Read Nahum 2.
God used the Assyrians to discipline the northern kingdom of Israel. Now,
about a hundred years later, it was Assyria in need of punishment. The
Holy Spirit revealed to the prophet Nahum the sights and sounds of the
Babylonian attack on Nineveh in 612 B.C. about thirty plus years in advance.
The details are amazing, intense, and confirmed by archaeology.
What they did to others will be done to them. They killed and scattered
the northern tribes throughout their empire. The Babylonians will kill
and scatter them. There will be no defense against the attackers.
In verses three and four, even the clothing of the soldiers, their shields, the
chariots, and spears are all described. So swift will be the battle that
the destruction will come upon them like a torrential flood. Indeed, the
diggings around the site show two dams that the Babylonians may have built then
breached, to overwhelm the city.
The once proud empire that referred to itself as a lion in the world, and often
used the symbol of a lion, is mocked in verses ten through twelve.
"Where is the lions' den?" Instead of roaring and
devouring its prey, Nineveh became the hunted. "Hearts melt and
knees tremble; anguish is in all loins."
Babylon could take no credit. God is in control. He is working out
His plans among the nations. See these statements from the LORD to
Nineveh in verse 13.
"I am against you."
"I will burn your chariots..."
"I will cut off your prey from the earth and your messengers shall no
longer be heard."
Where is the hope for God's people?
In verse two, the LORD stated that He is relieving them of the Assyrian
oppression and He promised to one day restore the "majesty of Jacob."
That full restoration has yet to take place. The Millennial Kingdom
and Israel's exaltation will be when Jesus comes again.
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