ArmyAmber / PixabayThe prophets Nahum, Zephaniah & Habakkuk lived in similar times and were given similar messages, but there are considerable differences to their stories. Whether it was a message of judgment and doom or salvation and restoration, a close examination of these prophets reveals a similar thread of thought throughout - the righteousness of God! By looking at each book individually, we can glean a better understanding of the whole of God’s word and God’s purposes throughout history.
NAHUM
Not much is known about Nahum personally. The Bible doe not mention any details concerning Nahum’s call. There are even disputes about where Nahum was from. Some believe he was from the village of “Alkush on the left bank of the Tigris River …show more content…
Both books cover the same topic – the judgment of Nineveh. The book of Jonah ends with Nineveh’s repentance, while the book of Nahum ends with the joy that will arise over Nineveh’s destruction.
Nahum delivered his message of impending doom to the cruel Assyrian invaders, led by the “barbarous Ashurbanipal.” (Freeman, 2005, pg 228) The Assyrians had a history of violence, cruelty, and shameful atrocities against their enemies. It was against such atrocities, that the Lord would avenge His people. “Nineveh was proud in her seeming invulnerability; but the prophet, rebuking Nineveh’s pride, oppression, cruelty and idolatry, proclaims her inevitable destruction forever.” (Freeman, 2005, pg 228) …show more content…
He begins with acknowledging, “O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid…” (Habakkuk 3:2) Habakkuk had inquired of the Lord and waited for Him to answer. Once God responded, Habakkuk was afraid for Israel. He then asks the Lord for mercy…”revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.” (vs. 3:2) He concludes his prayer with these words, “Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. “(Habakkuk
NAHUM
Not much is known about Nahum personally. The Bible doe not mention any details concerning Nahum’s call. There are even disputes about where Nahum was from. Some believe he was from the village of “Alkush on the left bank of the Tigris River …show more content…
Both books cover the same topic – the judgment of Nineveh. The book of Jonah ends with Nineveh’s repentance, while the book of Nahum ends with the joy that will arise over Nineveh’s destruction.
Nahum delivered his message of impending doom to the cruel Assyrian invaders, led by the “barbarous Ashurbanipal.” (Freeman, 2005, pg 228) The Assyrians had a history of violence, cruelty, and shameful atrocities against their enemies. It was against such atrocities, that the Lord would avenge His people. “Nineveh was proud in her seeming invulnerability; but the prophet, rebuking Nineveh’s pride, oppression, cruelty and idolatry, proclaims her inevitable destruction forever.” (Freeman, 2005, pg 228) …show more content…
He begins with acknowledging, “O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid…” (Habakkuk 3:2) Habakkuk had inquired of the Lord and waited for Him to answer. Once God responded, Habakkuk was afraid for Israel. He then asks the Lord for mercy…”revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.” (vs. 3:2) He concludes his prayer with these words, “Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. “(Habakkuk