THE BURDEN OF NAHUM!

THE BURDEN OF NAHUM!

Nah 1:7-9

7 The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.

8 But with an overrunning flood he will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue his enemies.

9 What do ye imagine against the LORD? he will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time.

           The word “burden” is used in verse 1 because the message to Nineveh is heavy and full of trouble. After having repented at the reluctant preaching of Jonah, Nineveh once again lapsed into their old sinful pattern. I find it interesting to see that the name Nahum means “full of comfort” while his message is anything but that. Instead of comfort, he is sent to Nineveh to declare its doom.

           His message is that “affliction shall not rise up the second time.” In other words, it will do no good to put on sack cloth and ashes this second time. Jonah’s message was a call to repentance but Nahum’s is a message of doom because the period of grace was over. It will do no good to afflict yourself this second time.

           Three times in verse 2 Nahum says “the LORD revengeth.” The word translated LORD is Y-H-W-H or, as we pronounce it, JEHOVAH. This is the self existing, never changing, and all powerful God. He is magnificent in His mercy but in His wrath He is overwhelming.

The word “indignation” in verse 6 is the Hebrew word za`am and literally means “to froth at the mouth.” His indignation is justified! He had offered mercy once but now his wrath “will make an utter end” (verse 8). The painted Jesus on velvet is far removed from the picture of the one who comes in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: (2 Thess 1:8)

           The little book of Nahum, only three chapters short, does not end with “and they lived happily ever after!” Nineveh had its Jonah and repented – for a short time – but now it has return to sin and God’s indignation would destroy them. The lesson is plain and clear! Do not trifle with God’s offer of mercy. Do not wander from God’s path of grace because the day of wrath is coming.

Hos 6:1

6:1 Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.

Dear Lord, deliver us from evil that we might enjoy your mercy! Keep us as the apple of your eye. AMEN