Nahum brings the wrath component into the mix.  The wrath and the vengeance – He is making a serious point that the reader cannot afford to ignore.  The people of Ninevah were in for judgement from an avenging God.  Nahum links jealousy and avenging together.  This seems natural in my mind.

Rabbit Trail Coming

Let’s think about this.

Nahum identifies those upon whom wrath will fall.  It is God’s adversaries and God’s enemies.  But Carl, Nahum is pronouncing judgement on the nation of Assyria, that judgement being the impending invasion of the Babylonian army.  The Assyrians are the enemies of God and of Israel.

Of course the Ninevites are the enemy, the adversary.  Why would this lone prophet be sent to this non-Israeli nation, this people group that has no knowledge of God’s holiness, expectations, etc.

Let’s remember that about 150 years earlier, a prophet by the name of Jonah wandered into the city of Ninevah, preaching repentance.  The greatest non Israeli revival in history occurred due to Jonah’s preaching.  God reached out to the nation of Assyria, in the midst of their idolatry and revealed Himself, with the entire city of Ninevah repenting.  

Now, about 150 years later, Nahum is calling down judgement on the people of Ninevah.  Because He is a jealous God.  The Ninevites were going after other god’s after they had begun worshiping the true God!

You may remember in previous posts that I have sought to define the remnant within the nation of Israel, those who had faith in the living God among the general populace of Israel.  (See Daniel 9:24-27 – 8).  Nahum is warning the general populace of the nation of Assyria, but an interesting (disturbing) truth erupts in my mind, and I’m sure in yours.