NAHUM & HABAKKUK DAY 1: BACKGROUND OF NAHUM & CHAPTER

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1 NAHUM & HABAKKUK DAY 1: BACKGROUND OF NAHUM & CHAPTER 1 Nahum, meaning comforter or consolation, declares a message against Nineveh that is far from consoling unless you re Judean and hear of the destruction that is to befall the very ones that destroyed you. This is the case regarding the book of Nahum. Little is known about Nahum, other than his hometown was Elkosh. However, where that is located is up for debate. Some believe it may have been renamed Capernaum. Others believe it may have been located north of Nineveh, or along the see of Galilee, or between Gaza and Jerusalem. The fact is we just don t know. Nineveh (today s modern Mosul, Iraq), Assyria s capital city, was a powerhouse and highly protected area. Requiring a 3- day walk to cross the city (Jonah 3:3), it had the Tigris River as a border and city walls that were ft. tall and more than 80 feet deep. Assyria was at a political and economic high, feeling secure behind her walls and confident in her ability to conquer anyone she wished. However, God had a different message for Nineveh and the ruin of this great city was carried out according to God s judgment at the hands of those who Assyria had previously conquered the Babylonians, Medes and Scythians. It is of note that the destruction Nahum describes quite literally took place in 612 B.C. Several historical accounts back up the accuracy of Nahum s prophecy against this powerful city. 1. An overwhelming flood Nahum 1:8 2. Nineveh unprotected due to a fire that consumes your gate bars. Nahum 3:13 3. Nineveh never recovering, for their injury has no healing. Nahum 3:19 4. Remarkable ease of Nineveh s downfall, like fig trees with ripe fruit. Nahum 3:12 After a three month siege, rain fell in such abundance that the waters of the Tigris inundated part of the city and overturned one of its walls for a distance of twenty stades [more than 10,000 feet]. Then the King, convinced that the oracle was accomplished and despairing of any means of escape, to avoid falling alive into the enemy s hands constructed in his palace an immense funeral pyre, placed on it his gold and silver and his royal robes, and then, shutting himself up with his wives and eunuchs in a chamber formed in the midst of the pile, disappeared in the flames. Nineveh opened its gates to the besiegers, but this tardy submission did not save the proud city. It was pillaged and burned, and then razed to the ground so completely as to evidence the implacable hatred enkindled in the minds of subject nations by the fierce and cruel Assyrian government. - - Lenormant and E. Chevallier, The Rise and Fall of Assyria Nineveh was laid waste as ruthlessly and completely as her kings had once ravaged Susa and Babylon; the city was put to the torch, the population was slaughtered or enslaved, and the palace so recently built by Ashurbanipal was sacked and destroyed. At one blow Assyria disappeared from history. Nothing remained of her except certain tactics and weapons of war The Near East remembered her for a while as a merciless unifier of a dozen lesser states; and the Jews recalled Nineveh vengefully as the bloody city, full of lies and robbery. In a little while all but the mightiest of the Great Kings were forgotten, and all their royal palaces were in ruins under the drifting sands. Two hundred years after its capture, Xenophon s Ten Thousand marched over the mounds that had been Nineveh, and never suspected that these were the site of the ancient metropolis that had ruled half the world. Not a stone remained visible of all the temples with which Assyria s pious warriors had sought to beautify their greatest capital. Even Ashur, the everlasting god, was dead. - - Will Durant, Our Oriental Heritage

