Nahum 3
Nah 3:1
Nah 3: "Nineveh is doomed! So came the voice of the second
prophet who was required to set his face against the northern oppressor. About
250 years earlier, Jonah was sent with a message of repentance, and was received
by the people of this Gentile city in gratitude. The judgment of Yahweh waited
in the days of Jonah, but was unleashed in those of Nahum. Nineveh had
deteriorated in morality, and had returned to its former wickedness. Its history
was stained with blood, and it became the focus of divine judgment. The voice of
Nahum (whose name means 'Consolation' or 'Comfort' and is found in the name of
Capernaum), reflected the abhorrence of Yahweh. He spoke of (1) The cause of the
overthrow: vv 1-5. (2) The lesson of the overthrow: vv 6-13. (3) The certainty
of the overthrow: vv 14-19.
"Nineveh represents the world of today, which captures and
destroys the spirit of the Truth for those who involve themselves in
worldliness. The prophet ironically bids the Ninevites to prepare for a long
siege, and to anticipate their destruction. The prophecy is most appropriate for
today, as we live on the eve of the ultimate judgment of God. Nahum joins with
Jonah to represent the two advents of Christ: the first to reveal the ministry
of reconciliation; the second advent to bring judgment against an evil world"
(GEM).
Nah 3:10
ALL HER GREAT MEN WERE PUT IN CHAINS: It was the
practice of the victorious invader to chain the captives together, so as to
transport them away to their places of slavery (cp Eze 7:23).
Nah 3:17
Locusts move sluggishly or not at all in cold weather, but in
warm sunshine they hurry briskly (LB 418).