The prophetic book of Nahum is essentially a sequel to the book of Jonah. Both focus on the people of Nineveh. Jonas proclaims doom and destruction on them; they have a change of heart (repent); and God relents.
A century or so later, they have forgotten all about that. This time Nahum proclaims doom and destruction; this time there is no change of heart; and history records that they are soon destroyed.
What did they do? Nahum simply pronounces that they are guilty (Nahum 1:3) and later shares some details:
- They plot evil against God [Nahum 1:11]
- They are vile [Nahum 1:14]
- They lie and steal [Nahum 3:1]
- They enslave nations [Nahum 3:4]
The city of Nineveh is given a second chance, but they miss it — and they pay a heavy price.
God is patient (Nahum 1:3), but not patient forever. If he gives us a second change, we’d better take it.
A lifelong student of the Bible, Peter DeHaan, PhD, wrote the 1,000-page website ABibleADay.com to encourage people to explore the Bible. His main blog and many books urge Christians to push past the status quo and reconsider how they practice their faith in every area of their lives.
