As Nahum the
prophet presented particulars concerning the defeat of the city of
Nineveh, he included how their “strong holds shall be like fig
trees with the first-ripe figs” and if they are “shaken,
they shall even fall into the mouth of the eater”. In chapter
three and verse thirteen of his prophesy, Nahum shared concerning
“women, gates and bars” within the city of Nineveh where
we read:
Behold,
your people in the midst of you are
women:
the gates
of your land shall be set wide open unto your enemies: the fire shall
devour your bars.
The
verse begins, “Behold, your people in the
midst of you are
women:” Nahum began with the word, “Behold
your people” which refers to “looking
intently into the members of your nation, your compatriots, kinsmen
and kindred” “in the midst”
or “who are among you, in the middle of and in the inward part”
“of you” which
refers to “the people of Nineveh” “are
women” which means “females and wives”.
Nahum's idea was the “soldiers” within the city of Nineveh would
not be able to fight.
The
verse goes on to say, “the gates of your land shall be set wide
open unto your enemies: the fire shall devour your bars.” Nahum
added, “the gates” or “entry places, marketplaces and
public meeting places” “of your land” which refers to
“their country, territory, district or region” “shall be set
wide open” or “loosened, freed and unstopped” “unto
your enemies” which refers to “Nineveh's foes and
adversaries”: “the fire” or “flames and burning”
“shall devour” which means “eat, burn up, slay and
consume” “your bars” or “fortresses, city gates and
crossbeams”. Though the city of Nineveh was secured by “fortresses
and gates”, they would be “unstopped” and useless
against their foes.
When
we meditate upon these words of Nahum, we realize the emptiness of
man-made securities against the Almighty God. The LORD employed the
Babylonian army to bring His wrath upon the city of Nineveh, and
their measures of defense were as nothing before Him. Can we imagine
those who think their “gates and bars” will have any
affect with the judgment that will ensue for those who reject Jesus
Christ His Son as their Savior and LORD? God Almighty desires for
everyone to give their lives to Him. Salvation is at hand, and there
is no better time to lay down the “fight” than right now. Yield
to Him today.
Next
time Nahum shares about “waters,
strong holds, clay, mortar and brickklin”,
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.
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