Nineveh Like a Pool of Water Nahum 2:8

Nahum the prophet continued to describe how the city of Nineveh would be destroyed by the Babylonian kingdom. In chapter two and verse eight of his prophesy, Nahum shared how Nineveh was to be “like a pool of water” and they would “stand” crying, “but none shall look back”. We read:

But Nineveh is of old like a pool of water: yet they shall flee away.

Stand, stand, shall they cry; but none shall look back.

The verse begins, “But Nineveh is of old like a pool of water: yet they shall flee away.” Nahum began with the word, “But” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just stated, “Nineveh” which means “abode on Ninus” and refers to “capital of the ancient kingdom of Assyria; located on the east bank of the Tigris river, 550 miles (880 km) from its mouth and 250 miles (400 km) north of Babylon” “is of old” or “of the day, time or year” “like a pool” which means “a pond or reservoir at which camels kneels as a resting place” “of water” which refers literally to “water as we know” and figuratively “juice, urine, semen or wasting water”: “yet they shall flee away” or “escape, depart, disappear and fly to the attack on horseback”. Though the city of Nineveh was previously known as a “refreshment and resting place”, the people within the city would “escape and depart” from it.

The verse goes on to say, “Stand, stand, shall they cry; but none shall look back.” Nahum continued, “Stand, stand” which is stated twice for emphasis and means “remain, endure and take one's stand or hold one's ground, be erect and upright”, “shall they cry but none shall look back” which is all one Hebrew word “panah” which means “turned toward or from and away”. Though there will be those who will attempt to make a “stand” and convince others to do so against their enemies, none of the people within the city of Nineveh will oblige.

When we consider these words of Nahum, we see how Nineveh was a place of refreshment and rest, but when the enemy of the LORD invades them, no one will make a “stand” to stay. This warns us against the days ahead. There are people in the world who reject God's offering of a substitution for their sins through His Son Jesus, and they will face the “wrath” of God of which none shall escape. The time to make a “stand” is now, and though they see their current conditions like a “pool of water” and refreshment, they must “stand” in alignment with the LORD's provision of Salvation through His Son Jesus Christ before it is too late.

Next time Nahum writes how the enemy will “take the spoil of silver and gold”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Huzzub Led Away Nahum 2:7

As Nahum continued to share how the conquering armies of Babylon would overtake the city of Nineveh, he shared how “the gates of the rivers shall be opened, and the palace shall be dissolved”. In chapter two and verse seven of his prophesy, Nahum shared how “Huzzub” would be “led away” where we read:

And Huzzab shall be led away captive, she shall be brought up,

and her maids shall lead her as with the voice of doves, tabering upon their breasts.

The verse begins, “And Huzzab shall be led away captive, she shall be brought up,...” Nahum began with the words, “And Huzzub” which means “to stand upright, establish, station oneself, fix and establish” and referred to “the queen of Nineveh” “shall be led away captive” or “be uncovered, removed, departed and gone into exile”, “she shall be brought up” which means “go up, ascend, climb and spring up”. Those who thought themselves to be “established and fixed in their stations” would “spring up and ascend”. Even the queen of Nineveh who “stood by the king” would be “led” out and ascend out of the city.

The verse goes on to say, “and her maids shall lead her as with the voice of doves, tabering upon their breasts.” Nahum continued, “and her maids” which refers to “female slaves or concubines” “shall lead” or “drive, guide and conduct” “her as with the voice” or “sound, noise, lightness and frivolity” “of doves” which refers to “pigeons”, “tabering” which means “to play or sound the timbrel or beat upon” “upon their breasts” or “inner man, minds, wills, hearts, souls and understanding”. The queen's “handmaids” would be beating upon their “breasts” like one would be upon a tambourine as they were force to travel to Babylon.

When we meditate upon these words of Nahum, we understand not even royalty would be exempt from the destruction that was to come. The “handmaids” who served the “queen” would be forced to leave their positions and be “led” in anguish to Babylon. Let us remember, the LORD is faithful to His promises, and when He tells of pending judgment, no position, establishment or station will be exempt. Jesus Christ came into the world to save everyone who will humble themselves and repent from their sins. He died for those sins and was raised from the dead that all who believe can be saved from “destruction” to come. Let all who read these words take heed, and remember, no one, regardless of their station in life, will be exempt from God's judgment if they refuse His Son Jesus.