2 JONAH AND NAHUM COMPARED Two prophets were given the assignment to preach against Nineveh. In response to Jonah s preaching, the city repents and is spared. However, in the following 150 years after Jonah, Nineveh and the Assyrians apparently forgot their past repentance and turned once again to their former ways. Below are some interesting comparisons of the two books: JONAH: Mercy of God 800 B.C. 650 B.C. NAHUM: Judgment of God Emphasis on the prophet only one prophecy in the whole book Disobedient prophet Obedient Nation Deliverance from Water [Jonah rescued by the fish] Repentance of Nineveh Emphasis on the prophecy the only thing we know about the prophet is that he was from Elkosh Obedient prophet Disobedient Nation in only 150 years the nation became so bad that it had to be destroyed. Destruction by water [Flooding river] Rebellion of Nineveh Excerpted from Nahum, Intro, Bible.org THE BOOK OF NAHUM This book reveals much of the character of God! In fact, nearly 20 specific characteristics can be found in the first chapter alone!! I think you ll find several verses and descriptions that are quite familiar to you, but you probably didn t realize that they could be found in this book. The book can be divided into three main sections: 1. The Judge (Chapter 1) 2. The Judgment (Chapter 2) 3. The Justification (Chapter 3) Matthew Henry gives a great summary of Nahum: About a hundred years before, at Jonah s preaching, the Ninevites repented, and were spared, yet, soon after, they became worse than ever. Nineveh knows not that God who contends with her, but is told what a God he is. It is good for all to mix faith with what is here said concerning Him, which speaks great terror to the wicked, and comfort to believers. Let each take his portion from it: let sinners read it and tremble; and let saints read it and triumph. The anger of the Lord is contrasted with his goodness to his people. Perhaps they are obscure and little regarded in the world, but the Lord knows them. The Scripture character of Jehovah agrees not with the views of proud reasoners. CHAPTER 1 As you read chapter 1, please do the following: Mark the words Lord/God/His, Nineveh, I/He will, and Judah. Mark all references and symbols of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. List the I/He will statements. List the characteristics of God you find. Peace Peace, or shalom, means to be complete, perfect, and full. Shalom is so much more than the absence of war and conflict; it is at the core of what mankind seeks. The angels understood at Jesus birth that He alone was to be the great shalom- bringer, as they called out, Glory to God in the highest; and on earth peace, goodwill toward men! (Luke 2:14-17)

3 DAY TWO: CHAPTER 2 To the left is one artist s rendition of Nineveh during its height of power and influence. How hard it must have been for Ninevites to receive Nahum s prophetic message of coming judgment. Nineveh was impenetrable, a fortress, a mighty city within a powerful nation! Today we learn more about how Nineveh will be judged. Though I m giving you room to list the various ways Nineveh will be destroyed, I encourage you to use the margin in your Bible, or a separate sheet of paper, to list the elements and descriptors of Nineveh s destruction. I think you will be surprised at how seriously upset the Lord was with Nineveh, which should be a good reminder to us as to why humility before the Lord is necessary both personally and nationally! As you read through Chapter 2, please do the following: Mark the words Jacob/Israel, I will, Lord, I am against you, Nineveh. You will find it helpful to mark all pronouns for Nineveh and Jacob/Israel as well so you can easier see what is being said to whom. Mark all references, symbols, types, etc. of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. List the I will statements. List the various descriptors of Nineveh s destruction (i.e., stripped, exiled, desolate, etc.) Use the back of this sheet if necessary. Today s Devotional Thought Judah and Israel had suffered years of hardship at the hands of the Assyrians many nations had. But the Lord speaks to Judah and says He intends to judge Nineveh and restore the splendor of Jacob like the splendor of Israel. What comfort that must have brought to God s people, to know that the Lord had not forgotten them. An Assyrian Remnant Following the collapse of the Assyrian empire, it is believed that a remnant of princes, noblemen and warriors took refuge in nearby mountains. It is understood that the magi, or wise men, who visited baby Jesus came from this population of exiled Assyrians. Tradition has it that the wise men, upon return from Bethlehem, proclaimed the amazing things they had seen and heard on their visit to the King of Kings. Christianity was established among some Assyrians, which has survived throughout the centuries and now is estimated to include 100, ,000 Assyrian Christians. When we are under God s discipline, how often do we long for comfort and wonder if God has turned His back on us forever? Or perhaps we ve done nothing wrong, but still must endure the judgment of our people and/or nation, again wondering if God will relent and bring that perfect peace. Take heart! Hebrews 12:1-3 says, Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. That cloud of witnesses includes those who endured judgment for their own sins and the sins of others. And Jesus, who took the judgment for all of us, is faithful to perfect our imperfections and give us an example of how to endure hardship, no matter the cause. We can be encouraged today knowing that the Lord, who disciplines out of love has not forgotten us! One day we will be part of that cloud of witnesses and will tell other heroes of the faith of the Lord s restoration of splendor in our lives. Praise the Lord!!

