Our friends from the Bible Project introduce the book of Nahum this way:
The destruction of the Assyrian empire is an image of how God will confront and bring down all violent human empires. This is about God’s commitment to justice, which is as true today as it was in the time of Nahum. While God will defeat human evil, he does not forget the innocent. He promises to provide a refuge on the day of judgment for anyone who humbles themselves before God.
The book of Nahum is a collection of poems announcing the downfall of some of Israel’s worst oppressors. Referencing Daniel, Exodus, and Isaiah, Nahum shows us that the destruction of Nineveh and Assyria are examples of how God works in history in every age.
For context, click on the link to the Bible Project video and then read the book of Nahum.
https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/nahum/
1. After watching the video, and reading the text what do you learn about God’s character?
2. What does it tell you of the nature of God?
3. How do you see God’s love prevailing?
4. How does the text speak most personally to you?
Nahum is a follow up to the book of Jonah. Jonah tells the story of Nineveh’s repentance. In Nahum we find the Ninevites have fallen back into sin and darkness and are now facing God’s judgement. How do you reconcile the belief and behavior of the Ninevites, and God’s response?
Read and reflect on the words of Nahum in chapter 1.2-6, 2.1-7, 3.1-4, and answer the following questions:
5. One of the central themes of this little book is that God grieves over death, but His goodness and justice compel Him to orchestrate the downfall of oppressive, destructive nations. How do you find this story as another opportunity to humble yourself before God?
6. What specific sin is called out in these chapters?
7. Why does God take sin so seriously?
Read and reflect on the words of Nahum 1.7, and answer the following questions:
8. How are you currently experiencing God’s care?
9. Describe how God is good to you?
10. How has He been refuge in times of trouble? Be specific.
11. How has God used you as His ambassador of care to those around you? How might He desire to use you to be a comfort and refuge to someone in trouble?
Read and reflect on the words of Nahum 1.15, and answer the following questions:
12. How does this passage encourage you? How does it engender love of the God of peace?
13. Consider Isaiah 52.7, and Romans 10.12-15. How do these three passages of Scripture tell the same story? What is the heart of these combined truths?
14. How is Jesus the fulfillment of these prophecies?
15. Jesus “preached good news.” In a world of bad news, how might you be a purveyor of good news? What role does God’s judgement play in the good news?
