book of nahum the minor prophets dr. rick griffith, singapore bible college assyrianism dummies
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Book of Nahum
The Minor ProphetsThe Minor Prophets
Dr. Rick Griffith, Singapore Bible CollegeDr. Rick Griffith, Singapore Bible Collegewww.biblestudydownloads.comwww.biblestudydownloads.com
Assyrianism
1. Title1. Title
2. Date2. Date
3. Authorship3. Authorship
5. Historical Background5. Historical Background
6. Problem Issue6. Problem Issue
8. Theology8. Theology
4. Recipients4. Recipients
7. Literary Structure7. Literary Structure
ContentsContents
TitleTitle• Nahum means Nahum means
"consolation" or "consolation" or "consoler" "consoler"
• This symbolizes his This symbolizes his message to comfort message to comfort JudahJudah''s oppressed and s oppressed and afflicted people. afflicted people.
DateDate• Latest: NinevehLatest: Nineveh''s s
destruction (612 BC) destruction (612 BC) • Earliest: Captivity of No Earliest: Captivity of No
(No-amon or Thebes, the (No-amon or Thebes, the capital of Upper Egypt) capital of Upper Egypt) in Nahum 3:8 in 663 BCin Nahum 3:8 in 663 BC
621621
Title & DateTitle & Date
hh
650
650
800
800
900
900
950
950
1000
1000
500
500
550
550
850
850
1050
1050
1100
1100
450
450
United Kingdom
1050-930
United Kingdom
1050-930
Exile 586-536Exile 586-536
7 5 0
7 5 0
NahumNahum
7 0 0
7 0 0
600
600
660660Divided
Kingdom
930-722
Divided Kingdom
930-722
Post- Exile
536-425
Post- Exile
536-425
710 710 Solitary
Kingdom
722-586
Solitary Kingdom
722-586
JonahJonah 765765
Tig
lath
-Pile
sar
Tig
lath
-Pile
sar ASSYRIAASSYRIA
1100
1100
Nin
eveh
's F
all 6
12N
inev
eh's
Fal
l 612
Nineveh's Relapse
Nineveh's Relapse
Jon
ah 7
60Jo
nah
760
750
750
700
700
800
800
850
850
900
900
650
650
600
600
Nah
um
660
Nah
um
660
Isra
el's
Fal
l 722
Isra
el's
Fal
l 722
100 Years Later…
100 Years Later…
Ass
yria
Str
on
gA
ssyr
ia S
tro
ng
660 650 640 630 620 610 600 590 580 570 560 550 540 530 520
AssyrianAssyrian Neo-BabylonianNeo-BabylonianPersianPersianWorld World
powerspowers
Fall of Thebes
663 BC
AshurbanipalAshurbanipalKings of Kings of AssyriaAssyria
Ash
ure
tililan
iA
sh
ure
tililan
i
Sin
sh
aris
hku
nS
insh
aris
hku
n
Ash
uru
ballit ii
Ash
uru
ballit ii
612612
JudahJudah
JosiahJosiah
Jeh
oia
ki
mJe
hoia
ki
m
zed
ekia
hzed
ekia
h
Amon Amon JehoahazJehoahaz JehoiachinJehoiachin
NahuNahumm
660660
Captivity of Captivity of Judah to Babylon Judah to Babylon
(586)(586)
Return Return from Exilefrom Exile
HabakkukHabakkuk
Kings Kings of of
JudahJudah
560560
609 605 539609 605 539
ManassehManasseh
Timeline of Nahum
Timeline of Nahum
Fall of NinevehFall of
Nineveh
Contrasting Jonah & Nahum
Contrasting Jonah & Nahum
626JONAH NAHUM
First Book (4 chapters)
Sequel(3 chapters)
about 760 BC about 660 BC
Repentance from Sin Return to Sin
Nineveh Delivered Nineveh Destroyed
Israel Responsible Israel Protected
Chance to Repent No Chance to Repent
Narrative Declarative
626
JONAH NAHUM
Focus on the Messenger
Focus on the Message
Prophet Disobeys Prophet Obeys
Nineveh Obeys Nineveh Disobeys
Deliverance from Water
Destruction by Water
Repented then Relented
No Repenting, No Relenting
Jonah's WrathRefused
Jonah's WrathRevisited
God's Compassion God's Judgment
Contrasting Jonah & Nahum
Contrasting Jonah & Nahum
626
OT Prophets & KingsOT Prophets & Kings 342342
931931
722722
586586
ObadiahObadiah
JonahJonah AmosAmos HoseaHoseaIsaiahIsaiah
MicahMicah NahumNahum
HabakkukHabakkuk
Babylonian EmpireBabylonian Empire
Battle of Carchemish (609 BC)
Megiddo: Josiah dies
Babylonians
Egyptians
Assyrians
Arabia
• Nothing is known about Nahum except his being an Nothing is known about Nahum except his being an Elkoshite (1:1).Elkoshite (1:1).