4 DAY 3: CHAPTER 3 Contained in this chapter is a reference to No- amon, better known as Thebes, located along the Nile River about 350 miles south of Cairo, Egypt. This reference is significant because Thebes was the center of the Egyptian Empire for nearly 1,400 years, until Assyria conquered it in 663 B.C. It was surrounded by waterways and sacred temples, much like Nineveh, and boasted allies like Put (Somaliland) and Lubim (Lybia). The greatness of Thebes was legendary. Nahum mentioned her as a reminder that even the greatest fall. (Spirit- Filled Life Bible, note on Nahum 3:8-9) This mention of No- amon is also important in helping date the book of Nahum, since Nahum had to have written the book sometime after this key event. As you read chapter 3, please do the following: Mark the words Nineveh, I will, Lord, I am against you. Make sure to mark all pronouns and synonyms. Mark all references, symbols and foreshadowing of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. List the I will statements. List Nineveh s sins, or reasons why the Lord is going to judge Nineveh. Describe how Nahum sarcastically belittles Nineveh in verses 3:12-19: o o o o o Fortifications People Dependence on water and clay Military King and civil leaders Today s Devotional Thought It s so easy to look at our adversaries, or enemies, and see them only as evil people. We must remember that God chose to use the Assyrians as discipline against His chosen people for their rebellious ways. Likewise, God also chose when to end that discipline and punish the Assyrians for sins against God against God, not just people. Hebrews 12:5-11: And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, My son, do not make light of the Lord s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son. Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined and everyone undergoes discipline then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Let us remember that GOD is involved in our discipline and judgment, not just the people delivering it!

5 DAY 4: BACKGROUND OF HABAKKUK & CHAPTER 1 Very little is known about Habakkuk and even the meaning of his name is up for debate. Some believe it to mean, to embrace, while others translate it as to wrestle. Both are appropriate for Habakkuk s character as displayed in the book. However, we do know more about the setting in which Habakkuk lived. The Assyrian Empire, a long- time threat to Israel and Judah, was no longer the powerhouse of old. Following the fall of Nineveh in 612 B.C., the Babylonians became the new threat to Judah. Assyria gained support from Pharaoh Neco II of Egypt, which brought Egyptian forces through Judah in 609 B.C., killing Josiah, the king of Judah, when he stood against the army. Why Josiah did this, no one really knows, though it is suspected that he didn t want Assyria to again gain power. Depending on how late one dates the book of Habakkuk, two kings of Judah may have influence: Josiah and Jehoiakim (also known as Eliakim). As you ll see, Josiah was a great reformer for Judah, but Jehoiakim continued evil in the nation. Read 2 Kings 22:1-23:27, making note of the changes Josiah brought to Judah. Read 2 Kings 23:34-24:5, noticing how Jehoiakim s rule is described. It is likely that the wickedness disturbing Habakkuk is referencing Jehoiakim s rule, though Habakkuk himself may have lived under both kings. To properly date the book of Habakkuk, some key events between Judah and Babylon (Chaldeans) need to be considered B.C. Daniel and many nobles taken captive and exiled B.C. Ezekiel taken captive B.C. Jerusalem and temple destroyed Because of this, some date the book between B.C., before any of the Babylonian invasions and during the rule of Josiah. Others date the book B.C., during the rule of Jehoiakim and closer to the later Babylonian invasion. Personally, because of Habakkuk s concern of Judah s wickedness and the level of destruction prophetically spoken, I side with the later dating of Habakkuk, B.C. A couple other things of note regarding the book of Habakkuk: It is the only Old Testament consisting entirely of a dialogue between God and man. Most prophetic books are records of prophets messages to the people. Martin Luther was so affected by Habakkuk 2:4 that it became a cornerstone of his Reformation teaching: The just shall live by faith.

