Our Strength in the Day of Wrath

by Neil Richey

From The Reminder, October 23, 2011

In approximately 661-612 B.C., Nahum was prophesying at the height of Assyrian power. Within the boundaries of this great nation stood a powerful city called Nineveh. Sadly, in the book written by the prophet Nahum, we discover that Nineveh has forgotten its penitence of 200 years earlier at the preaching of Jonah (3:4-10). Those of this city have returned to their habits of violence, idolatry, and arrogance.

It is Nahum's job, as God's preacher and prophet to proclaim the downfall of this great Assyrian city. God would use Babylon to destroy this city so that no trace of it would remain- "a prophecy fulfilled in painful detail." In this tragic story, the careful Bible student will learn at least two things about the nature of God.

In the opening lines of this book we observe that God is full of wrath. He is a God of vengeance (1: 1-3a). No one can stand in the fierceness of His anger (1:3b-6). Nineveh was facing the wrath of God because of their idolatry and vileness. God's judgment (punishment) will always come upon the disobedient. Nineveh was utterly destroyed (1:9).

What about today? How does God show his wrath in the time in which we live? Is it possible that God will utterly destroy a nation, which is full of idolatry? These are certainly thought provoking questions, and worthy of in depth discussion. Let us simply observe that God's providence is at work today just as it was 3,000 years ago. He can use the "higher powers" to bring about His judgment (Rom. 13:1-7). This should serve as a reminder to all the world that we should live for God, test His judgment come upon an "idolatrous people."

Likewise in this first chapter, we learn that God is full of mercy. Within the borders of the Assyrian empire was the territory of Judah. God promised that Judah would be delivered from the affliction brought on by the Ninevites (1:12-13). He said that there will be "good tidings" in Judah (1: 15).

The same God who is full of wrath on one side is full of mercy on the other side. "The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him" (1:7). God has always promised to be a rewarder of the faithful. What a parallel are these word to the words of Paul, "Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off' (Rom. 11:22).

Nahum's message, on one hand is a message of warning. God, though slow to anger, will always visit his judgment upon those who do evil. But, for the people of God, Nahum's message is one of great consolation. God is a stronghold in time of trouble.

Since God "knoweth them that trust in him," are you trusting in God as your stronghold? For you see, now God is our savior, but one day He will be our judge. Are you prepared to meet God? If not, will you make the decision to obey Him this day?