Next time Nahum writes how “Nineveh” will “cry; but none shall look back”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Gates and the Palace Nahum 2:6

Nahum the prophet continued to describe the chariots, attire and armor of the Babylonian invaders who were to be used by the LORD to bring judgment upon the city of Nineveh. He declared how even “their worthies” or “royalty” would “stumble in their walk”, and even though they “make haste” to their protective walls, they would not be able to prevent God's destruction. In chapter two and verse six of his prophesy, Nahum shared concerning the “gates of the rivers” and “the palace” where we read:

The gates of the rivers shall be opened, and the palace shall be dissolved.

The verse begins, “The gates of the rivers shall be opened,...” Nahum began with the words, “The gates” or “place of entry, an opening, door or port” “of the rivers” which means “underground streams” “shall be opened” or “let loose, freed and thrown open”. In addition to their attack, the underground “rivers” within the city of Nineveh would be let loose and freed.

The verse continues, “...and the palace shall be dissolved.” Nahum added, “and the palace” or “temple, nave and sanctuary” “shall be dissolved” which means “melted, fainted, dissolved and dissipated”. In addition to the “rivers” being “opened”, the “temple” of worship and sanctuary of the city would be “dissipated” as well.

When we think through these words of Nahum, we can only imagine the devastation which the invading army of Babylon would cause. The source of water for the city of Nineveh was to be “freed”, and the worship center and seat of government was to be destroyed. There was no place exempt from God's awesome power. O' how we should relate this to our stand before God Almighty and His judgment upon mankind one day. Those who put their trust and faith in Jesus Christ will never know this sort of judgment, but woe be to those who reject His provision of Salvation. Their provision of life will be “thrown open”, and their places or positions of worship shall be “dissolved”.

Next time Nahum writes how “Huzzub shall be led away captive”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

God and the Worthies Nahum 2:5

Nahum the prophet was commissioned to alert the city of Nineveh concerning their pending judgment. The Ninevites were used by the LORD to judge both Israel and Jacob, and the conquering armies of Babylon who were clad with “red shields” and “scarlet” clothing with “flaming raging chariots” would be rushing through their streets in destruction. In chapter two and verse five of his prophesy, Nahum shared how the LORD “shall recount his worthies” where we read:

He shall recount his worthies: they shall stumble in their walk;

they shall make haste to the wall thereof, and the defense shall be prepared.

The verse begins, “He shall recount his worthies: they shall stumble in their walk;” Nahum began with the words, “He shall recount” or “remember, recall and call to mind” “his worthies” which refers to “great and majestic ones who were nobles, chieftains and servants”: “they shall stumble” or “stagger, totter, be feeble, made weak and overthrown” “in their walk” which means “in their going, traveling, marching and caravans”. The LORD through the Babylonians would “remember” the “nobles and chieftains” among the city of Nineveh in His destruction.

The verse goes on to say, “they shall make haste to the wall thereof, and the defense shall be prepared.” Nahum continued, “they shall make haste” or “be hurried, anxious, precipitate and impetuous” “to the wall thereof” which refers to “a wall of protection”, “and the defense” or “hedge, fence, screen, overshadow and cover” “shall be prepared” which means “made firm, stable and established”. When the attack of the Babylonians would take place, the people within the city of Nineveh would rush to the protective walls of the city where they would prepare to defend against them.

When we consider these words of Nahum, we see the futility of the Ninevites to defend against the Babylonian judgment of God. Though they are “noble”, they would not stop the opposing army, and though they run to their “walled” defenses, they would not be able to stop the enemy. The time for repentance had passed, and judgment was now upon them. This will be the same for those who remain in opposition to Jesus Christ and His Salvation plan. There will be a day where neither position or protection will serve to keep them from the judgment of God. The time for humbling ourselves is well before the day of judgment, and those who are wise will turn to Jesus before there is no where to run.

Next time Nahum writes how “the gates of the rivers shall be open”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Chariots Raging and Justling with Torches Nahum 2:4

As Nahum continued to describe the judgment that was to fall upon the people of Nineveh, he reported how the warriors were dressed in “scarlet” and wore “shields” of red. They also drove “chariots with flaming torches” and in the “day of their preparation” they would be so “fierce” they would “shake” the “fir trees”. In chapter two and verse four of his prophesy, Nahum continued his description of the “chariots” as they were “raging and justle with torches” where we read:

The chariots shall rage in the streets, they shall justle one against another in the broad ways:

they shall seem like torches, they shall run like the lightnings.

