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APATRISTICCOMMENTARY
The Book of
NAHUMFR.TADROSY.MALATY
2005Initialedition
TranslatedbyDR.GEORGEBOTROS
EditedbyMaryHanyAnwar
CopticOrthodoxChristianCenter491N.HewesSt.
Orange,California928692914
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ANINTRODUCTIONTONAHUM
The word Nahum means "The Comforter". Althoughseveralprophetscameinaperiodofpitchspiritualdarkness,yet,inthemidstofrevealingthedangeroftheailmentofsin,theyopenedthe door of hope by repentance proclaiming its blessings:Comfort,comfortMypeople (Isaiah40:1).
Nahums name came corresponding to his mission as hisbookpresents comfort to the people revealing that, althoughGodallowedforthecaptivityofthekingdomofIsraeltochastenthem,yet at the same time He would destroy their enemies whohumiliatedthem,andmockedthemandtheirGod.
v Nahum, the comforter of the world, after uttering his words:Woetothebloodycity(Nahum3:1)heproclaimed:Behold,onthemountains,thefeetofHimwhobringsgoodtidings,whoproclaimspeace!(Nahum1:15)1.
St.JeromeNahumrefershimselftoKosh,whichsomebelievetobea
villageinGalilee,whileothersbelieveittobeontheeasternbankof theRiverTigris, fewmilesaway fromNineveh.KnowingwelltheconditionsinMesopotamialedsometobelievethatNahumwasoneofthecaptivesthere.
As the Kingdom of Israel has fallen under the violentAssyriancaptivation,andas someprophetsanticipatedthe fallingoftheKingdomofJudahundertheBabyloniancaptivation,Nahumpresented this prophecy proclaiming the devastation of the greatcity Nineveh, because of its use of violence a prophecy thatbroughtgreatcomforttothecaptivatedIsrael(theten tribes).
It is claimed that Nahum escaped to Judah during theAssyrianinvasionofIsraelandresidedinJerusalemuntilthetimeit fellundersiegebySennacherib,KingofAssyria,when185000
1Letter53:8.
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ofhismenwerekilledinonenight(2Kings18:19Nahum1:11).Hewrotehisbookrightafterthatepisode.
THEGOALOFTHISBOOK:ItstopicistoproclaimhowtheapostasyfromGodwould
end up. That is why it talked about how the great empire ofNineveh,whichwas set uponviolence, had come to its endwithviolence85yearsafter thisprophecy.Hetalkedaswellabout thedevastation of NoAmon (Thebes) inEgypt that symbolized thepride inthehumanstrength(Nahum3:810)toshowthatsinwilldefinitelyleadtoperdition!
In a superb poetic style it demonstrates the strugglebetweentheworkofthelivingGodandthatofHisadversaries,revealing the might and justice of God, Who runs historyaccordingtoHisholywill.
TIMEOFWRITINGOFTHISBOOK:Nahum wrote his prophecy before the destruction of
Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, probably in the days of KingHezekiahandtheprophetIsaiah.
DIVISIONSOFTHISBOOK:1.AJealousGod Chapter12. Peace for those who lean on Him, and perdition of theadversaries Chapter23.ThedestructionofNineveh Chapter3
AJEALOUSJUDGE(Chapter1): The descendants of the people ofNineveh,whogainedGods
mercies by their repentance (Jonah 3), apostatized to extremeviolence.Their kings used to amuse themselves by cutting offthenosesof thecaptives,pluckingouttheireyes,andseveringtheirhandsand feet thenmockinglyparadingthembeforetheirpeople.
TheLord isa jealousGod,onHisnameandonHispeople. IfNineveh became a sea, He rebukes it and makes it dry (7)He will take vengeance on His adversaries (7), and willsupportthegood.
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He reserveswrath forHisenemies,who,whiledrunken likedrunkards,theyshallbedevouredlikestubblefullydried(10).
GodproclaimspeacetoHischildren(15).
PEACE FOR THOSE WHO LEAN ON HIM ANDPERDITIONFORTHEADVERSARIES(Chapter2): God, inHis jealousy,does not standevil andkeeps thosewho
lean on Him: Will restore the excellence of Jacobthoughravagershaveravagedthem(2).
Portraying the destruction of Nineveh, he proclaims that sinwould bring about: emptiness with no fulfillment, spiritualdevastation with no edification, faint hearts, trembling knees,quakinglions,nopossibilityforwork,andallfaceswouldgrowpaleforshame(10).
Ifman thinks of himself as a lion, lioness, or a lions cub, bywalking in evil, he would lose every authority and possibility(11,12).
THE REASON FOR THE JUDGMENT OFADVERSARIES(Chapter3):
God inHis fatherhooddebateswith them, and reveals thefollowingreasonsfortheirjudgment: Crueltytowardsothers(1):Woetothebloodycity! Lying(1):Bywhichitdeprivesitselfofthetruth,andseeksthe
vain. Harlotry (4):Bywhich the soul loses her spiritual beautyand
strengthandgetsdestroyed. Not heading the lesson of other cities, like that ofNoAmon
(Thebes),thateventuallycollapsed.
THEACTIVITYOFEVIL Itturnsitsarmyintospoiledandweakwomen(13). Itbringsthemdownintomire(14),tobearearthlyminds. Its commanders become like swarming locusts (17) devouring
theirpeople. Theirpeoplewillscatter,andwillbecomealessontoothers.
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CHAPTER1AJEALOUSGOD
This bookportrays the extent of devastation that dweltonNineveh,becauseofthecorruptionthatprevailedinthekingdomofAssyriaandtheviolenceofitskings,especiallywhendealingwiththeircaptives.AlthoughGodhaspreviouslybroughtHismercyonNinevehwhenitrepented,yetapostatizingtoevilmadeitfall intoutterdestruction.This lesson,directedtoboththeGentilesandtheJews,teachesmanthatGodismightyinHisloveandmercies,yetHedoesnotstandoracceptsin.
1.Anintroduction 12.GodismightyinHismercies,aswellasinHiswrathoversin 283. The destruction of the kingdom of Assyria and itsarmy 9114.TheliberationofJerusalem 12145.Thegreatsalvation 15
1.ANINTRODUCTION:AnoracleconcerningNineveh.Thebookofthevisionof
NahumofElkosh(Nahum1:1)A century and a half ago God sent the prophet Jonah to
warn the great city of Nineveh that it is going to be destroyedbecauseofitscorruption.Andasthekingtogetherwiththepeoplepresentedrepentance,Heforgavethem.Buttheysoonapostatizedtotheirsinsandbecameevenworse,tobecalledthebloodycity(Nahum 3:1). With their persistence on their wickedness on ahorrible level,Hedidnot send themaprophet,butaprophecy toproclaim thedestruction thatwoulddwellover thecity.Andas itcameinthebookofJeremiah:TheinstantIspeakconcerninganation,andconcerningakingdom,tobuildandtoplant itIf itdoesevilinMysightsothatitdoesnotobeyMyvoice,thenIwill
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relentconcerningthegoodwithwhichIsaidIwouldbenefit it(Jeremiah18:910).
This prophecy was realized by the kings NebuchednezarandAhsuerus(Xerxes).v Theword oraclemeansakindofinsightgiventoprophets,by
whichtheSpiritofGodcausesasuddentransformationintheirminds,toreceive,withadeepaweintheformofaclearvisionor proclamation, knowledge ofwhatwill happen in the future.SuchanoracleseizedNahumsmindbythegraceof theSpirittoknowthedestinyofthecityofNineveh2.
Theodoret,BishopofMessisa
2.GODISMIGHTY INHISMERCIES,ASWELLASINHISWRATHOVERSIN:
A jealous and avenging God is the Lord, the Lord isavenging and wrathful the Lord takes vengeance on HisadversariesandragesagainstHisenemies(Nahum1:2)
This prophecy, although harsh and firm, yet is full ofcompassionoverthesoulsattachedtoGod.HestartstalkingabouttheLordasajealousGodakindofjealousylikethatofahusbandtoward hiswife not allowing anybody to touch or harm her andlikethatofakingtowardhis loyal subjectsplanningandworkingfor their good.Gods jealousy towardman is outofHis love forhimHeacceptsnocompetitortooccupyhisheart!
This jealousy sometimes requires the use of the rod ofchastisement on man, who tends to break his mutual loverelationshipwithGodbygivingHimhisbackinsteadofhisface.
God pours this jealousy in the hearts of His faithfulministers,tosaytogetherwiththeapostlePaul:ForIamjealousfor you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to onehusband that Imaypresentyouasachastevirgin toChrist (2Corinthians11:2)
With such jealousy the heart of Phinehas the priest flaredover the holiness of the people and the tabernacle, when Israelcommitted harlotry with the women of Moab and sacrificed for
2CommentaryonNahum,1:1.
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theirgodsandwhenoneofthemdaredtointroducetohisbrethrenaMidianitewoman,andtobringherintothetabernacle.Whentheprieststabbedher,Godsaid:HehasturnedbackMywrathfromthechildrenofIsraelbecausehewaszealouswithMyzealamongthem,sothatIdidnotconsumethechildrenofIsraelinMyzeal(Numbers25:11).
