Nahum 2
COMMENTARY:
: 2 For the LORD has turned away the excellency of Jacob, as the excellency of Israel: for the emptiers have emptied them out, and marred their vine branches. (1238 “emptiers” [baqaq] means make void, destroyer, a person who destroys or ruins or lays waste to, or to pilage the inhabitants.)
DEVOTION: One of the great messages of the LORD throughout the Bible is the message of HIS willingness to restore sinful people to a place of honor. When we read the Minor Prophets we seem to have an overwhelming message of judgment. The longsuffering of the LORD has come to an end with Israel.
We also read that HIS longsuffering with heathen nations comes to an end. HE uses them to judge HIS people. However, HE doesn’t forgive them for not repenting when HE gives them opportunity. HE wants all the people of the world to establish a working relationship with HIM. HE sends prophets not only to Israel but to heathen nations as well.
The book of John states that “God so loved the world that HE gave HIS ONLY Begotten Son.” HIS desire was for all nations to honor HIM. HIS message went to all nations. Starting in the book of Genesis and ending in the book of Revelation we have a message of reconciliation presented to all people.
HE concentrated on the nation of Israel. Here we find that HE again promises restoration after captivity. HE will chasten HIS people in both Testaments to get their attention.
CHALLENGE: Does hope get your attention?
: 5 He shall recount his worthies: they shall stumble in their walk; they shall make haste to the wall thereof, and the defense shall be prepared. (117 “worthies” [addiyr] means great, majestic, nobles, mighty, famous, principal, officers or gallant.)
DEVOTION: Nineveh has a great army. They were noted for their cruelty. One hundred years before Nahum prophesies against Nineveh, they had repented under the ministry of Jonah.
The problem is that they didn’t teach their children to fear the LORD. The next generation didn’t serve the LORD. There was not revival. There was only judgment.
When HE was done with the nation of Assyria there was nothing left. They were known to be powerful like the lion but they lost their power. The strongest of men couldn’t walk straight. The walls of the city were not a good defense. They thought they were ready for any enemy but they were not ready for the judgment of the LORD.
Too often we think we can handle any battle on our own but then we find out that we can’t. Wouldn’t it be better to go to the LORD first? Repentance is always good?
What is happening in our lives? Are we willing to repent and confess our sins, so that, our fellowship with the LORD is good? We can have the strongest men but they will not be able to stand up against the LORD!
The lesson we need to learn is that each generation can change directions. Our leaders need to concentrate on the next generation. If our country is going to change we need to train the next generation to know what it means to be genuine Christians instead of politically correct Christians.
CHALLENGE: Revival is the only prevention to judgment. Our prayers need to ask the LORD for a moving of the Holy Spirit in our time. It has to start with us.
: 7 And Huzzab shall be led away captive, she shall be brought up, and her maids shall lead her as with the voice of doves, taboring upon their breasts. (8608 “taboring” [taphaph] means beat, to strike again and again, hit, or sign of mourning.)
DEVOTION: It is thought the word “Huzzab” was the name of a queen or a false god. When a nation takes captive those in the palace they want to humiliate them. They make them walk without any clothes in front of the common people. If it is a false god it is thought that all the precious jewels are removed.
Nineveh was a proud city that thought they would never be defeated. They treated those they defeated very badly to the point that they would take unborn babies out of their wombs and use them to hit a wall. They were cruel. Now it was their turn.
Again it is noted that they repented under the ministry of Jonah but their pride caused them to fall under the judgment of the LORD again. This time there was no repentance and therefore they were going to be defeated.
God is long-suffering but even HIS time of judgment will come to those who refuse to repent of their sins. It seems like we are closer to a time of judgment in this country as there is a need to turn to the LORD but there is no desire at this time.
When the Bible is looked down on or ignored all together it is a time to turn to the LORD in prayer. Revival has to start with believers. The problem is many who call themselves Christians have no desire to change to please the LORD.
When our time of mourning comes many will say “What Happened!” They will act surprised that the LORD was displeased with their actions. Our actions determine whether we are believers or not. What do your actions say to the LORD and those around you? Some seem to think that the LORD will not return for another two thousand years. If they are wrong they will be crying for those who they wanted to come with them.
CHALLENGE: Is it time for us to beat our breasts and cry to the LORD in repentance? Is it time for us to reach those we love for the LORD?
: 8 But Nineveh is of old like a pool of water; yet there shall flee away. Stand, stand, shall they cry; but none shall look back. (5975 “stand” [‘amad] means set, stay, still, endure, remain, withstand, to stand in position, or perceived as standing still.)
DEVOTION: Once the battle is started we find that the troops of Nineveh were overwhelmed by the enemy. They were running in all directions. The King couldn’t get them to stand and fight.
When the LORD judges a nation HE can cause a small army to defeat a large army without any problem. This was proved true even with Gideon and his three hundred men.
God can cause nature to defeat HIS enemies.
There is a promise that if God is for us who can stand against us. We are always on the winning side if we are faithful to the LORD. All our enemies will be defeated in the end.
Only the followers of the LORD win throughout eternity. Our eyes should be fixed on our eternal victory, not on any temporary defeat.
Too often we look at our temporary defeats as a fact that God isn’t powerful anymore. That is a lie from the pit of hell.
One man can chase a thousand with the LORD. Remember this truth and believe this truth and it will help you face each day with victory in your heart.
Also remember that there is coming a day of judgment for all those who oppose the LORD and HIS people. In the Old Testament Israel was HIS people. Today we are HIS people if we are genuine followers of Jesus Christ. We are promised victory in Christ.
CHALLENGE: Do you believe in the power of the LORD even today to defeat every enemy HE faces? We are on the victory side. Our enemies may win now but their day is coming!!
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