The verse begins, “The chariots shall rage in the streets, they shall justle one against another in the broad ways:” Nahum began with the words, “The chariots” which refers to “carriages and horse drawn vehicles or rigs which transported warriors in battle” “shall rage” or “shine, flash forth life, praise, be boastful” “in the streets” which means “outside, outward, separate by a wall, outdoors, abroad, in the field or highway”, “they shall justle one against another” which is all one Hebrew word “shaqaq” and means “to run about or to and fro, rushing back and forth, be eager, greedy or thirsty, ranging, longing ” “in the broad ways” or “open places or plazas”. The war “carriages” will “rage and rush” through the streets of Nineveh when Nebuchadnezzar and His army invades it.

The verse continues, “they shall seem like torches, they shall run like the lightnings.” Nahum added, “they shall seem” or “in sight, appearance, vision, phenomenon and what is seen” “like torches” which refers to “shining flambeau, lamps or flames”, “they shall run” or “dart, move quickly, hurry, drive and run away” “like the lightnings” which means “lightning flashes or flashing, bright and glittering arrow-heads”. The speed of the “chariots” rushing through the city of Nineveh would be so quick they would seem like lightning-flashes “glittering” in rampant pace.

When we think through these words of Nahum, we see the awesomeness of this instrument of God's wrath. The “chariots” or “war vehicles” of the Babylonians would be so fierce and fast, the people within Nineveh would not be able to fend them off. This reminds us of the power and strength of the LORD Jesus as He shared in the gospel of Matthew chapter twenty-four and verse twenty-seven, “For as the lightning comes out of the east, and shines even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Those who read these words should take heed. The LORD Jesus allows us an occasion to humble ourselves and repent before the time of His judgment comes, but alas, if they reject Him, His “chariots” will be swift and thorough.

Next time Nahum writes how God shall “recount his worthies”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Mighty and Valiant Men and Chariots Nahum 2:3

The city of Nineveh was to be put under siege after they were used by the LORD to judge Israel. Nahum the prophet shared how “the LORD turned away the excellency of Jacob, as the excellency of Israel” and referred to the manner the “emptiers have emptied them out , and marred their vine branches”. In chapter two and verse three of his prophesy, Nahum wrote about the “mighty valiant men” and their “chariots” where we read:

The shield of his mighty men is made red, the valiant men are in scarlet: the chariots shall be with flaming torches in the day of his preparation, and the fir trees shall be terribly shaken.

The verse begins, “The shield of his mighty men is made red, the valiant men are in scarlet:” Nahum began with the words, “The shield” or “the buckler which was worn on the forearm to fend off blows” “of his mighty men” which refers to “the strong and brave champions or chiefs who are giants and valiant” “is made red” or “flush, glowing red and rosy as to show blood and made ruddy”, “the valiant men” which means “mighty, efficient, wealthy and forceful men” “are in scarlet” or “clad in crimson”. The warriors from the army of Nebuchadnezzar were clad with red colored shields and garments of “scarlet” both to bring intimidation and to disguise any blows revealing blood from their foes.

The verse goes on to say, “the chariots shall be with flaming torches in the day of his preparation, and the fir trees shall be terribly shaken.” Nahum continued, “the chariots” or “carriages and horse drawn vehicles or rigs which transported warriors in battle” “shall be with flaming torches” which means “fiery and burning steel and iron” “in the day” or “time period” “of his preparation” which refers to “firm, stable, established, steadfast and secure”, “and the fir trees” or “cypress, juniper and pine trees” “shall be terribly shaken” which means “made to quiver, shake and reel ”. In addition to their outer scarlet colored garments and red shields, the “chariots” upon which they rode were fiercely made ready in preparation for war which resulted in shaking the “trees” as they furiously rode.

When we meditate upon these words of Nahum, we understand more about the equipment of the armies of Nebuchadnezzar. God would used the Babylonians to destroy the Assyrian city of Nineveh, and the “red” and “scarlet” colors would intimidate their opponents and hide their wounds. This speaks once again to the awesome power of God Almighty against those who oppose Him and His people. Can we even imagine His resources against those who contend with His Son Jesus? O' that men and women would realize the time for making peace with God through Jesus His Son is now, and woe be to them if they remain in opposition to Him.

Next time we see Nahum write more concerning “the chariots”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Excellency of Jacob and Israel Nahum 2:2

Nahum pronounced great judgment that would come upon the people of Nineveh because they turned their backs on the LORD. He shared how they should be aware of Him that “dashes in pieces is come up before” their face, and he charged them to “keep the munition, watch the way, make” their “loins strong and fortify” their “power mightily”. In chapter two and verse two of his prophesy, Nahum shared concerning “the excellency of Jacob and Israel” where we read:

For the LORD has turned away the excellency of Jacob, as the excellency of Israel: for the emptiers have emptied them out, and marred their vine branches.