TheprophetElijahalsosaid:IhavebeenveryzealousfortheLordGodofhosts for the children of Israelhave forsakenyourcovenant, torndownYouraltars,andkilledYourprophetswiththesword(1Kings19:10).
A jealous and avenging God is the Lord (2) He isjealous overHis believerswhowalk inHisways, are faithful intheirloveforHim,andareleaningonHim.Iftheyerr,Hechastensthem out ofHis jealousy and great love for them. AndHe is anavengingGod,not forHisownsake,but for thatofHischildrencountinganyonewhotakesapositionofanimosityagainstthemasthoughtakingitagainstHimpersonally.ThatiswhyHesays:HetakesvengeanceonHisadversaries.
To chasten His people, God allowed the kingdom ofAssyria tocaptivate them.ButAssyriaassumed thather idolsaremightier than God and started to mock Him and humiliated Hispeople.
v The Lord is a jealousGodHe does not take themocking ofanyone lightly. He is longsuffering, yet He is avenging andwrathful3.
Tertullian
v MyBrethren, fearsome is the falling inthehandsof theLordandfearsomeisthefaceoftheLordagainstthosewhodoevil(Psalm34:16)fearsomeistheLordsear listeningtothevoiceofAbeltalkingthroughhissilentbloodfearsomeisthefactthatnobodycanhidehimselffromHisface(Jeremiah23:24)evenifheascendsintoheaven,ifheentershell,ifheescapestothefareast,ordwellsintheuttermostpartsofthesea(Psalm139:78).
3OnModesty,2.
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Nahum of Elkosh stands in terror as God proclaims HisvengeanceagainstHisenemies4.
St.GregorytheNazianzusv Notice,Obelovedbrethren,that,althoughtheLordourGodis
merciful, righteous, compassionate and gentle towardmen, yetmost definitely He will by no means clear the guilty(Nahum 1:3). Although Hewelcomes the return of the sinnerandgrantshimlife,yetHeleavesnodoubtthatHefirmlyjudgesand condemns the transgressors. When you hear Him saythroughtheprophetIsaiahtothebishops:Comfort,OcomfortMypeople,saysyourGodSpeaktenderlytoJerusalem (seeIsaiah40:1), it is fitting foryoutoencouragethosewhosin, togivethemhope,andtoleadthemtorepentancejoyfullyreceivethe repentant, rejoice over them, and judge the sinners withmercyandcompassion.Ifsomeoneiswalkingonthebankofariver and you push him into thewater instead of helping him,youwouldbecondemnedforkillingyourbrother5!
TheApostolicStatutes
TheLord is slow to anger but great in power, and theLordwillbynomeansclear theguilty.Hisway is inwhirlwindandstorm,andthecloudsarethedustofHisfeet(Nahum1:3)
The Lord is slow to anger,waiting forman to repent andreturn to Him. It was fitting for Assyria to realize that theirconquestwasallowedbyGodtochastenHispeople.Theyshouldhave heeded the lesson, forsaken their idols, and believed in thetrueGodtakingintoconsiderationtheirpastexperienceinthedaysoftheprophetJonah.Butinstead,AssyriausedeverywaytomockandblasphemeGodandtosavagelyhumiliateHispeople.AndastheapostlePaulsays:DoyoudespisetherichesofHiskindnessand forbearance and patience? Do you not realize that Godskindness ismeant to lead you to repentance?But by yourhardandimpenitentheartyouarestoringupwrathforyourselfonthedayofwrath,whenGods righteous judgmentwill be revealed(Romans2:45).
4OnHisFathersSilence,16.5ConstitutionsoftheHolyApostles,2:3:15.
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Gods forbearance on the wicked is not out of a lack ofmight, for He is great inpowerwaits for their repentance, orotherwiseHewillbynomeansclearthem.
The Lord is merciful and gracious slow to anger andabounding insteadfast love.Hewillnotalwaysaccuse,norwillHekeepHisangerforever(Psalm103:67).
The Lord revealed to Moses that He is merciful out ofpowerand love,whenHecamedown in thecloud,passedbeforehim, and proclaimed: The Lord, the Lord, aGodmerciful andgracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love andfaithfulness,keepingsteadfastloveforthethousandthgeneration (Exodus 34:57).Moses quickly bowed his head toward theearth,andworshipped.
Godislongsuffering,butHebynomeansclearstheguilty.He does not let evil go all the way. Those who persist on theirwickednessandnotrepentwouldneverbeacquitted.
Asmancannotstandinthewayofstorms,hurricanes,andclouds, he will not be able to stand before the wrath of God inhaughtiness and pride. Yet, through repentance and humility, hewouldenjoythedivinemercies.
v The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger andaboundinginmercy(Psalm103:8).WhyisHeslowtoanger?Why isHeabounding inmercy?Whydomencommit sinandstill live?Whyaresinscontinuous,andsois life?WhydomenblasphemeeverydayandstillHissunrisesontheevilandonthe good (Matthew 5:45)? Anyway, He calls for reform, Hecalls for repentance, He calls through His blessing for thecreation, He calls through granting more time for life (morechanceforrepentance),Hecallsthroughthereaderofthewordinthechurch,throughthepreacherthroughtheinnerthoughts,through the rod of reform, and the mercies of comfort. He isindeedslowtoangerandmerciful,yetweshouldbecarefullest,according to the words of the apostle (Roman 2:7) 6, through
6OnPs.103(102).
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abusing the greatness ofHis mercieswemay treasure up forourselveswrathinthedayofwrath.
St.Augustine
v IwillestablishMycovenantwithyou.Thenyoushallknowthat I am the Lord, that youmay remember and be ashamed,and never open your mouth anymore because of your shame,when Iprovide youanatonement forall youhavedone, saystheLordGod(Ezekiel16:6263).Withthesedivinewordstheprophet refers towhat is said in another place: IfHe purifiesyou,yet,Hedoesnotmakeyourighteous.Eventherighteous,if they apostatize from their righteousness through committingsin, they would not dare to open their mouths, but would saytogether with the apostle: I am not worthy to be called anapostle,becauseIpersecutedthechurchofGod(1Corinthians15:9)7.
St.Jerome
v The Lord is slow to anger but great in power and theLordbynomeanscleartheguilty(Nahum1:3).Hedoesnotbringpunishment(chastisement)allofasuddenandonthespot,but after a great longsuffering. You, the people of Nineveh,shouldtestifytothis,asafterhavingcommittedevil fora longtime without being punished when you presented repentance,you foundsalvation.TheLordbynomeansclearstheguiltymeans that He does not acquit those worthy of punishmentamongsinners8.
TheodoretofCyrusThe clouds are the dust of His feet (Nahum 1:3), as
though God comes from heaven on His swift chariot likelightening, He would be surrounded by clouds like those thatsurroundtheswiftchariotsandhorses.
Herebukestheseaandmakesitdry,anddriesupalltherivers. Bashan and Carmel wither, and the bloom of Lebanonfades(Nahum1:4)
7AgainstthePelagians,2:25.8CommentaryonNahum,1:3.
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God,byHisword,hascreatedeverything,andbyHiswordHerebukestheseaandmakesitdryanddriesupalltheriversthatpourtheirwater intothesea.IntheolddaysHedrieduptheRedSeatoletHispeoplewalkonitsbottomasthoughonlandandsoHedidtotheRiverJordan.
WhiletheseasandtheriversdryupbythewordoftheLordGod,man, inhisgreatweakness, takesapositionofrebellionandmutinyagainstHislongsufferingandlovingCreator.Ifmanthinksso high of himself, let him beholdBashanwith its green pasture(Joel1:10),theCarmelwithitsvineyardsandfieldsofwheat,andLebanon with its forests (Isaiah 33:9). If these regions,characterized by such dense vegetation and beautiful flowers,witherbytheheatofsummerandbythesnowofwinter,thenwhocouldstandbeforetheCreatorof time,andtheLordof thewholeworld?!
Tertullian believes this prophecy to be about the LordChrist,whorebukedthewindandthewaves,andwhowalkedoverthewaterofthesearealizingthewordsofthepsalmthatsay:[TheLordisovermanywaters(Psalm29:3)9].
ThemountainsquakebeforeHim,andthehillsmelttheearthheavesatHispresence, theworldandallwhodwellonit.WhocanstandbeforeHisindignation?AndwhocanendurethefiercenessofHisanger?Hiswrathispouredoutlikefire,andtherocksarebrokeninpiecesbyHim (Nahum1:56)
He likens the divine wrath to the fury of volcanoes andearthquakes that destroy the mountains, melt the hills, anddevastate entire cities. If no one can stand before these naturalphenomena, how could man stand before the indignation of thedivinewrath?!
ThussaystheLordGod,Behold,MyangerandMyfurywillbepouredoutonthisplaceOnmanandonbeast,onthetreesofthefield,andonthefruitofthegroundanditwillburnandnotbequenched (Jeremiah7:20).
9AgainstMarcion,4:20.
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The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of troubleandHeprotectsthosewhotakerefugeinHim (Nahum1:7)
SothatnooneevenAssyrianswouldthinkthatGodisaMighty Avenger, the prophet illustrates the righteousness andcompassionofGodtowardsthosewhotakerefugeinHim.