6 DAY 1 (CONTINUED): CHAPTER 1 Habakkuk asks God a question that I think all of us have asked at least once in our life: WHY? Why won t God respond? Why is there wickedness all around? Why must he endure it? Why, why, why?! But God does respond and His answer catches Habakkuk completely off guard. Because this chapter exchanges speakers frequently, I encourage you to pay special attention to who is speaking perhaps even marking in the margin of your Bible to help you keep track. It will also be helpful to mark all pronouns, even pronouns of the Chaldeans so you know what descriptors apply to them. Remember also that the Chaldeans are equivalent to the Babylonians. As you read Chapters 1, please do the following: Distinctively mark the words Habakkuk, Lord, Chaldeans, and wickedness/evil. Again, I highly recommend similarly marking all pronouns to help you sort things out. Mark any references, foreshadowing, or works of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. List what you learn about God and His characteristics. List what you learn about the Chaldeans (Babylonians). What are your thoughts about God s response to use a seemingly more wicked people to discipline Judah? Habakkuk reminds us that the question Why? can, should, and must be asked. His circumstances demanded that he ask God about the apparent reign of unrighteousness around him. Because he believed in God, he believed that God had an answer to his problem. His questions demonstrated the presence of faith, not the lack of it. For an atheist the question Why? has no meaning; for a believer the question Why? finds its ultimate answer in God. - - Spirit- Filled Life Bible Habakkuk: Introduction Today s Devotional Thought Habakkuk is not the only one to ask why the wicked prosper around him. Isn t it encouraging to know that even King David sought God on this irritation and heard from God that the wicked will be punished?! Behold, these are the wicked; and always at ease, they have increased in wealth. Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and washed my hands in innocence; for I have been stricken all day long and chastened every morning. When I pondered to understand this, it was troublesome in my sight until I came into the sanctuary of God; then I perceived their end. Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction. How they are destroyed in a moment! They are utterly swept away by sudden terrors! Like a dream when one awakes, O Lord, when aroused, You will despise their form. - - Psalm 73:12-14, 16-19

7 DAY 5: CHAPTER 2-3 Today we encounter a verse that has great impact. Habakkuk 2:4 is quoted in the New Testament 3 different times as a foundation of Paul s preaching, but also caused a massive change of heart in Martin Luther and became foundational in the Reformation. Chapter 3 is a beautiful prayer of Habakkuk, reflecting the Lord s interaction with His people through time and speaks of salvation through the Anointed One. Where Habakkuk begins the book questioning God, he ends it with complete trust and faith in the One who will bring not only judgment to his people, but everlasting salvation through faith. Read Chapter 2 doing the following: Mark the words Habakkuk/I/my, proud one/haughty man, woe, and Lord. Mark references to Jesus and the Holy Spirit. What do you learn about the proud one or haughty man? List the woes or moral failings of Babylon and what the judgment is for each woe. The Cup and Right Hand In the Old Testament, the cup often symbolized judgment while the right hand indicated power. Jeremiah 15:15-29 describes God s causing the nations to drink from the cup of his wrath. The result of their drinking would be their falling to rise no more because of the sword which the Lord would send against them. Christ picks up this same figure of speech in Matthew 20:22; 26:42. The New American Commentary, Micah The wrath of the Father against the shameful sin of mankind finds a consummate manifestation in the outpouring of God s judgment on his own son. As repulsive as wrath in God may appear to the sophistications of the modern mind, it is a scriptural reality that found awesome expression as the Son of God suffered in the sinner s place, drinking the cup of the fury of God. Robertson, Nahum, Habbakkuk, & Zephaniah Habakkuk 2:4 and Martin Luther - - James Montgomery Boice, The Minor Prophets: An Expositional Commentary In Rome there is a set of 28 white marble steps called the Lateran staircase which, according to tradition once led to the palace of Pilate at Jerusalem and which therefore, have been made sacred by the footsteps of Jesus. Throughout the history of the Catholic Church various indulgences (a forgiveness of sin or remission of punishment granted by the church) have been offered to devout pilgrims who ascend the steps after communion and confession. Many pilgrims ascend the steps on their knees hoping to attain forgiveness of sins. This is what Martin Luther was doing when he remembered Habakkuk 2:4! Luther s son wrote: As he repeated his prayers on the Lateran staircase, the words of the prophet Habakkuk came suddenly to his mind: The just shall live by faith. Thereupon he ceased his prayers, returned to Wittenberg, and took this as the chief foundation of all his doctrine Luther himself said of this text, Before those words broke upon my mind I hated God and was angry with him because not content with frightening us sinners by the law and by the miseries of life, he still further increased our torture by the gospel. But when, by the Spirit of God, I understood those words The just shall live by faith! The just shall live by faith! - - then I felt born again like a new man; I entered through the open doors into the very Paradise of God. (Continued on next page)