• No valid evidence has shown someone else as author. No valid evidence has shown someone else as author. • Four principal suggestions on the location of Elkosh Four principal suggestions on the location of Elkosh
have been advanced: have been advanced:
1.1. A modern village Elkush, or Alkosh, not far from the A modern village Elkush, or Alkosh, not far from the left bank of the left bank of the TigrisTigris, two days, two days'' journey north of journey north of the site of ancient Ninevehthe site of ancient Nineveh
2.2. A small village in A small village in GalileeGalilee, at a place identified by , at a place identified by many with the modern El-Kauze, near Ramiehmany with the modern El-Kauze, near Ramieh
3.3. CapernaumCapernaum, the name of which means "Village of , the name of which means "Village of Nahum" Nahum"
4.4. Elkosh in the territory south of Elkosh in the territory south of JudahJudah
622AuthorshipAuthorship
The message concerned Nineveh, but The message concerned Nineveh, but no record exists of it reaching this no record exists of it reaching this empire. It was Judah that needed to empire. It was Judah that needed to know how God would judge the know how God would judge the nation that persecuted them.nation that persecuted them.
• Contemporaries: Jeremiah, Habakkuk, and ZephaniahContemporaries: Jeremiah, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah• Assyria conquered Israel about 60 years before (722 BC).Assyria conquered Israel about 60 years before (722 BC).• Now God purposed to visit the former rod of His anger.Now God purposed to visit the former rod of His anger.• Despite repenting under Jonah, Nineveh was ready for Despite repenting under Jonah, Nineveh was ready for
judgment due to her cruelty in war and greed. judgment due to her cruelty in war and greed. • The power that had ruled western Asia for some three The power that had ruled western Asia for some three
centuries was now to be broken by the combined might of centuries was now to be broken by the combined might of the Babylonians and the Medes.the Babylonians and the Medes.
622622RecipientsRecipients
Historical BackgroundHistorical Background
Walk Through The Bible ©1989Walk Through The Bible ©1989
“Flood”“Flood” NahumNahum
Nahum 1:8Nahum 1:8
NahumNahum''s Prophecies Happeneds Prophecies HappenedNahumNahum''s Prophecies Happeneds Prophecies Happened 625625625625
Hobart E. Freeman, An Introduction to the Old Testament Prophets (Chicago: Moody Press, 1977).
Book Chart
Nahum: Nineveh's Destruction
Certain Detailed Justified
Nahum 1 Nahum 2 Nahum 3
Destruction Decreed
Destruction Described
Destruction Deserved
Verdict of Vengeance Vision of Vengeance Vindication of Vengeance
What God Will Do How God Will Do It Why God Will Do It
God's Anger God's Actions God's Accusations
God's Predictionsfor Judah
God's Power for Judah
God's Justicefor Judah
Title1:1
God's Attributes
1:2-8
Plotting Against
God 1:9-11
Destruction is Judah's
Deliverance1:12-15
Battling vs. Judah's
Splendor 2:1-2
Destruction &
Despoiling2:3-13
Destruction for Cruelty
3:1-7
Drunk When
Destroyed
3:3-11
Burned With Fire
3:12-19
In Judah Against Assyria's Capital, Nineveh
c. 660 BC
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a Yahweh, like a terrible force of nature, avenges his enemies (1:2-10)
b Yahweh will destroy Nineveh but restore Judah (1:11-15)
c Vivid description of the attack upon Nineveh (2:1-10)
d CENTER: Lament over fall of Nineveh (2:11-13)
c' Vivid description of the looting of Nineveh (3:1-7)
b' Nineveh will be destroyed: it is vulnerable, like Thebes (3:8-13)
a' Nineveh, likened to a force of nature, will be destroyed (3:14-19)
Adapted from David A. Dorsey, The Literary Structure of the Old Testament: A Commentary on Genesis – Malachi (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1999)
Dorsey reveals that the placement of the eulogy over the "lion's den" in the book's highlighted central position reinforces the sense of certainty of
Nineveh's fall.
Chiastic Structure of NahumChiastic Structure of Nahum
God as Sovereign KingGod as Sovereign KingNahum pictured God as the sovereign ruler of the universe who controls both nature and nations, judging them and using them as instruments of judgment in accordance with His will. Not even mighty Assyria, the most powerful nation on earth in Nahum's day, could withstand the LORD's judgment. The LORD would also destroy Nineveh's idols (1:14), showing His sovereignty over the Assyrian gods.
Theology of NahumTheology of Nahum
Nahum sees the Lord as divine Warrior par excellence. The Nahum sees the Lord as divine Warrior par excellence. The book begins with a terrifying portrayal of the angry, avenging book begins with a terrifying portrayal of the angry, avenging warrior in a storm frightening all of nature with His battle cry warrior in a storm frightening all of nature with His battle cry (1:2-6). In this opening theophany, Nahum employed many of (1:2-6). In this opening theophany, Nahum employed many of the same motifs used by Assyrian kings to describe their the same motifs used by Assyrian kings to describe their prowess and exploits in battle. This emphasized that the prowess and exploits in battle. This emphasized that the LLORDORD, not Assyria, not Assyria''s king, was the most powerful warrior. The s king, was the most powerful warrior. The "L"LORDORD Almighty," or "L Almighty," or "LORDORD of Armies," personally announced of Armies," personally announced He would defeat Nineveh (2:13; 3:5). He would defeat Nineveh (2:13; 3:5).