When man becomes angry, he loses his peace, love, andcompassion, whereas God, in His anger over evil, is alwayscompassionate. The prophet Habakkuk says in his prayer: Inwrath,remembermercy (Habakkuk3:2).InHisangeroverevil,God anticipates to havemercy on the sinner, if he reveals a truelongingforrepentance.WhilethewickedareterrifiedtoencounterGod, those who trust in Him praise Him saying: The Lord isgood, s stronghold in the day of trouble andHeprotects thosewho trust in Him (7). The righteous see in Gods might aconsuming fire that keeps them protectd, that He is capable ofsaving them, thatHesurrounds themandkeeps safe themagainstanyfieryarrowdirectedtothem.St.Petersays:TheLordknowshow to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve theunjustunderpunishmentfortheDayofJudgment(2Peter2:9).
v GivethankstotheLord,forHeisgood(Psalm106:1).You,who commit major sins, despair of salvation, and assume thatbecause of the seriousness of your sins you would never beforgiven, I advise you or the prophet does togive thanks totheLord,forHeisgood.Althoughyoursinsaregreat,yetGod,who has compassion on you, is greater. Confess your sins toHim,showremorseandneverdespairofyoursalvation,asGodis compassionate. Dont lean on your own power, but lean onthemercyoftheLord10.
St.Jerome
v FortheLordisgood.HeisnotgoodthewaythethingsHecreated are, as God saw everything that He had made, andindeed, it was very good (Genesis 1:31) not just good, butvery good IfHe created everything very good, then howwouldbetheOnewhocreatedthem?!Towhatextentcanwe
10OnPs,Os(106).
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talkaboutHisgoodness?!WhocanrealizewhatisinHisheart?Let us reevaluate ourselves, we are not even worthy tocontemplateinHimyetthroughhope,wecan,whenourheartsare purified by faith, then we can truly rejoice. If we cannotbeholdHimnow,letusbeholdHisworkssothatwedonotlivewithout praisingHim. That iswhy I say: Give thanks to theLord,forHe isgoodpraiseHisname, for it is sweetWhatcouldbesweeterthanthefoodofangels?HowcanGodnotbe sweet, when man ate the food of angels? Men live on asimilar kind of food. That is true it is the Wisdom, it is thegoodness of God, yet you cannot enjoy it the way the angelsdo11.
St.Augustine
But with an overflowing flood, He will make an utterend of His adversaries and will pursue His enemies intodarkness(Nahum1:8).
Somebelieve thisphrase tobeaprophecyonwhatwoulddwell over Nineveh by the hands of the armies of Mede andBabylon, that attacked the city like an overwhelming flood.Whereasothersbelieveittobeaprophecyaboutthefloodthattheenemy caused by destroying the 20 furlongs highwall protectingthecityagainsttheriver(220yardsor1/8mile).
3.THEDESTRUCTIONOFTHEKINGDOMANDTHEARMYOFASSYRIA:
WhydoyouconspireagainsttheLord?Hewillmakeanutterendofit.Noadversarywillriseuptwice(Nahum1:9)
HereheprobablyreferstowhatSennacheribandhisdeputyRabshkehhavedone,whentheypubliclyboastedagainsttheLordof hosts as aGod helpless to protectHis people or to save themfromtheKingofAssyria.TheprophetheremocksthekingdomofAssyria that assumed to be capable of opposing the great Lordsaying:Youroppositionisnotagainstmortalhumans,butagainstthemightyGod!
11OnPs135(134).
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No adversary will rise up twice. When SennacheribtriedtoinvadeJerusalem,hisarmywasdestroyedandhisownsonskilled him on his return home. Therewas noway for all that tohappenagain!
v A fatherwouldnot tend toteachhis sonunless he loves him.Andateacherwouldnevertrytomendthewaysofhisstudentunless he sees some promise in him.When a physician stopscaring forapatient thatwouldbeasignthathedespairsofhiscase. It is fitting for you to think about the afflictions thatEleazar endured in his life, and say to yourself: I will gladlyendure affliction in order to enjoy the promised glory asAfflictionwillnotriseuptwice(Nahum1:9)12.
St.Jerome
v The bishop, the priest, or the deacon, who falls in adultery,falsevow,orstealing,wouldbecompletelyexcommunicated,asaccording totheholyBook Noonecouldbepunished twiceforthesamecrime13.
Ecclesiasticstatutes
v When common people are cast away from the congregation,they could again eventually receive their rank, but in case adeaconfallshisexcommunicationcouldneverbereversed,butwouldbepermanentlyset14.
v Apriestswho commits a fatal offense, althoughhewould beexcommunicated, yet he would not be cast away from hisfellowshipinthecongregationashecouldnotbepunishedtwiceforthesameoffense15.
St.BasiltheGreat
For while tangled like thorns, and while drunken likedrunkards, they shall be devoured like stubble fully dried(Nahum1:10)
12Letter68:1.13ANFrs,vol.7,p.501(cf.St.Basil:AdAmphilochium,3.)14Letter188(CenonicaPrima),3.15Letter199(CanonicaSecunda),31.
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HelikensSennacheribandhismenastheyboastagainsttheLordofhoststodrythornsbeforethefire,ortodrunkardswhodonotknowwhattoutter.Theyarelikestubble, fullydried,thatfireconsumesinnotime.
Becausethose185thousandmenmusthavebeenliketheirleaderboastingagainsttheLordGod,theywerestruckbytheangelof the Lord, which is obvious from the words of the prophet:tangledlikethorns,anddrunkenlikedrunkards.Theybecamelikeatangledlumpofthornsthatcouldnotbeseparatedandwouldbethrowntogethertoburninfire.
Thornssymbolizethewicked,whomayseemharmful,yet,because they are fully dried, they are easily consumed by fire tobecome helpless ashes. The godless sons of Beleal. are all likethornsthatarethrownawaytopickthemupwiththehandortotouchthem,oneusesanironbarortheshaftofaspear,Yettheyareentirelyconsumedinfire.(2Samuel23:67)
Thedrunkardswhilestaggering,theypretendtobebrave,and boastas beinggreat, rich,andstrong,when anyone canpushthemtofallwithhisfingertip.
Diodorus Siculus states that when the enemy approachedNineveh,Sardanapalus sethis famouspalaceon fire,realizingtheprophecyoftheprophetNahumthattheywouldbeconsumedlikethorns.
From you comes forth one who plots evil, against theLord,awickedcounselor(Nahum1:11)
He addresses Nineveh, out of which Sennacherib comesforth to utter evil against the Lord, bringing perdition on himselfand on his city. He calls Rabshakeh a wicked counselor, forcounselingthemenofwarsittingonthewallsofJerusalemnottolean on the LordGod, claiming thatHe is helpless to save themfromthehandofSennacherib,kingofAssyria(Isaiah36).Byhiswickedcounsel,hebroughtperditionon185thousandmenofhisarmy,whowere killed by an angel of the Lord in a single night(Isaiah 37:36), and on the king Sennacherib himself, who waskilledbyhisownsons:AdrammelechandSharezer(Isaiah37:38).
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4.THELIBERATIONOFJERUSALEM:ThussaystheLord,thoughtheyareatfullstrengthand
many,theywillbecutoffandpassaway.ThoughIhaveafflictedyou,Iwillafflictyounomore(Nahum1:12)
ThekingdomofAssyriawaslikenedtoarazorthatshavedthekingdomslikethehairofahead,soitspunishmentwasthat ititself will be shaved: On that day the Lord will shave with arazorhiredbeyondtheRiverwiththekingofAssyriatheheadand the hair of the feet, and it will take off the beard as well(Isaiah7:20).
Having defeated several cities that leaned on their pagangods, the Assyrian army, with their great number and strength,stoodbeforeJerusalemfeelingconfidentandsecure,butweresoontobeshavedawaylikegrassbytheangeloftheLord,whoafflictedthemonceandforallandwouldafflictthemnomore.
By saying: I have afflicted you, andwill afflict you nomore, the Lord reveals His goal for chastisement which is therepentance of the sinner in humility, afterwhichHewould raisehim up and set him glorified. That iswhy it is said of the Lord:FortheLordwillnotrejectforever.ThoughHecausesgrief,HewillhavecompassionaccordingtotheabundanceofHissteadfastlove. For He does not willingly afflict or grieve anyone(Lamentation3:3133).
By saying: I have afflicted you, and will afflict you nomore the Lord confirms to king Hezekiah that He allowed thatsiege for him and his people to let them recognize theirtransgressions and present a true repentance with the spirit ofhumilityandthatthestriketocomeoverthearmyofAssyria,whois putting Jerusalem under siege, will be a devastating one, afterwhichSennacheribwillneverbeabletodoitagain.
Fornow I will breakoff his yoke fromyou,and burstyourbondsapart(Nahum1:13)
TheLord confirms to kingHezekiah and hismen thatHewill break the yokeofSennacheriband bursthisbondsapart,he,who with his army invaded several of the cities and villages ofJudahandexploitedthemfreely,whileJerusalemcouldnotdefend
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them having been itself helplessly bound and shackled. Heconfirms to them that the Assyrian army, out of which 185thousandmenwere killed by the angel of the Lord in one night,willneverattackthemagain,havingbecomeasthoughextinctandhelpless.
