Nahum 1:1-15

Nahum is a difficult book. It is prophecy against Ninevah, the capital of Assyria and it describes the devastating power of God aimed in judgment upon them. Ninevah fell in 612 BC, when the Assyrian empire fell to Babylon. That sets it apart from most of the prophets, which spoke of the looming destruction of Israel and Judah for being unfaithful to the covenant they had with God. Assyria’s crime was not of breaking the covenant, for they did not have one, but for plotting and acting against the Lord and his people. By the way, this does not mean that God is not also concerned for nations other than Israel. He is! Jonah’s message, roughly 100 years earlier which was also to Ninevah, prompted their repentance, which God accepted. But that time is past for Ninevah and God’s judgment looms over them. Nahum’s audience, instead, is Judah. And as it tells of Assyria’s destruction, it is presented as good news.

That, of course, opens to the door for ethical questions. Should we be celebrating the downfall of another? Should we rejoice in it?

The short answer is no and yes. No, we should not celebrate the downfall of anyone, no matter how bad their crime is. We are called to love our enemies and even to pray for those who persecute us. And that isn’t just a New Testament command. In Ezekiel 33:11 we find that God himself takes no delight in the death of the wicked.

And yet, we should celebrate the downfall of evil. That’s what Assyria represents when we consider Nahum as a picture of the eschatological judgment that God will bring upon his enemies.

This is a celebration of justice. With justice, God’s people are saved. This is why is it is good news! Without justice, there is no salvation. So let’s take a closer look at this justice.