Day 216—We are in the EIGHTH month of Bible reading, with more of Israel’s history and prophecy.

    Day 216 – Nahum 1-3 (Prophecy about the Assyrian capital of Nineveh; a sequel to Jonah)

Nahum 1 begins clearly as a prophecy (oracle) about Nineveh, stating the attributes of God that make her destruction inevitable.  God is jealous, avenging, and wrathful against His adversaries and enemies. He is powerful over all aspects of creation.

He is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble for those who know to take refuge in Him… but with an overflowing flood, He will make a COMPLETE END of the adversaries. 

It’s interesting that Nineveh had walls 100 feet tall and a moat 150 wide and 60 feet deep, but God caused the Tigris River to flood into the city, eroding the walls so that the Babylonians could overtake it.  “Thus says the LORD, though they are at full strength and many, they will be cut down and pass away.

And the prophet encourages Judah about them, “Behold, upon the mountains, the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace! Keep your feasts, O Judah; fulfill your vows, for NEVER AGAIN shall the worthless pass through you; he is utterly cut off.”

Nahum 2 details the imminent destruction of Nineveh, including the mad, confused race to mount an army to defend itself. “The chariots race madly through the streets; they rush to and fro through the squares.”   

“He remembers his officers; they stumble as they go, they hasten to the wall; the siege tower is set up.” 

“The river gates are opened; the palace melts away.”  (flood water destroying clay walls)

“Nineveh is like a pool whose waters run away.  “Halt! Halt! they cry, but none turns back.”   

“Desolate! Desolation and ruin! Hearts melt and knees tremble, anguish is in all loins; all faces grow pale!”

“Behold, I am against you, declares the LORD of hosts, and I will burn your chariots in smoke and the sword shall devour your young lions….”

In Nahum 3, three charges are listed against Nineveh: 1) unusual cruelty & treachery, 2) spiritual & moral harlotry, and 3) pride/arrogance in her own security. 

But to the LORD of hosts, all Nineveh’s fortresses were like “fig trees with ripe fruit – easily plucked.” 

All her troops were “women.” 

Her mighty gates “stood wide open.”

Her princes were like “grasshoppers,” her scribes like “locusts settling on fences.” When the sun rises they fly away. 

“Your shepherds are sheep, O king of Assyria.

There is no easing your hurt; your wound is grievous (fatal). All who hear the news about you clap their hands over you. For UPON WHOM has not come your unceasing evil?”

And Jonah would be clapping his hands loudest, I believe.