The verse begins, “For the LORD has turned away the excellency of Jacob, as the excellency of Israel:” Nahum began with the words, “For the LORD” which refers to “Yehovah or Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the one true God” “has turned away” or “returned, gone back, refreshed and restored” “the excellency” which means “the exaltation, majesty and pride” “of Jacob” whose name means “heel catcher or supplanter” and refers to “the son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, and father of the twelve patriarchs of the tribes of Israel ”, “as the excellency” or “the exaltation, majesty and pride” “of Israel” whose name means “God prevails or governed by God” and refers to “the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel and the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob ”.

The verse goes on to say, “for the emptiers have emptied them out, and marred their vine branches.” Nahum continued, “for the emptiers” or “ones who lay out, make void and devastate” “have emptied” which means “laid out, made void and devastated” “them out” which refers to “those who opposed Jacob and Israel”, “and marred” or “destroyed, corrupted, ruined, spoiled, decayed and spoiled” “their vine branches” which refers to “the vine, twigs, shoots and branches of the vine bushes”.

When we meditate upon these words of Nahum, we see how the LORD vindicates whose who turn their hearts and lives toward Him. Jacob and Israel were chastised by the LORD for their apostasy, and He used Nineveh and the Assyrians to do so. Now it was time for Assyria and it's capital city, Nineveh, to pay their price for their insolence. The LORD would recognize once again the “excellency” of Jacob and Israel, and He would come to their aid. So it is with those who put their trust and faith in Jesus Christ. He will vindicate them in the end, and although they may see defeated now, the Messiah Jesus will justify and defend them at the great judgment day.

Next time we see Nahum write about “the shield of his mighty men”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

He that Dashes in Pieces Nahum 2:1

As Nahum concluded the last section of his prophesy, he proclaimed, “Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that brings good tidings, that publishes peace!” He charged “Judah” to “keep” their “solemn feasts, perform” their “vows” because “the wicked shall no more pass through” them and “he is utterly cut off.” In chapter two and verse one of his prophesy, Nahum continued to declare the judgment that was to come upon the city of Nineveh as he shared about Him “that dashes in pieces” where we read:

He that dashes in pieces is come up before your face: keep the munition,

watch the way, make your loins strong, fortify your power mightily.

The verse begins, “He that dashes in pieces is come up before your face:” Nahum began with the words, “He that dashes in pieces” which is all one Hebrew word “puwts” and means “scatters, disperses, overflows and spreads abroad” “is come up” or “ascended, climbed above, grown and shot forth” “before your face” which refers to “in front of, beforetime, forward and formerly”. Nahum declared how their opponents, Assyria by the Babylonian and Mede confederacy led by Nebuchadnezzar, would siege them.

The verse continues, “keep the munition, watch the way, make thy loins strong, fortify your power mightily.” Nahum added, “keep the munition” which means “siege-works, stronghold and rampart”, “watch the way” or “look out or about, observe and spy closely the road, distance, journey and manner”, “make your loins” or “hips, side, waist or small of the back” “strong” which means “prevailing, hardened, courageous, made firm and resolute”, “fortify” or “make alert, courageous, brave, stout, bold, solid and hard” “your power mightily” which means “strength and might which is exceeding and much”. Nineveh was to fortify their “towers and magazines”, set guards upon all the avenues of the city, encourage their soldiers and animate themselves for battle.

When we think through these words of Nahum, we see the fierceness of God's agents of judgment against Nineveh. The Babylonians were known to “dash in pieces” their enemies, and since Nineveh was in their path, the charge given by Nahum was to prepare for battle. When we consider that Jesus Christ is loving, gracious, merciful and willing to forgive and cleanse, we should keep in mind that He will judge those who reject His offering. His “dashing” will be thorough, and those who are in His path should take heed and prepare with humility and repentance before they personally encounter the one who will “come up before” their “face”.

Next time we see Nahum write about “the excellency of Judah and Israel”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Feet of Him that Brings Good Tidings Nahum 1:15

As Nahum the prophet continued to share about the destruction that was to come upon the city of Nineveh, he wrote how the LORD would “break his yoke” and “burst your bonds in sunder” which were put upon the people of Israel. In chapter one and verse fifteen of his prophesy, Nahum shared concerning the “feet of him that brings good tidings” where we read:

Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that brings good tidings, that publishes peace! O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off.