TheyokeofKingSennacheribwas the tax he imposedonHezekiah(2Kings18:14).
TheLordhascommandedconcerningyou:Yournameshall be perpetuated no longer. From thehouse of your gods Iwillcutoff thecarvedimageandthecast image.Iwilldigyourgrave,foryouareworthless(Nahum1:14)
The Lord issued His command to abolish the name ofSennacheribaltogetherasaconquerorandvictorious,toscatterhisreputation like dust carried away by the wind. And by saying:fromthehouseofyourgodsIwillcutoffthecarvedimageandthecastimage,HeprobablyreferstohisbeingkilledbyhistwosonsinthehouseofNisrochhisgod(Isaiah37:382Kings16:37)ahorriblecrimethatprovedthatNisrochishelplesstoprotectthosewhoworshiphimledthepeopletoforsakeworshippingit,andtocutofffromitshousethecarvedandcastimages.Heprobablyalsorefers to the collapse of theAssyrian kingdom,when its enemiesdevastatedNinevehanddestroyedtheimagesof itsgodsthattheythoughttobethesecretoftheirmight.
Iwilldigyourgrave,foryouareworthlessthehouseofNisroch his god became his grave, where he laid despised andkilledbyhisownsons,deprivedevenofthenaturalsonhoodlove.He may also refer here to the city of Nineveh, having beendisgracefullydevastated,becameagraveforAssyria.
Having the Lord our God in our hearts and carrying Hisname,wewishnomoreforournametobeperpetuatedtosay:Ihave been crucified withChrist it is no longer I who live, butChristlivesinme(Galatians2:20).WhentheLorddestroysinustheego,sets inusHisdivineKingdom,buriesourselfishnessasthough inagrave, andcastawayourworthlessness tobegrantedHis glories, the heavenly creatures will sing saying: The royaldaughterisallgloriouswithin(Psalm45:13)andtheHeavenly
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OneHimselfwillpraiseussaying:YouareallfairMylove,andthereisnospotinyou(Songs4:7),Whoisshewholooksforthasthemorning,fairasthemoon,clearasthesun,awesomeasanarmywithbanners?(Songs6:10)
5.THEGREATSALVATION:Behold, on themountains the feet of Him who brings
good tidings, who proclaims peace! Oh Judah, keep yourappointedfeasts,fillyourvows,forthewickedoneshallnomorepassthroughyouheisutterlycutoff (Nahum1:15)
Bringing to Jerusalem the good tidings of bursting herbonds apart, of breaking off the yoke of the Assyrian army, theperditionofKingSennacherib,andofcuttingofftheimagesofhisgods, the prophet Nahum prophesies what is greater, namely thesalvationpresentedbytheMessiahtothewholeworld.Hebeholdsthe Lord Christ as though coming on the mountains proclaimingthe true, inner, and eternal peace, reconciling mankindwith Godthe Father transforming our life into incessant feasts, anddestroyingandutterlycuttingthedevilofftogetherwithhishosts,ways, works, and thoughts to have no more authority over thechildrenofGod.
WhatarethesemountainsonwhichtheOne,whobringsthegood tidings of peace, walks but the prophecies, which preparedhumanitytoreceivetheSavior?
v He surely brings good tidings to Zion and presents peace toJerusalem.Heascendsamountain,whereHespendsthewholenightpraying (Luke6:12).Referback totheprophets toknowHis whole role. The prophet Isaiah says: Get up to a highmountain,OZion,heraldofgoodtidings(Isaiah40:9).Theywere astounded at His teaching, because He spoke withauthority(Luke4:32)Whenthetimecomes,Iwillbethereonthemountains,tobringthegoodtidingsofpeace(SeeIsaiah42:7) and according to Nahum, one of the twelve minorprophets:Behold,onthemountainsthefeetofHimwhobringsgoodtidings,whoproclaimspeace(Nahum1:15)16.
16Tertullian:AgainstMarcion,4:13.
19
Tertullian
v LetusberemindedofhowtheLordascendedfromHadesandbreathed the Holy Spirit in the face of Judah namely, HisJewish disciples, who, being referred to the New Testament,theirdaysoffeastshavebecomespirituallyrenewedandwouldneverbecomeold.Moreover,wecanalsoseehowtherestoftheprophecy(Nahum1:14)hasbeenrealized,whenthegospelhascutoffthecarvedandcastimages,namelythevainidolsthatweredeliveredtoforgetfulnessinthegrave17.
St.Augustine
v Speakingaboutthefeet,hemeansthecomingoftheapostles,whowanderedwith their feet all over theworld preaching thecoming of the Kingdom of God as their appearance broughtlightoverhumanitybyrevealingthewayofholdingpeacewiththe Lord, to whom John the Baptist came to prepare the way(Mark1:3Isaiah40:3).That isthepeace,towardswhichthosewhobelieveinChristhasten18.
Fr.Ambrosiaster
v It is not only my words that clarify these things, they arealready proclaimed by the prophetwho cries out: Behold, onthe mountains, the feet of Him who brings good tidings, whoproclaimspeace(Nahum1:15).Hismessage,aboutwhichHebroughtthegoodtidings,says:OJudah,keepyourappointedfeasts,fulfillyourvows(Nahum1:15).Fortheywillnotreturntowhatisolditisnomoretherealtogether.He,whobreathedon your face and took the grief away from you, has ascended(Nahum1:15).Now,whoisHe,whoascended?IfyouwanttoknowthetruthanddisregardtheallegationsoftheJews,beholdourSavior,whoascendedandbreathedonHisdisciplesandtoldthem:ReceivetheHolySpirit(John20:22).Oncecrucifixionwasconsummatedtheoldthingscametoanend:theveilofthetemple was torn (Matthew 27:51), and the Jewish altar wasdestroyed, and, although the city was still intact, the
17CityofGod,18:31.18CommentaryonPaul'sEpistles(Rom.10:15).
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abominationofdesolation (Matthew24:15)waspreparing tostand in the holy temple to bring an end to Jerusalem and allthoseoldstatutes19.
v Thedayofthefeasthasonceagainapproached,inwhich,ifwekeep silent,wemaymake it unholy it should bededicated toprayers more than any other day, in it we should keep thecommandments. For, although we are suffering affliction bythose who grieve us, yet we thank God, who comforts thegrievedsoasnottobedefeatedbytheevilofthose,who,whentheyaccuseus,wekeepsilent.Inourobediencetothevoiceofthetruth,wecryout loud,togetherwithyou,onthedayof thefeast, for the God of all said that Moses and Aaron shouldpersuade the people to keep the Passover and the Spiritproclaims in the psalms: In the head of themonth, blow thetrumpet,ItisthefeastofthecrescentandtheprophetNahumcries out saying: O Judah, keep your appointed feasts(Nahum1:15).
I am not addressing the word to you as though you areignorant,butIproclaimittothosewhoalreadyknowitinordertorealizethatalthoughsomearecreatingdissensionamongus,yetGodkeepustogetherwecelebratethesamefeastandwillalwaysworshipthesameGod.
Wedo not celebrate it as onlookers,who are rebuked bythe apostle, who says: You observe days and months andseasonsandyears (Galatians4:10),butwewhominister toGodeverywhereratherhonor thisgreatdayasafeasttopleasethe Lord by our collective prayers. The blessed Paulproclaiming, not the day, but the Lord, for whose sake weobservethefeast,says:ForindeedChrist,ourPassover,wassacrificed for us (1 Corinthians 5:7). Contemplating in theeternityoftheword,weapproachHimtoministertoHim20.
v Belovedbrethren,onceagainGodbroughtusovertotheseasonof the Passover and through His compassionate love He
19PaschalLetters,1: 8.20PaschalLetters,3:1.
21
gatheredustogethertocelebrateit.ForGod,whobroughtIsraelout of the land of Egypt, is still calling us this very day tocelebrate thePassover, saying throughMoses:Youshall keepthe Feast of theWeeks to the Lord yourGod (Deuteronomy16:10) and through the prophet Nahum He says: O Judah,keepyourappointedfeastsfulfillyourvows(Nahum1:15).
IfGodHimselflovesthefeastandcallsonustoobserveit,itisnotright,brethren,topostponeitortopracticeitslothfully,but we should do it joyfully and zealously, so that, if wejoyfullycelebrateithere,oursoulswouldyearntotheheavenlyfeast.
If weactivelycelebrateithere,wewillsurelyreceivetheperfect joy inheaven, according to thewordsof theLord toHis disciples: I have fervently desired to eat this PassoverwithyoubeforeIsufferforItellyou,IwillnoteatituntilitisfulfilledinthekingdomofGod (Luke22:1516).
We eat it now if through our understanding of itssignificance and our knowledge of the Savior, we walkaccording to His grace, and according to the words of theapostlePaul:Thereforepurgeouttheoldleaven,thatyoumaybeanewlump,sinceyouaretrulyunleavened(1Corinthians5:7).AsinthesedaystheLorddied,thatwenomoreyearntotheworksofdeath!HedeliveredHislifetoletuskeepourlifeawayfromthesnaresofthedevil21.