Theology of NahumTheology of Nahum
God as WarriorGod as Warrior
God as JudgeGod as JudgeAssyriaAssyria''s judgment was well deserved. She had exploited s judgment was well deserved. She had exploited and cruelly treated other nations (cf. 3:1, 4), including Godand cruelly treated other nations (cf. 3:1, 4), including God''s s own people (1:15). Although the Lord had used the own people (1:15). Although the Lord had used the Assyrians as an instrument to punish Judah (1:12-13), they Assyrians as an instrument to punish Judah (1:12-13), they attributed it to their own power (cf. Isa. 10:5-19; 36:4-21). attributed it to their own power (cf. Isa. 10:5-19; 36:4-21). God saw this arrogance as an evil plot against His God saw this arrogance as an evil plot against His sovereign authority (1:9, 11), so he announced He would sovereign authority (1:9, 11), so he announced He would destroy the rebellious Assyrians, avenging His oppressed destroy the rebellious Assyrians, avenging His oppressed covenant people in the process. covenant people in the process.
Theology & ApplicationTheology & Application
God as IsraelGod as Israel''s Protectors ProtectorGod's judgment of Nineveh would be an expression of His zealous devotion to His covenant people (cf. 1:2). Though God had used the Assyrians to chastise Judah, He announced through Nahum that the Assyrian oppression was about to end (1:13, 15). In delivering Judah from the Assyrian yoke, He would once again demonstrate His goodness to His people and prove that He does indeed take notice of those who are loyal to Him and trust Him for protection (1:7).
Application
Do not mistake the patience of God as the
impotence of God
––Huang Sabin
Theology & ApplicationTheology & Application
Micah & Isaiah AlikeMicah & Isaiah AlikeMicah & Isaiah AlikeMicah & Isaiah Alike Exact parallels Messiah prominent Wrote from Jerusalem Wrote about both Israel and Judah Influenced Hezekiah Stressed the kingdom Contemporaneous
616616
In like manner, Jonah & Nahum are alikeIn like manner, Jonah & Nahum are alikeIn like manner, Jonah & Nahum are alikeIn like manner, Jonah & Nahum are alike
REVIEW QUIZ on Nahum
1. Nahum prophesied the destruction of _________.
2. Nahum’s prophecy completes the story begun by the prophet ______.
3. Nahum uses vivid imagery (e.g. _____).
4. This book teaches that each generation must experience a fresh _______.
REVIEW QUIZ on Nahum
1. Nahum prophesied the destruction of _________.
2. Nahum’s prophecy completes the story begun by the prophet ______.
3. Nahum uses vivid imagery (e.g. _____).
4. This book teaches that each generation must experience a fresh _______.
REVIEW QUIZ on Nahum
1. Nahum prophesied the destruction of Ninevah (Assyria).
2. Nahum’s prophecy completes the story begun by the prophet ______.
3. Nahum uses vivid imagery (e.g. _____).
4. This book teaches that each generation must experience a fresh _______.
REVIEW QUIZ on Nahum
1. Nahum prophesied the destruction of Ninevah (Assyria).
2. Nahum’s prophecy completes the story begun by the prophet ______.
3. Nahum uses vivid imagery (e.g. _____).
4. This book teaches that each generation must experience a fresh _______.
REVIEW QUIZ on Nahum
1. Nahum prophesied the destruction of Ninevah (Assyria).
2. Nahum’s prophecy completes the story begun by the prophet Jonah.
3. Nahum uses vivid imagery (e.g. _____).
4. This book teaches that each generation must experience a fresh _______.
REVIEW QUIZ on Nahum
1. Nahum prophesied the destruction of Ninevah (Assyria).
2. Nahum’s prophecy completes the story begun by the prophet Jonah.
3. Nahum uses vivid imagery (e.g. _____).
4. This book teaches that each generation must experience a fresh _______.
REVIEW QUIZ on Nahum
1. Nahum prophesied the destruction of Ninevah (Assyria).
2. Nahum’s prophecy completes the story begun by the prophet Jonah.
3. Nahum uses vivid imagery (e.g. lion).
4. This book teaches that each generation must experience a fresh _______.
REVIEW QUIZ on Nahum
1. Nahum prophesied the destruction of Ninevah (Assyria).
2. Nahum’s prophecy completes the story begun by the prophet Jonah.
3. Nahum uses vivid imagery (e.g. lion).
4. This book teaches that each generation must experience a fresh _______.
REVIEW QUIZ on Nahum
1. Nahum prophesied the destruction of Ninevah (Assyria).
2. Nahum’s prophecy completes the story begun by the prophet Jonah.
3. Nahum uses vivid imagery (e.g. lion).
4. This book teaches that each generation must experience a fresh revival.
REVIEW QUIZ on Nahum
1. Nahum prophesied the destruction of Ninevah (Assyria).
2. Nahum’s prophecy completes the story begun by the prophet Jonah.
3. Nahum uses vivid imagery (e.g. lion).
4. This book teaches that each generation must experience a fresh revival.