BACKGROUND
"The 7th
century BC (700-601 BC) was defined by the peak and sudden, violent collapse of
the Neo-Assyrian Empire, which dominated the Near East before being destroyed ... by 612 BC." - British Museum
NAHUM’S VISION
In his Introduction to Nahum,
Eugene Peterson (The Message) writes:
“The stage of
history is large. Larger-than-life figures appear on this stage from time to
time, swaggering about, brandishing weapons and money, terrorizing and
bullying. ... They often manage to get a significant number of people
watching and even admiring ... [In contrast], God's characteristic way of
working is in quietness...
“Assyria had the
whole world terrorized... Assyria (and its capital, Nineveh) appeared
invincible. A world free of Assyrian domination was unimaginable. Nahum's task
was to make it imaginable...”
NINEVEH (ASSYRIA) FALLS
Writing in the NRSVUE* Study Bible, Peter Dubovský explains
the situation:
“The true nature
of Assyria, stripped of the veil of propaganda, is revealed, and Assyria ends
up humiliated and destroyed. Assyria collapses, while the whole world rejoices.
“Nahum reverses
Assyrian propaganda…”
Assyria – the aggressor-enemy – is punished, and Judah is liberated.
Dubovský explains that the symbols of power, like chariots
(Nahum2:13, 3:2), swords (3:3), and lions (2:11-13) were used as propaganda, carved
in clay and stone. Today, we would see that on our television screens or posted
on the Internet). Nahum calls out these boasting subterfuges.
IMAGES
Nahum gives us a sense of God’s mighty power. In
particular, I like the images which relate to water (NRSVUE) —
1:4 He rebukes
the sea and makes it dry, and he dries up all the rivers…
1:7-8 The Lord is
good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he protects those who take refuge in
him, even in a rushing flood…
2:6 The river
gates are opened; the palace trembles.
WHAT GETS DESTROYED?
We learn in Christian Science and that sin punishes itself.
Mary Baker Eddy writes:
“This is a period
of doubt, inquiry, speculation, selfishness; of divided interests, marvellous
good, and mysterious evil. But sin can only work out its own destruction; and
reform does and must push on the growth of mankind.” (Miscellaneous
Writings 1883-1896, 237:19)
Nahum was a reformer. His writing enabled a new vision. We can catch that vision too.
Julie Swannell*New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
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