Woe to the Bloody City! (Nahum) Introduction: Does God judge nations? "A National Day of Prayer and Humiliation" (Abraham Lincoln, 1863)
Exposition 1. The Judge is announced (1:1-8): an acrostic poem of God's character "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink" (Rom 12:19-20).
2. This judgment is declared (1:9-15): alternating judgment and salvation Nineveh (v. 9-11), then Judah (12-13), then Nineveh (14), then Judah (15).
Further History Nineveh is besieged by a united army of conquered peoples, but remained secure. In 612 BC, extraordinary rains flooded the Tigris, and nearly 3 miles of the wall suddenly fell into the moat.
3. This judgment is described (2): in accurate and vivid detail.
4. This judgment is deserved (3:1-4): in accordance with her sins. Woe to the city full of (a) blood, (b) lies, (c) robbery, (d) witchcraft.
5. This judgment is destined (3:5-19): God's power is irresistible. No-Amon is the Hebrew name for Thebes. It also was heavily fortified and protected by water. The Assyrians in 663 BC murdered their children, took their people as slaves, and plundered their city. Now, it all comes back upon them.
Application #1: The judgment of heathen nations is based on the character of God. Application #2: Heathen nations are not a law unto themselves. Application #3: We are not in the position to bring God's judgment on nations. Application #4: Judgment is seen preeminently at the cross upon Jesus Christ.
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