The verse begins, “Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that brings good tidings, that publishes peace!” Nahum began with the word, “Behold upon the mountains” which means “looking intently at the hill country or range of hills” “the feet” or “the lower leg, great toe or step in walking” “of him that brings good tidings” which is all one Hebrew word “basar” and means “brings good news, bears tidings, publishes, preaches and shows forth”, “that publishes” or “hears, listens to and obeys” “peace” which means “completeness, soundness, welfare, safety, health and prosperity”. Nahum desired for all to take notice of the one who “brings good tidings” and “hears, listens to and obeys” the ways of “soundness, safety and prosperity”.

The verse goes on to say, “O Judah, keep your solemn feasts, perform your vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through you; he is utterly cut off.” Nahum added, “O Judah” whose name means “praised” and refers to “the kingdom comprised of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin which occupied the southern part of Canaan after the nation split upon the death of Solomon”, “keep your solemn feasts” or “to hold a festival, pilgrimage, festive gathering and pilgrim-feast or sacrifice ”, “perform your vows” which means “be in a covenant of completeness, safety, restoration and compensation”: “for the wicked” or “the worthless, good for nothing, unprofitable, base and destruction” “shall no more” which means “add, increase, do again, increase and join oneself to” “pass through you” or “alienate, carry, take away, march and cross over”; “he is utterly cut off” which means “totally cut off, eliminated, killed, hewn down and beheaded”. As Nahum closed his first chapter concerning Nineveh, he appealed to “Judah” to continue in the “festivals, pilgrimages and sacrifices” and “keep their covenants” because those who were “unprofitable and good for nothing” would be “totally eliminated” and never “carry” them away again.

When we think through these words of Nahum, we see the praise extended to those who declare the “good news” of “peace”, and we see the LORD's hope-filled beckoning because “Judah” would no longer contend with those who “wickedly” dealt with them. There is a day when judgment shall fall upon those who are in opposition to Jesus Christ, and lest they know the full meaning of being “cut-off” by Him, let all who read these words take heed, humble themselves, bow in submission to Jesus and turn from their wicked ways before it is too late to do so.

Next time we begin a new chapter and see Nahum write about “He that dashes in pieces”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The LORD's Commandment Concerning Nineveh Nahum 1:14

Nahum proclaimed the LORD said, “though they be quiet, and likewise many, yet thus shall they be cut down, when he shall pass through” as he referred to the city of Nineveh, and He added, “though” he had “afflicted” them, He would “afflict” them “no more”. In chapter one and verse fourteen of his prophesy, Nahum shared concerning the LORD's “commandment concerning” Nineveh where we read:

And the LORD has given a commandment concerning you, that no more of your name be sown: out of the house of your gods will I cut off the graven image and the molten image: I will make your grave; for you are vile.

The verse begins, “And the LORD has given a commandment concerning you, that no more of your name be sown:” Nahum began with the words, “And the LORD” who is “Yehovah or Jehovah the existing One and the proper name for the one true God” “has given a commandment” which means “a charge, appointment, commission and ordination” “concerning you” which refers to “the city of Nineveh”, “that no more of your name” which means “reputation, fame, glory and memorial” “be sown” or “scattered, producing and yielding seed”. The LORD was so adamant and thorough about destroying Nineveh, that they were never going to “reproduce” again, and their offspring would be no more.

The verse continues, “out of the house of your gods will I cut off the graven image and the molten image: I will make your grave; for you are vile.” Nahum added, “out of the house” or “dwelling places, shelters, habitations and abodes” “of your gods” which means “rulers, judges, angels and gods in the ordinary sense” “will I cut off” or “God will cut down, eliminate, kill and hew down” “the graven image” which refers to “idol or carved images” “and the molten image” or “poured, libation, melted, covering, veiled and woven stuff”: “I will make” which means “put, place, set, appoint and direct” “your grave” or “sepulcher and tomb”; “for you” which refers to “the wicked people of Nineveh” “are vile” which means “slight, trifling, of little account, abated, despicable and cursed”. Not only would the LORD end the proliferation of the “wicked” Ninevites, but he would also remove and destroy their “man-made gods” and their “houses of worship” as He prepared their “tombs” for them.

