Nahum prophesied of the destruction of Nineveh between 633 and 612 B.C. There is a very unique aspect concerning the prophecy of the destruction of Nineveh that is only found in the prophet Nahum. In the other prophetic books that concern the judgment of a nation, even though the wrath of God is shown, hope of restoration is promised if and when the nation turns from its evil ways (Jeremiah 18:8; Joel 2:12-32; Micah 7:18-20). In Nahum, we find the wrath of God on Nineveh with no hope of restoration. It is certain that Nineveh will be destroyed (Nahum 1:1-2, 12; 2:8, 13; 3:7, 19). To really see the true depth of God’s wrath it is good that one read the whole book. From the first sentence to the last is nothing but God’s wrath and certain destruction of Nineveh. Now, all that is left of Nineveh is a few ruins and some mounds of dirt.
There is a wonderful lesson that we can get from the book of Nahum. Chapter 1:3 says, “Jehovah is slow to anger, and great in power, and will by no means clear the guilty: Jehovah hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.” It is true that God is slow to anger and does not want to harm anyone. However, Nineveh had taken God to the limit and God simply would not have anymore of their wickedness.
This is a very good lesson for us, especially in today’s religious world where many would like to think that God is this sweet, gentle person that would never send anyone to Hell. It is true that God loves us and is slow to anger, but if we choose to disobey Him, He will most certainly punish us for sin (Matthew 25:41; Romans 6:23; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8).
So next time that you are tempted to sin, think about Nineveh and where their wickedness got them. God will not hold back punishment for sin! And if you are not a Christian, become one today so that you will not have to experience the wrath of God throughout all eternity! “And this, knowing the season, that already it is time for you to awake out of sleep: for now is salvation nearer to us than when we first believed. The night is far spent, and the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk becomingly, as in the day; not in reveling and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and jealousy. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof” (Romans 13:11-14).
Kyle Campbell
