Station.
You can use The Restoration Station holiday club resource in your church and community settings! Introduce children to Jesus as a restorer as you journey through John’s Gospel.
The Restoration Station covers themes of fear, feeling broken on the inside and how God can be both a rock and a shelter. Tackle these tough topics and help children explore who Jesus is as they respond to him in their own way.