St.Athanasius,theApostolic
v [Forthemonks]Weshouldobservethesedays inawaythatourrelaxationorrestwouldbebeneficialandnotharmfultothebody or soul that the joy of the feast would not weaken thethorns of the body and ourwild enemy (the devil)would notrelax because of these days of rest. Therefore, in order toobserve the traditions of the feast and to relax just a little bitfromthelawoffasting,itwillbeenoughforustohaveourmealatthesixthhouroftheday(12oclocknoon),insteadofattheusual ninth hourwithoutmakinganychange in thequantityor
21PaschalLetters,6:1.
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kindof the food.Bydoing sowedonot lose thepurityof thebodyandthegoodnessofthesoul,whichwehavegainedduringthedaysoftheGreatFasting.
We should watch ourselves to the end, lest our soulswouldbeweakenedbylusts,andwelosethepuritythatwehave gained through relaxation or slothfulness during thefeastofPassoverafter somuchstrifeallalong thedaysoftheGreatFasting.Thatiswhy,eveninthemostexaltedoffeasts,we should not add anything to the kind or quantity offoodweusuallytake,thatourjoyinthefeastwouldnotarousein us some fatal struggles of bodily lusts, bring us grief, andmakeusmournourlostpurityofheart.
Yet, at the same time, we should be aware, not to berebukedbythewarning:OJudah,keepyourappointedfeastsfulfillyourvows(Nahum1:15),as,ifcelebratingthedaysofthe feast do not contradict with the continuation of ourabstention,wewillbeenjoyingperpetualspiritualfeasts22.
AbbotTheonas
22St.Cassian:Conferences21:23.
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ANINSPIRATIONFROMTHEBOOKOFNAHUM1
YOUAREMIGHTYINYOURLOVEYOUAREJEALOUSINYOURHOLINESS
v You are a holy jealous God, who does not compromise withsin!Youdonotwish,neithertoknowit,nortoletitknowyou!YoupourYourholinessonthosewhobelieveinYou.AndgrantYourrighteousnessonthosewhodesireafellowshipwithYou.
v YoulovedustosanctifyustobecomeaniconofYou.Butfoolishlywelovedsin,countingitaslifeandjoy.InYourlongsuffering,youprovokeustoreturntoyou.Ifwepersistonevil,howcouldwestandbeforeYou?
v Nomancanconfrontstorms.Norcanhecontroltheclouds,Therockscannotstandbeforethefireofvolcanoes.So,howcanwedaretostandbeforethefireofYourjealousy?You are a consuming fire that burns evil and lightensrighteousness.
v Youaregood,OLord.EveninYourangerYouchastentosave.Youconsumeevil to takeaway thedust fromus,and to setanewheavenoutofus.Sennacherib,KingofAssyria,thoughtthatbyhisarmyhecanboastagainstYou!Thedriedstubblestoodbeforethefire!Hisarmy,whoassumedtobemighty,staggeredlikedrunkardsYoubrokehisyokeandsavedYourcity.NinevehcollapsedwhenYoutookawayherauthority.Herenemydestroyedherandcutofftheimagesofhergods.Everyhandthatstretchestowardsyourpeople,iscutoff.And every soul that opposes Your kingdom, if it does notrepent,willperish.YousavedYourpeoplefromSennacherib
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AndinthehouseofhisgodNisrochhewaskilledbyhisownsons.Yoursalvationisamazingandmighty!
v Yoursalvationspreadsoverthewholeworld.Behold,Youarecomingonthemountainsoftheprophecies.You came down to bring us the good tidings of thereconciliationwithheaven.YoutransformedourworldintoheavenAndourdaysintoincessantfeasts.Youbroughtthedevildownbeneathourfeet.Youabolishedeveryauthorityhehad.Hefelllikelighteningfromtheheavenofourhearts.Henomorehasplaceinsideus.NoonebutYoureignsoverourhearts.
CHAPTER2PEACETOTHOSEWHOLEANON
HIMANDPERDITIONONTHOSEWHO
OPPOSEHIM
In the first chapterGod showed thatHe is jealous inHislove and mercy towards those who lean on Him, however greattheir afflictions are.He is mighty inHiswrath when the wickedpersistonpracticingtheirevilsagainstHispeople,countingeveryoppositionagainstanyofHisbelieversasthoughitisagainstHimpersonally.Byhisopposition,thewickeddepriveshimselfofGodthesourceofhislife,joy,happiness,andglorydestroyinghimselfbyhimselfashefallsunderGodswrath.
The kingdom of Assyria, with its great capital Nineveh,assumedthatitconqueredGod,notrealizingthatGodallowedherconquesttochastenHispeopleforsometime.Nineveh,fallinginto
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oppression and savagery against the people ofGod togetherwithblasphemy againstGod in everyway, brought on itself completedestruction.
NowthischapterdemonstratesGodsworkforthesakeofthosewholeanonHimafterbeingchastised,andwhatwoulddwellonthosewhoopposeHimaftergivingthemchancestorepenttheirhorribleevils.
1.Glorytothechastenedbelievers 14.2.Shameontheopposingaggressors 510.3.Godopposesthesavageaggressors 1113.
1.GLORYTOTHECHASTENEDBELIEVERS:The shatterer has come up against you. Guard the
ramparts watch the road gird your lions collect all yourstrength(Nahum2:1)
GodusedAssyriaas a rodofchastisementonHispeoplebutwhenAssyriashowedhaughtinessinboastingagainstGodandused every way to practice savagery against His people underchastisement,GodsentBabylon thehammerofthewholeearthagainst them (Jeremiah 50:23) to pour its hammers on the greatNineveh,publiclyanddaringly.
He addresses Babylon, which He calls the shatterersaying:YouareMybattleax,andweaponsofwarforwithyouI will break the nations in pieces, with you I will destroykingdomswithyouIwillbreakinpiecesthehorseanditsriderwithyouIwillbreakinpiecesthechariotanditsriderwithyouIwillbreakinpiecesthemanandwomanwithyouIwillbreakinpieces the old and young with you I will break in pieces theyoungmanand themaidenwithyouIwillbreak inpieces theshepherdandhisflockwithyouIwillbreakinpiecesthefarmerand his yoke of oxen and with you I will break in pieces thegovernorsandrulers(Jeremiah51:2023).
God allowed the armies ofMede and Babylon to destroyNineveh. It may look as though it is a war between nations andpeoples,butitisactuallyallowedbyGodtosupportthosewholeanon Him, albeit under chastisement and to punish the haughty
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Nineveh. That is why He proclaimed beforehand to Assyria thatNinevehwillbepubliclydestroyedandthatanyattempttodefenditwouldbe invain,becausethe issuetodestroy ithascomefromheaven.Any troops to guard its ramparts, towatch its towers, toencourage itsmen,or to strengthen itsmilitarycapabilitieswouldall be in vain, because Thehorse ismade ready for the dayofbattle,butthevictorybelongstotheLord(Proverb21:30).Thereis noway forAssyria toenjoyconquestas long as itopposes theLordHimself.
For theLord is restoring themajestyofJacobaswellasthemajestyofIsraelthoughravagershaveravagedthemandruinedtheirvinebranches(Nahum2:2).
The prophet proclaims the cause of this destructive waragainst Nineveh, which is that Assyria ravaged Jacob, illtreatedthe Israeli captives, savagely attacked Judah, and boasted againsttheLordofhoststhatHeishelplesstosavethemfromthehandofSennacherib,King ofAssyria. The sameway they ravaged JacobandIsrael,theywillberavagedthesamewaytheyboastedagainstthe Lord of hosts, shamewill come over them and the lord willrestoretoHispeopletheirdignityaftertheirchastisement.
According to the Septuagint version, it came: Someonewill breathe in your face, to save you from your temptation(Nahum2:2LXX).TheodoretofCyrusbelievesthatGodpresentsadifferentkindofbreathtosavemanHebreathedintoAdamsnostrils the breath of life (Genesis 2:7) then,when theworkofthat divine breath was lost, the Lord Christ came to renew theimageofmanandtorestoreit inthesaintlyapostlesaswellas intherestofbelieversthroughthem:Hebreathedonthem,andsaidtothem:ReceivetheHolySpirit(John20:12).GoddestroyedtheAssyrians by the breath of His mouth to save His people as asymbol of the work of the Lord Christ, who destroys the tyrantDevil by the breath of His Holy Spirit that He granted to Hischurch23.
23Cf.Comm.onNahum2:1.
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The shields of his warriors are red his soldiers areclothedincrimson.Themetalonthechariotsflashesonthedaywhenhemustersthemthechargersprance(Nahum2:3).
Here he describes themighty men of the armies ofMedeandBabylon,whoattackNineveh.
Theshieldsofhiswarriorsarered:Thewarriorsoftheold preferred the red color for their shields on the one hand toterrify the enemy, and on the other hand, in case a warrior iswounded and his blood splashes over his shield, it would not beseenbytheenemyandstrengthentheirhearts.OthersbelievethattheshieldsoftheAssyrians,as isprovenbytheexcavations,weremadeofbronze,whichappearedredwiththereflectionoftheraysofthesunonthem.
His soldiers were clothed in crimson: Xenophon saysthat the Made soldiers were clothed in expensive crimson todemonstratetheirmightandriches.