8 DAY 5 (CONTINUED): CHAPTER 3 Habakkuk progresses in three chapters from WHY to WORSHIP! As we ve seen, the Lord is not upset with Habakkuk for asking why. But Habakkuk demonstrates that in spite of God s answer of coming wrath for the nation of Judah, he can increase his trust in the Lord and worship the Almighty God who ordains judgment and salvation. We would be wise to pray as Habakkuk prayed, asking one thing of the Lord amidst our praise, worship, and recognition of the Lord s might and sovereignty in wrath remember mercy. Why is this request such a good prayer? Because it encapsulates the fullness of God s character regarding His dealings with His own people and enemies of God!! As you read Chapter 3, please do the following: Mark the words Habakkuk, Lord, and salvation. Be sure to mark all pronouns for each in a similar manner. Mark all references, foreshadowing and symbols of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. List all the things you learn about God in this chapter. Habakkuk 3:18 JOY Joy translates a Hebrew word that contains the suggestion of dancing for joy or leaping for joy. The verb originally meant to spin around with intense motion. This lays to rest the notion that the biblical concept of joy is only a quiet, inner sense of well- being. God dances for joy over Jerusalem and because of His people (Is. 65:19; Zeph. 3:17). The righteous Messiah shall rejoice in God s salvation with an intensity that the psalmist cannot find words to describe (Ps. 21:1). In turn, His redeemed citizens are joyful in their King; they praise Him with dances, with instruments, and with singing (Ps. 149:2-3). Although everything is wrong in Habakkuk s external world, he is leaping for joy over this fellowship with Yahweh. - - Spirit- Filled Life Bible, Truth- in- Action Through Habakkuk Today s Devotional Thought I am so grateful that we are able to see the struggle of Habakkuk s faith in writing! All of us at some point in our lives wonder what God is doing and why He won t answer. Yet we see Habakkuk s tenacity that says, I will wait until I get an answer, even if it means the Lord needs to put me in my proper place! This faithful stubbornness can only come from a true relationship with the Living God! Why else would one wait?? I m also grateful for Habakkuk because we see a real man struggling with God s decision, yet he comes to the point of recognizing that God is sovereign, faithful, and trustworthy even if it means Habakkuk s life will be very hard. God is Habakkuk s strength! This all makes me wonder: What difficulties do I see (or dread) coming my way that would cause my faith to stretch? Am I willing to let my faith be stretched? Or would I rather just pout in God s presence like Jonah? Ask yourself these questions today and take them before the Lord. Lift up to Him, the One who IS mercy amidst wrath, and see what He has to say. Then worship Him as Habakkuk did.

9 DAY 6: NAHUM AND OBADIAH REVIEW It s that time again remember key points and internalize the books! Though these books were short in length, they sure weren t lacking in material, so take advantage of the opportunity to look through them again and prepare for tomorrow s group discussion or personal reflection. NAHUM KEY WORD/PHRASE: KEY CHAPTER & VERSE: JESUS IN THE BOOK: HOLY SPIRIT IN THE BOOK: WHAT DID THE BOOK OF NAHUM TEACH YOU? HABAKKUK KEY WORD/PHRASE: KEY CHAPTER & VERSE: JESUS IN THE BOOK: HOLY SPIRIT IN THE BOOK: WHAT DID THE BOOK OF HABAKKUK TEACH YOU?

10 DAY 7: REFLECTION AND GROUP DISCUSSION If you re part of a group, then the questions below will help you further prepare for your discussion time. For those who are not part of a group, take opportunity to evaluate what you ve learned and spend time in prayer with the Lord. NAHUM A key test of faith for the Christian is when God judges his or her nation. If God is good, a place of safety in distress, and faithful to care for His people, how does this translate for the life of a Christian in physical danger? We learned that peace or shalom does not mean absence of conflict, but rather to be complete, perfect, and full. What areas of your life are lacking true shalom? How can you seek authentic peace? What will that peace look like in your situation? How could the prophecy of Nahum affect you in each of the following areas when you consider people, organizations, or cultural trends that oppose God? Attitude Toward the Future Prayer Life Courage Witnessing HABAKKUK Habakkuk teaches us that we CAN ask the question why? of God. What area(s) of your life are you asking that question today and how has God responded? How does moral corruption around us challenge our resolve to trust God? What can Christians do or you do to keep faith strong and active in a society that tolerates and flaunts immorality? What difficulties do you see coming, or dread, that would stretch and strain your faith in the Lord? Are you willing to let your faith to be stretched?