The shrill whistle pierces the air, and all the action on the court abruptly stops. Pointing to the offending player, the referee shouts, “Foul!”
Rules, fouls, and penalties are part of any game and are regulated and enforced vigorously by referees, umpires, judges, and other officials. Every participant knows that boundaries must be set and behavior monitored, or the game will degenerate into chaos. The world also has laws—boundaries and rules for living established by God. But men and women regularly flaunt these regulations, hiding their infractions or overpowering others and declaring that might makes right. God calls this sin—willful disobedience, rebellion against his control, or apathy. And at times it seems as though the violators succeed—no whistles blow, no fouls are called, and individual dictators rule. The truth is, however, that ultimately justice will be served in the world. God will settle all accounts.
Assyria was the most powerful nation on earth. Proud in their self-sufficiency and military might, they plundered, oppressed, and slaughtered their victims. One hundred years earlier, Jonah had preached in the streets of the great city Nineveh; the people had heard God’s message and had turned from their evil. But generations later, evil was again reigning, and the prophet Nahum pronounced judgment on this wicked nation. Nineveh is called a “city of murder” (3:1), a city of cruelty (3:19), and the Assyrians are judged for their pride (2:13), idolatry (1:14), murder, lies, treachery, and social injustice (3:1-19). Nahum predicted that this proud and powerful nation would be utterly destroyed because of its sins. The end came within 50 years.
In this judgment of Assyria and its capital city, Nineveh, God is judging a sinful world. And the message is clear: Disobedience, rebellion, and injustice will not prevail but will be punished severely by a righteous and holy God, who rules overall the earth.
As you read Nahum, sense God’s wrath as he avenges sin and brings about justice. Then decide to live under his guidance and within his rules, commands, and guidelines for life.
Vital Statistics
Purpose: To pronounce God’s judgment on Assyria and to comfort Judah with this truth
Author: Nahum
Original Audience: The people of Nineveh and of Judah (the southern kingdom)
Date Written: Sometime during Nahum’s prophetic ministry (probably between 663 and 612 B.C.)
Setting: This particular prophecy took place after the fall of Thebes in 663 B.C. (see 3:8-10).
Key Verses: “The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him. But he will sweep away his enemies in an overwhelming flood. He will pursue his foes into the darkness of night. Why are you scheming against the Lord? He will destroy you with one blow; he won’t need to strike twice!” (1:7-9).
Key Place: Nineveh
The Blueprint
Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire, is the subject of Nahum’s prophecy. The news of its coming destruction was a relief for Judah, who was subject to Assyrian domination. No longer would Judah be forced to pay tribute as insurance against invasions. Judah was comforted to know that God was still in control. Nineveh is an example to all rulers and nations of the world today. God is sovereign over even those who are seemingly invincible. We can be confident that God’s power and justice will one day conquer all evil.
| MEGATHEMES | ||
| THEME | EXPLANATION | IMPORTANCE |
| God Judges | God would judge the city of Nineveh for its idolatry, arrogance, and oppression. Although Assyria was the leading military power in the world, God would completely destroy this “invincible” nation. God allows no person or power to usurp or scoff at his authority. | Anyone who remains arrogant and resists God’s authority will face his anger. No ruler or nation will get away with rejecting him. No individual will be able to hide from his judgment. Yet those who keep trusting God will be kept safe forever. |
| God Rules | God rules over all the earth, even over those who don’t acknowledge him. God is all-powerful, and no one can thwart his plans. God will overcome any who attempt to defy him. Human power is futile against God. | If you are impressed by or afraid of any weapons, armies, or powerful people, remember that God alone can truly rescue you from fear or oppression. We must place our confidence in God because he alone rules all of history, all the earth, and our life. |
Watch Messages: YouTube-Upwards Church
Source: Life Application Study Bible, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale, 1988), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, 1476-1477.
Upwards Church 
this was such a meaningful and well written post. thank you for a great reminder of the greatness and awesomeness of God. It’s always such a fulfilling read.
Thanks! God bless you
Upwards Church. I like the sound of it. How did that come about?
Thanks Sophia! As God allowed us to minister in multiple locations we needed to change our name from a locational name, “Ridge” (There are neighborhoods and schools with “Ridge” in them in Leander where we started). We loved a name that describes what being a Christ follower and a part of God’s kingdom is all about. We are growing upwards, we look upwards to Christ and live upwards because of God’s Word and when we die we go upwards to heaven!
Quite an interesting perspective. Thanks for letting me know. I shall look forward to being a contributor to your mission and vision by sharing what the Lord has gifted me with which is the Word of God which keeps swelling up on me and is always waiting for an opportunity and an audience. Please do let me know how you would like to use this gift to edify and bless your members and community. Would certainly be happy to share my faith testimony too. let’s consider this through prayer and let the Lord lead us. Will look forward to hear back from you.