Themetalonthechariotsflashesonthedayhemustersthem:Thisisaportraitofthefiercenessofthebattle,inwhichthechariots of the enemy racemadly and the sparks dartwhen theirwheelsrubagainstthestonyroadtoappearliketorchesof fire.
He also probably means that the enemy chariots used tocarrytorchesoffiretohelpthemkeepfightingdayandnightuntiltheutterdestructionofNineveh.ThewarriorswithGideonusedtocarry torches inside pitchers (Judges 7:16) to guide them and toterrifytheirenemies.
ThatwaswhatGodallowedontheappointeddayOnthedayHemusteredthem, toletNinevehgetthefruitofherdeeds.
Some interpret The chargers prance as The Cypresstrees sway: The enemy forces, like the haughty Cypress trees,sway toterrifyAssyria.Orheprobablyportrayshow theCypresstreesswaywiththestrongtremblingofthegroundunderneaththefeetoftheattackingforces.
The chariots racemadly through the streets they rushtoandfrothroughthesquares theirappearanceis liketorches,theydartlikelightning (Nahum2:4)
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Hedemonstrateshowtheswiftmilitarychariotsglitterlikefierytorchesamidthetreesthroughthereflectionof thesunrays,madlymovinglikelightning.
Hecallshisofficerstheystumbleastheycomeforwardtheyhastentothewallandthemanteletissetup(Nahum2:5).
Some believe that he talks here about how the king ofAssyriacallshismightywarriorstocometodefendNinevehhowtheystumbleastheycomeforwardhasteningtothewalls,andhowtheireffortswereinvain.Whereasothersbelievethatthetalkhereis aboutNebuchadnezer,King of Babylon, provoking his officersnottoretreathoweverstrongthewallsofNinevehare.Eveniftheystumbleas theycomeforward,yettheywouldneverdespair theydigtrenchestoprotectthemselvesagainstthearrowsoftheforcesundersiegebehindthewallsofNineveh.
2.SHAMEONTHEOPPOSINGAGGRESSORS:Therivergatesareopened,thepalacetrembles (Nahum
2:6).Thegates of the city ofNinevehwere openon theTigris
River,onthebanksofwhichthecitywasbuilt.ItswesternwallontheRiverextendedto4530yards,andonitssouth,north,andeastside therewere hugewater canals that could be filledwithwaterfrom Khosru to surround the city by water from every side toimpede the advance of the chariots and horses of an attackingenemy.ItisclaimedbythehistorianTheodorsthatduringthethirdyearofthesiegeagreatfloodcaused20Firling(4400yards)ofthewallsofNinevehtocollapse.BythattheprophecyofNahumwasrealized, saying: The River gates are opened, the palace isdissolved(6)theheartsofthekingandthosewhowerewithhimdissolvedbyfeartocommitsuicidebyburningthemselvestogetherwiththeirpalaceandwealth.
According to the Septuagint version, it came: Themountains collapsed (Nahum 2:6 LXX). St. Ambrose believesthat themountains here are the great things, by which man feelshaughtyagainstGod.Ifyouhavefaithasamustardseed,youwill
29
saytothismountain,Movefromheretothere,anditwillmoveandnothingwillbeimpossibleforyou (Matthew17:20)24.
It isdecreedthat thecitybeexiled, itsslavewomenledaway,moaninglikedoves,beatingtheirbreasts(Nahum2:7)
Some scholars believe that he refers here to the queen ofNineveh,whoescapedthefireandwasledcaptivebytheenemyinshameanddisgrace,whileothersbelievethathemeansthecityofNineveh itself. In either case the maidservants mourned like theincessantvoicesofdoves,beatingtheirbreasts,asignofgriefandhelplessness.
Though Nineveh of old was like a pool of water, nowthey flee away. Halt! Halt! they cry but no one turns back(Nahum2:8).
BecauseNinevehwasacityverycrowdedwithinhabitants,it was likened to a great pool full ofwater (Isaiah 8:7 Jeremiah51:13Revelation17:15).Butallofthemhelplesslyfledaway,notheading the cries of their leaders: Halt! Halt! Having lost everyhope,theyaimlesslyranawayineverydirection.
Plunderthesilver!Plunderthegold!Thereisnoendoftreasureanabundanceofeverypreciousthing (Nahum2:9)
Thekingburnttheroyalpalacewithallitstreasures,whichwascollectedfromannualtaxes,spoils,andmassivetrade(Nahum3:16Hezekiel27:2324)yettheenemyconfiscatedavastwealthofsilver,gold,andvaluables.
Sheisempty,desolate,andwaste!Theheartmelts,andthe knees shakemuch pain is in every side, and all their facesgrowpale(Nahum2:10).
A bitter portrait of how that rich and great city, whichsubmitted a multitude of nations, became empty, desolate, andwastehowtheheartmelts,thekneesshake,andhowthefacesofitsmengrowpale.
24OntheChristianFaith,3:14:115116.
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Whereisthedwellingofthelions,andthefeedingplaceoftheyounglionswherethelionwalkedwiththelionessandthelionscubswithnoonetodisturbthem?(Nahum2:11).
AsindicatedbytheAssyrianmonumentsthewingedlionswith amans head,Nineveh, the capital of the greatest nation atthattime,hasbeendescribedasthedenoflionsandthepastureoflionscubs,wherethekingandthequeenusedtowalklikea lionand a lioness in a forest. Now this mighty nation has losteverythingandthesurroundingnationsstandwandering:Wherearethosemen, mighty like lions, who made their nation rich on theexpenseof theothernations?!Now,thewordsofthepsalmapplyto it, saying: The young lions lack and suffer hunger but thosewhoseektheLordshallnotlackanygoodthing! (Psalm34:10).
3.GODOPPOSESTHESAVAGEAGGRESSORS:The lion tore in pieces enough for his cubs killed for hislionesses, filled his caves with prey, and his dens with flesh.Behold, I amagainst you, says theLord ofhosts, Iwill burnyourchariots in smoke,and the swordshalldevouryouryounglions I will cut off your prey from the earth, and the voice ofyourmessengersshallbeheardnomore (Nahum2:1213)
IfthekingdomofAssyriahasbeenproudofitsarmiesandforcesthatknewnodefeat,He,whoisagainstit,istheLordoftheheavenly hosts,who brings justice to the oppressed, defends thehumiliated,andgrantsavictorytothetruth.
The chariots of Assyria cannot stand before the divinewrathandareburnedinsmokeitsyounglionsaredevouredbythesword,andasthekingdomofAssyriahasdonetotheothernations,itshallbedonetoit(Obadiah15).Itshallbenomore!
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ANINSPIRATIONFROMTHEBOOKOFNAHUM2
WHOWILLRESTORETOMEMYDIGNITY,BUTYOU?
v Theenemyhastakenawaymyinnerglory!Insteadofheaven,theenemyreignedovermydepths.Herobbedmeofmylife,myglory.HerobbedallmytalentsandenergiesItisthemightyAssyriathathumiliatedmysoul!
v Yet,hereYourhandmovestorestorethemajestyofJacobIseeYourhandsstretchedonthecrossReadytoembracethewholeworldinloveToliberateitfromthedevilandhishosts.
v HereYouare,OLord,leadingthebattleYourself!WhatenemycanstandbeforeYou?!Yourchariotsaremightyandactivetheyrunlikelightning.Theycometooccupymyheart,tograntitanexaltedconquestTo expel the enemy from it and to take back allwhat he hasrobbed.Myenemywillcomeoutdestroyedandhelpless.
v Myenemyassumedthathe,likealion,willdevourwithnoonetoconfrontButhisyounglionsdiedofhungerandlackofpreyHis forceswere destroyed, and he fell like lightning from theheavenofourheartsToYouis theglory,OGrantorofglorytothosewho leanonYou!
CHAPTER3THETRIALOFNINEVEH
In the second chapter God proclaims Himself as theDefenderoftheoppressedandthebroken,andtheopponentoftheunjustandthehaughty.Butasthisseemedtobeimpossibleinthe
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eyes of many, who assumed that no power on earth could everstandbeforeNineveh, thequeensittingonher throne,andthatnoarmycoulddareattackherstrongholds, this thirdchaptercametoconfirmthatnooneisabovethedivinelaw.
1.Nineveh,thebloodycity 13.2.Theseductiveharlot 47.3.Shewillbeanexampletoothers 811.4.Anutterdevastation 1219.
1.NINEVEH,THEBLOODYCITY:Woe to the city of bloodshed. Utterly deceitful, full of
bootynoendtotheplunder(Nahum3:1).1Thefirstcharge in thetrialofNinevehwasthatshe is
thecityofbloodshed.Sheshedthebloodofmanyinnocentssheenjoyedtormentingthecaptivesandsavagelycuttingofftheirbodyparts.
v Youhate allworkers of iniquity (Psalm5:5)whether theyareslavesorfreeorevenemperors.GodcountsHisfriends,notonthebasisoftheirrank,butonthatoftheirvirtue25.
St.JohnChrysostomSt Augustine commenting on the words of the psalmist:
You, O God, shall bring down to the pit of destruction, thebloodthirstyand thedeceitfulmen (Psalm55:23) seeks fromustobeawareof themurderersof soulsmore than those,whoshedblood and says: [Those,who isolate themselves through solitude,wouldmurderthesoulsthroughspiritualdeceitmorethanthroughsheddingblood26].
