The PATIENCE of a CREATOR (1:1-8)

The PROPHET – Nahum (v1)

Nahum was an Elkoshite (probably a small city in Galilee) whose name meant “consolation” or “comforter”

He was a prophet to the Southern Kingdom of Judah most likely occurring about 100 years after Jonah and 100 years before the final destruction of Nineveh (during the reign of Hezekiah)

New Testament city of Capernaum (Galilean headquarters of Jesus) means “village of Nahum” - probably named after him

PROBLEM – Nineveh (v1)

Nineveh was capitol of the Assyrian Empire and same city which, over 100 years earlier, had repented under the ministry of Jonah

PICTURE OF NINEVEH - The city appeared to be impregnable

Walls 100 ft. high with 60-mile circumference (1200 towers)
Walls wide enough for chariots to race
Royal Palace had an area of 100,000 sq. ft.
Palace had sculptured walls of King Senacherib’s conquests
City was very garden like with many parks and even a zoo
Called “The Great City” by God (Jonah 1:2)

The PICTURE – God’s Character (v2-8)

Charles Feinberg: “Against the ruthless invaders the prophet places before their eyes their own majestic and omnipotent God.”

God is jealous (v2)

Hebrew word is the idea of “zeal” or “burning desire”; God’s burning desire for both justice and righteousness would result in vengeance and wrath toward Assyria

Those who had repented under Jonah had not passed down this repentance to their children and grandchildren

The certainty of God’s justice is seen in the prophet 3 times in v2 announcing that the Lord will take vengeance

God is slow to anger (v3a)

Two different characteristics of God are seen in verse 3

The Lord is slow to anger (which is connected with the fact that He will not let the wicked go unpunished)
The Lord is great in power (which is connected with the fact that He has His way in the whirlwind and the storm)

If God is so zealous for jealous and vengeance on Assyria is so sure, why hasn’t it taken place yet?

God’s being slow to anger does not mean that He will let the wicked go unpunished, but that He always gives gracious time for people to repent (as He did under the ministry of Jonah).

2 Peter 3:8-9 – slow to wrath in not sending Jesus

God is great in power (v3b-6)

God’s being slow to anger in taking vengeance on Assyria was not because of lack of power; God’s power is evident

Seen in His control of hurricanes and storms (v3)
Seen in His being above the clouds (v3)
Seen in His ability to causes seas and rivers to dry up (v4)
Seen in His ability to cause the elements to shudder (v5)

The conclusion is that no one can withstand His power (v6)

Quote from J.I. Packer – “We are modern men, and modern men, though they cherish great thoughts of man, as a rule have small thoughts of God.”

God is good (v7-8)

This jealous and powerful God that takes vengeance on His enemies is also powerful in protecting those who trust Him

Nahum predicts Nineveh’s destruction by a flood (v8)