Powerful Life Lessons from Nahum

Every little book has lessons for our lives. Follow Jesus and follow his word to find the abundant and eternal life he offers.

This short prophetic book reminds us of the character of God. Chapters two and three describe the destruction of God’s enemies, sometimes in rather graphic terms. Another warning is issued to the enemy of God’s people, Ninevah. The description of how God feels about the people who oppress his people reminds us of how much God cares for us.

Lesson One – God’s Wrath

We don’t like to talk about God’s wrath much. We like to be reminded that God is love but God truly hates sin and is uncompromising about how he will deal with it.

The Lord is a jealous and avenging God;

the Lord is avenging and wrathful;

       the Lord takes vengeance on his adversaries

and keeps wrath for his enemies.

  The Lord is slow to anger and great in power,

and the Lord will by no means clear the guilty.

       His way is in whirlwind and storm,

and the clouds are the dust of his feet.

Nahum 1:2–3 (ESV)

God looks out for his people and will execute judgment on his enemies. His wrath is tempered with mercy, however. Remember that Jonah was sent to Ninevah to warn them. The people repented and God spared them while they remained penitent.

Lesson Two – God is Good

When we take refuge in God, we are safe because he is good. He knows who belongs to him. We cannot pretend to belong to him because he knows and he won’t let us get away with pretense. Wrath and good co-exist in God because of his absolute and uncompromising righteousness.

The Lord is good,

a stronghold in the day of trouble;

       he knows those who take refuge in him.

Nahum 1:7 (ESV)

Lesson Three – God Gives Peace to His People

The enemies of God do not and will not prevail. Perfect peace emerges when the enemy is totally destroyed. But even in the midst of trouble we can count on God’s promise and experience the peace and confidence that comes because of his faithfulness.

  Behold, upon the mountains, the feet of him

who brings good news,

who publishes peace!

Keep your feasts, O Judah;

fulfill your vows,

for never again shall the worthless pass through you;

he is utterly cut off.

Nahum 1:15 (ESV)

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