Andcommentingonthewordsofthepsalmist:Theyshedinnocentblood,eventhebloodoftheirsonsanddaughters,whomtheysacrificedtotheidolsofCanaanAndthelandwaspollutedwith blood (Psalm 106:38), St. Augustine believes that thePsalmist probably does not mean offering human sacrifices,although this custom was indeed existing among many nations,especially where Baal was worshipped, where the family
25OnPs.5.26St.AugustineonPs55954.
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sometimesused tooffer itschildrenas humansacrifices topleasethegods.ButwhatthepsalmistmeanshereisthattheIsraelishavepartakenofthatpagancustomanditsabominationsandhavegivenittotheirchildrenasaninheritance,bywhichtheyhavemurderedthesoulsoftheirsonsanddaughtersthroughdeprivingthemoftheholylifeandthefellowshipwithGod.Thiscrimeismorehorriblethankillingthebody,asitisadeprivationoftheeternallife.
2Thesecondchargewas heruseof liesanddeceit.Sheused to justify her continuous attacks that shekeeps and protectsjustice clothing her evil intentions with a deceitful garment.Through lies and deceit man often resorts to many evils in notleadinganopen,pure,andalovinglifetowardsGodandmen,buthidinghiswickednessandcorruptionbehinddeceitfulwords.
v You shall destroy those who speak falsehood (Psalm 5:6).Godutterlyhatesevil.Now,thepsalmistcallsthosewholiveinevilasspeakersoffalsehood,whohavevaingoals,aregreedyandlovepleasureasyousee,heputsalltheseamongthegroupof liars.
Heisdisgustedofthebloodthirstyandthedeceitfulman(Psalm55:23) referring here to the killer, the planner of eviland the deceitful, who utters something with his lips whileharboring something else in his heart the wolf clothed as alamb. You cannot find a more evil man you can probablyconfront an obvious enemy, whereas he, who hides his evilwhilepracticingit,isnoteasytodiscover.ThatiswhytheLordChrist warns us against those, saying: who come to you insheeps clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves(Matthew7:15)27.
St.JohnChrysostom
27OnPs.5.
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3Thethirdcharge:takingplentyofbooty (rob)andplunder:Notbeingsatisfiedwithrobbingwhatbelongtoothers,theytendtoplunder them.ThewiseSolomonsays:He(theSonofGod)willredeemtheirlifefromoppressionandviolenceandpreciousshallbetheirbloodinHissight (Psalm72:14).
v LetusmourntogetherwiththeprophetJeremiahandsay:Woeto him who builds his house by unrighteousness and hischambers with injustice (Jeremiah22:13Nahum3:1).LetusrathergrieveforhimastheLordChristdidwhenHesaid:Woeto you who are rich, for you have received your consolation(seeLuke6:24).Iwishwekeepgrievingfortheslothfulnessofourbrethren!Weshouldwail fortherobber, themean,andthegreedylouderthanwedooverthosewhodeparted28.
St.JohnChrysostom
Thenoiseofawhip,andthenoiseofrattlingwheels,ofgallopinghorses,ofclatteringchariots!(Nahum3:2)
Theprophet takes us to the battle to hear the noise of thewhips,bywhichtheridersofthemilitarychariotsdrivethehorsestogo faster, thenoiseof theswiftwheelsof the galloping horsesandoftheclatteringchariots.
Horsemen charge with bright swords and glitteringspears.There isamultitudeof slain,agreatnumberofbodiescountlesscorpsestheystumbleoverthecorpses(Nahum3:3).
The prophet goes on to portray the battle: The horsemenchargewiththeirswords,bright like flamesof fire,andwiththeirspearsdirectedtowardthepeopleofNineveh,manyofwhomarewounded, as to those killed, they are countless no one cares tocount them or to pick up their corpses. They stumble over thecorpsesonthegroundslipperywiththebloodofthoseslain.
2.THESEDUCTIVEHARLOT:Because of the countless debaucheries of the seductive
harlot, themistress of sorceries, who enslaves nations throughherharlotriesandfamiliesthroughhersorceries(Nahum3:4).
28CommentaryonNahum2:1.
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Because she did not learn the lesson that she witnessed,when theangelof theLordkilled185 thousandsof hermen in asinglenight,thesamehappensagaininNinevehonthedayofherutterdevastation.
4Thefourthcharge:Theharlotry:HealreadylikenedNineveh toa lion tornapart, and itscubs hungeredand scattered,nowhe likens her to a seductive harlot,whoprovokes nations toidolatryand itsabominations.Byherbeautyandabilitytoseduceshebringsnationstodestructionthroughherharlotry.
v RebukingisakindofchastisementusedbythedivineTeacherin Jeremiah, saying: You have the forehead of a whore yourefusetobeashamed.HaveyounotjustnowcalledtoMe:Myfatheryouarethefriendofmyyouth?(Jeremiah3:34).Aftercallingthevirginaharlot,thatshamefulanddisgracefulname,He calls on her, through filling her by feelings of shame, toreturntoanhonorablelife29.
St.ClementofAlexandria5 The fifth charge: Being a Mistress of sorceries:
Beingonlypreoccupiedwithitsdesiretosubmitthenationsofthewholeworld under its feet, the kingdomofAssyria, besideswar,robbery and plunder, also resorted to sorceries the same way aharlotusesherbeautyandcharmtoseduceandenslaveyoungmen.
Behold,Iamagainstyou,saysthelordofhosts,Iwilllift your skirts over your face, I will show the nations yournakedness,andthekingdomsyourshame (Nahum3:5).
Ninevehassumedthatsheisthemistressoftheworld,andseducedthenationsbyhersorceryandharlotrytoworshiphergodsandtocommitabominationswithher.But,becauseGodhatesevil,He dealswith her as a harlot, uncovers her corruption, and bearsher naked of her clothes of harlotry. The same was likewiseprophesied by the prophet Isaiah about Babylon, who laterfollowed on the same way of Nineveh, saying: You shall nolonger be called tender and delicate Remove your veil, takeoff your skirt, uncover the thigh, and pass through the rivers.
29Paedagogus1:9.
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Your nakedness shall be uncovered Yes, your shame will beseen(Isaiah47:13).Shewillnotonlyloseherfalsebeautyanddeceitful charm, but her evil plans will be exposed before thenationsand herweaknessandcorruptionwill be revealedIwillshowthenationsyournakedness,andthekingdomsyourshame(5) for everyone to realize that she is no longer mighty nor themistressoftheworldassheclaimstobe.
I will throw filth on you and treat you with contempt,andmakeyouaspectacle(Nahum3:6)
Thecity,withwhichothernationswishedtoally,becameamockeryandajesttoall.
It shall come to pass that all who look upon you, willfleefromyou,andsay,Ninevehisdevastated!Whowillbemoanher?WhereshallIseekcomfortersforyou? (Nahum3:7)
Instead of resorting to her for fear of her authority,whenthey see what happened to her, they flee from her, as she is nolongerfiteventolivein.Becauseofherutterdevastation,andthatthereisnohopeofreformingher,therewillbenocomforters,butgloaters! Everyone looking upon her will become so terrified ofwhat happened to her that his tongue will not be able to utter awordofcomfort!
3.SHEWILLBEANEXAMPLETOOTHERS:AreyoubetterthanNoAmon,thatsatbytheNile,and
water around her, her rampart a sea, and water her wall?(Nahum3:8)
So thatNineveh nor anyone elsewhohears this prophecywill thinkthat it is impossibletoberealized, theprophetpresentsan example of another city that was once strong and living inpeace, but havingwalked in evil and persistedon opposingGod,thedivinewrathdweltonher.ThatcitywasNoAmon.
No Amon: Thought by some to be Thebes in UpperEgypthernamemeans"theportionofAmon"anEgyptiangod,counterpartofJupiter,theseniorRomangod.
ItseemsthattheAssyrianKing Sergonwastheonewhostruck NoAmon and as Assyria conquered Thebes despite her
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mightandpossibilities,now is the turnofNineveh, thecapitalofAssyria,tolosehermightandtobedestroyedbytheBabylonians.
Thebes,havingbeen locatedonthetwobankseastandwestoftheRiverNileandsurroundedbyhugewaterchannels,was as secure as Nineveh that was also surrounded by waters,assumedtoprotectheragainsttheattacksofforeignenemies.
InHomers timeThebeswas famous forheronehundred30
gates,butwhoseruinsnowstretchover27mileslong,betweenthetwoworldfamoustemplesLuxorandKarnak.
TheRiverNilehereiscalledtheSea,asitisstillcalledinUpperEgypt.
Ethiopia and Egypt were her strength without limits.PutandtheLibyanswereherhelpers(Nahum3:9)
Ethiopia(orCush)mightbeeithertheregionofYemenorthatof Nubia southofEgypt. Drawing her strengthandwealthfromtradeandmilitaryaids,itsupportedNoAmon.
PutandLubimwereneighboringNorthAfricankingdoms,westofEgypt CyreneandLybia, thathelped NoAmon to livelikeaqueensittingonherthrone.