When we think through these words of Nahum, we notice the fierceness of our God. When God comes against His foes, none can stand against Him, and although the people within the city of Nineveh had once repented of their sins, they were now “vile” and worshiped “other gods”. This caused their demise. Those who reject Jesus Christ put themselves in a similar position eternally. Jesus Christ came to “save sinners”, and if people reject Him as their LORD and Savior, they have nothing other than God's wrath to bear. Let us be inspired and motivated by these words of Nahum, and may we share the “gospel” of Jesus Christ with as many as possible who are under this fate of destruction...before it is too late.

Next time Nahum shares about “the feet of him that brings good tidings”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Breaking Yokes and Bursting Bonds Nahum 1:13

As Nahum continued to share about God's judgment of Nineveh, he declared how the LORD would continued affliction against the people no more. This can mean that Nineveh will not exist to be afflicted or it can mean that Israel whom they have “afflicted” will never face their “affliction” again. In chapter one and verse thirteen of his prophesy, Nahum shares how the LORD will “break” the “yokes” and “burst” the “bonds” from those who were oppressed. We read:

For now will I break his yoke from off you, and will burst your bonds in sunder.

The verse begins, “For now will I break his yoke from off you,...” Nahum began with the words, “For now will I break” which is one Hebrew word “shabar” and means “rend violently, wreck, crush and quench” “his yoke” which refers to “shaking, wavering, pole, tottering and pole bar” “from off you” or “to pull, tear or draw off, away or apart”. The LORD would easily and “violently crush and wreck” any “yoke” that was put upon His people.

The verse continues, “...and will burst your bonds in sunder.” Nahum added, “and will burst” which means “to pull, tear or draw off, away or apart” “your bonds” or “bands, restraints, halters and chastisement” “in sunder” which means “to pull, tear or draw off, away or apart”. Not only would the LORD deliver His people from their “yokes”, but He would also “tear apart” any restrictions that were put upon them.

When we meditate upon these words of Nahum, we see once again the power and grace of the LORD. God easily alters any “bondages” that come against His people, and He is able to “burst” bindings and “restraints” that are put upon them. Jesus Christ came into the world to release people from the “yokes” and “bonds” that are put them. Jesus said, “Come unto me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) Let all who read these words allow the LORD Jesus to “break” every “yoke” and “burst” every “bond” they bear.

Next time Nahum shares how the LORD will “cut off the graven image and the molten image”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Affliction No More Nahum 1:12

Nahum the prophet declared the destruction that was pending for the city of Nineveh, and although the LORD's judgment was to come upon them, there came “out of” them, “that imagines evil against the LORD”. Nahum called him “a wicked counselor”, and in chapter one and verse twelve of his prophesy, Nahum shares how there will be “affliction no more” where we read:

Thus says the LORD; Though they be quiet, and likewise many, yet thus shall they be cut down, when he shall pass through. Though I have afflicted you, I will afflict you no more.

The verse begins, “Thus says the LORD; Though they be quiet, and likewise many, yet thus shall they be cut down,...” Nahum began with the words, “Thus says” or “utters, speaks and declares” “the LORD” which refers to “Yehovah or Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the one true God”; “Though they” which refers to “the people within the city of Nineveh” “be quiet” or “complete, safe, peaceful, perfect, whole, full and at peace”, “and likewise many” which means “much, abounding, numerous and greatly enough”, “yet thus shall they be cut down” which is all one Hebrew word and means “to shear, mow and be destroyed”. Even though the people of Nineveh were to act as though they were completely at peace, they were destined to be “destroyed” by the LORD.

The verse goes on to say, “...when he shall pass through. Though I have afflicted you, I will afflict you no more.” Nahum added, “when he shall pass through” which refers to “the LORD bringing, alienating, carrying, doing away with and crossing over”. “Though I have afflicted you” which means “be occupied with, busied with, bowed down, depressed, downcast and stooped”, “I will afflict you no more” which means “never again be occupied with, busied with, bowed down, depressed, downcast and stooped”. When the LORD brings His judgment upon the people of Nineveh, it will be so complete that He will never have to bring it again.

When we consider these words of Nahum, we realize the extent of the LORD's pending judgment for the city of Nineveh. Even if the people were to cease from the wickedness, they were still to be annihilated. Jesus Christ gives every living person who hears the gospel the opportunity to receive Him as LORD and Savior, and if they do, they shall escape the pending judgment that awaits them after death. However, if those who are exposed to the “good news” of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection for their sins reject it continually, they will not be able to avoid the wrath of God. May we see the example of the city of Nineveh as a warning for all who read, and let us turn to the LORD Jesus before there will be “affliction no more”.

Next time Nahum shares about “breaking yokes and bursting bonds”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.