Yet she was carried away, she went into captivity heryoung childrenwere also dashed to pieces at the head of everystreet.Theycast lots forhernobles,andallhergreatmenwereboundinchains(Nahum3:10)
Having been securely sitting on her throne, proud of herstrength and power, supportedby several nations north and southand surroundedbywater that protectedher against attacks, it didnot expect to fall, yet she was led captive to exile. She wasdeceived by her haughtiness and strength that her children gotdestroyed and a lot was cast on her honorable men. It was thecustomforthevictoriousinthosedaystoseizethehonorablemenofthegreatcitytheyconqueredthencastalottodistributethemasslavesamongtheleadersofthearmy.Thus,insteadoftheirgoldenchains and magnificent garments, they were shackled by iron
30Homer:Ill:9:381.
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chainsandwerelednakedasslavestoaforeigncountryinshameanddisgrace.
Youalsowillbedrunkyouwillgointohidingyouwillseekrefugefromtheenemy (Nahum3:11)
WhatdweltuponNoAmonwillalsodwelluponNinevehher inhabitants will become mad and drunk of the cup of Godswrath.And as itwas said to Jerusalem: Youhavedrunkat thehandof theLord, the cupofHiswrath youhave drunk to thedregs, the bowl of staggering, and drained it out Thereforepleasehearthis,youafflicted,whoaredrunkbutnotwithwine(Isaiah51:17,21)andasitcameinJeremiah:ForthussaysGodofIsraeltome:Takethiswinecupofwrathfrommyhand,andcauseall thenations, towhomI sendyou, todrink it.And theywill drink and stagger and gomad because of the sword that Iwill send among them. Then I took the cup from the Lordshand,andmadeallthenationsdrunk,towhomtheLordhadsentme (Jeremiah25:1517).
The scholar Origen has a beautiful commentary on thephrase: Every winejar should be filled with wine (Jeremiah13:12),inwhichhesays:[Everymanis likeawinejarfilledwithwine.Yet,therearetwokindsofwine:Agoodkind,whichisthewineofGods lovethatcausesthesouls tomeltwiththe love forGodandtolivemeditatinginHim,asthoughdrunkwithHislovethiskindofwineismadebywisdom:WisdomhasmixedherwineCome eat ofmy bread, and drink of the winewhich Ihavemixed (Proverb 9:1, 5) and there is the badkind ofwine,which fills the wicked, like the wine of Sodom and Gomorrah:Their wine comes from the vine stock of Sodom, from thevineyardsofGomorrah theirgrapesaregrapesofpoison theirclustersarebitter theirwineis thepoisonofserpents, thecruelvenomofasps(Deuteronomy32:3233).OrigenalsobelievesthatGodholds,inHisrighthand,thecupofourgoodworkstograntusHis blessings and in His left hand the cup of our iniquities tochastenustoreturntoHim31].
31Cf.HomiliesonJeremiah,homily12:14.
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StAugustine, talking tousabout thewineofGods love,says:[Arethose,whoseheartshavechanged,notdrunk?Hesays:Surely its dreg (of theLords wine), all thewickedof the earthshalldrainanddrinkdown(Psalm75:8)theydrinksoasnottoremainassuchtobejustifiedandnotpunished32].
Youwillbehidden(Nahum3:11),namelyNinevehwillhideitselfoutofshameandfear,becausesheisnomorecapableofconfronting the enemy, and in vain shewill seek the support andtheprotectionofarefuge.
4ANUTTERDEVASTATION:All your strongholds are fig trees with ripened figs If
they are shaken, they fall into themouth of the eater (Nahum3:12)
The prophet likens Nineveh, when it is no more able toconfront theenemyandwhenherchildren helplessly fall into themouths of her enemy, to the fig trees with firstripe figs that, ifshakenbythewind,willloseallitsfigs.
Surely,yourpeopleinyourmidstarewomen!Thegatesof your landarewide open for your enemies.Fire shall devourthebarsofyourgates(Nahum3:13)
Her army will become like women, helpless to defendthemselves and the gates of the city will be wide open,nonresistant totheenemy, because their barswillbedevouredbyfire.
Drawwaterforthesiege!Strengthenyourstrongholds!Go into the clay and tread the mortar! Take hold of the brickmold!(Nahum3:14)
HemockinglyasksNineveh to storewaterandprovisions,soasnottodieofthirstandhungerduringthesiege.Althoughthecity isbuiltontheRiverTigrisandsurroundedbywaterchannelsonallsides,yetitsinhabitantswouldnotdaretogoouttodrinkofit.
32OnPs75(74).
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It goes into clay andmud treading themortar tomendorrebuildherstrongholds,butallwouldbeinvain.
There the fire will devour you, the sword will cut youoff,itwilldevouryoulikethelocust.Multiplyyourselveslikethelocust,multiplylikethegrasshopper!(Nahum3:15)
Hecallsonhernottodependuponthegreatnumberofherinhabitantsorofherarmymen,whowillbecutoffbytheswordandbecomeashelplessasthelocustsandgrasshoppersbeforetheragingfire.
You increased your merchants more than the stars ofthe heavens. The locust sheds its skin and flies away. Yourcommanders are like grasshoppers, your scribes like swarms oflocustssettlingonthefencesonacolddaywhenthesunrises,they fly away no one knows where they have gone (Nahum3:1617)
Because of her geographic location on the River Tigris,surrounded by water channels all around, she became a greatcommercial center. But when Gods wrath dwelt upon her, sheturned from a city packed with honorable merchants into a fielddevouredby innumerable locustsandgrasshoppers that,when thesunrises,theyflewawayandnooneknowswheretheyhavegone.
He probably means that once the foreign merchants, whocame toNineveh for business and acquiredgreatwealth, saw theenemy coming they took their earnings and fled. Those, whomNineveh thought to become her support at the time of affliction,havesoon flownawaylikelocuststoseekamoresecureplace.
Others believe that by the flying locusts he means theforeign mercenaries, hired to guard the city walls from outside,whoflewawaywhentheysawtheenemycominganddidnotknowwhere to go. And as the Lord Christ says: The hireling fleesbecauseheisahirelinganddoesnotcareaboutthesheep(John10:31).
Yourshepherdsslumber,OKingofAssyriayournoblesareasleepinthedustyourpeoplearescatteredonthemountainswithnoonetogatherthem (Nahum3:18)
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The king of Assyria assumed that he iswell protected bymighty warriors and commanders, but he was awakened by theprophet saying: Your shepherds slumber, O king of Assyria(18). His nobles were killed and fell on the streets in the dust,whereas his people fled to themountainswith terror and no onewillgatherthem.
Your injury has no healing yourwound is severe. Allwhohearthenewsaboutyouwillclaptheirhandsoveryouforwhohaseverescapedyourendlesscruelty?(Nahum2:19)
The prophet ends his book portraying Nineveh as brokenwith no hope for repair, aswoundedwith no healing. Therewillnever be a rebuilding of Nineveh or a resetting of the nation ofAssyria. Having been so violent with all the nations whom shedefeated,theyarenowgloatingandclappingtheirhandsoverher.
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ANINSPIRATIONFROMTHEBOOKOFNAHUM3
DESTROYNINEVEHINMEANDSETTHENEWJERUSALEM
v Theenemyhasinfiltratedintomyheart,andhassetakingdomforhimself.DriveawaythekingofAssyria,andmakeaspectacleofhimbyYourcross.Takeawayhisauthority,andsetYourkingdominme.
v Uprootfrommewhattheenemyhasplanted.AllwhatisforeignofmynaturethatYouhavegrantedme.Uprootfrommeeveryloveofoppression.Andeverylieanddeceit.Uprootfrommeeveryevillust.Andeveryvainglory.Exposemebeforemysoul.ToreturntoYou,OWholeLoveandMercy.
v IconfesstoYoumyweakness.Andmyinabilitytoresist.Yet,YouaremyStronghold!YouaretheheavenlyPhysician,whohealsmywounds.Andrepairinmeeverybrokenbone.
v Instead of the wine of wickedness that makes me lose mybalance,GrantmethewineofYourheavenlywisdom.Make me drunk with Your love, and let me praise Yourmercies.Letmeforgettheworldandallitsseductions.AndenjoytheadvancepaymentsofYourheavens.
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TABLEOFCONTENTS
ANINTRODUCTION:NahumThegoalofthisbookThetimeofitswritingThe
divisionsofthisbook.
CHAPTER1:AJEALOUSGODIntroductionGod is mighty inHis mercies, as well as in
Hiswrath over sin The destruction of the kingdom of AssyriaanditsarmyTheliberationofJerusalemThegreatsalvation.
AnInspirationfromChapter1:YouaremightyinYourloveYouarejealousinYourholiness.
CHAPTER 2: PEACE TO THOSE WHO LEAN ON YOUANDPERDITIONONTHOSEWHOOPPOSEYOU:
GlorytothechastenedbelieversShameontheopposingaggressorsGodopposesthesavageaggressors.AninspirationfromChapter2:WhowillrestoretomemydignitybutYou?
CHAPTER3:THETRIALOFNINEVEH:Nineveh,thebloodycityTheseductiveharlotShewillbe
anexampletoothersAnutterdevastation.AninspirationfromChapter3:DestroyNinevehinmeandsettheNewJerusalem.
