“Who Can Endure the Heat of His Anger?”
It has been said that the 20th century was the bloodiest in human history. With two World Wars and countless other smaller wars, millions of human beings were killed. However, history is filled with cruel empires, and Nahum was prophesying to one such kingdom – Assyria. As many would feel some level of hope in hearing of the fall of the Axis powers, likewise, those who had been victims of the Assyrians held out hope that Assyria would fall. The Assyrians were cruel and advertised freely on tablets and palace walls the different forms of torture they would inflict on their conquered. A quick internet search or visiting some of the museums that have archeological finds from this empire can show you exactly how cruel the Assyrians were. Nahum the Elkoshite delivered his message after the fall of Thebes occurred in 663 BC (Nah. 3:8) but while Assyria was still in a dominant position – so most likely, Nahum prophesied sometime between 630 – 612 BC. His poetry is quite powerful and expressive and includes a chiasm in chapters 2-3 centered on the “Woe” speech in 3:1-4.
In chapter one, Nahum describes God’s wrath against Nineveh but also reminds his readers of God’s character – that He is slow to anger AND great in power (1:3). This is important to note as God had already granted mercy to Nineveh at one point in time – remember the book of Jonah. The Assyrians had long passed any point of desiring repentance or seeking refuge from God, but now were plotting against the Lord (1:9). In fact, although Nineveh is now at their most powerful, God promises that they will be cut down.
In chapter two, God promises to restore His people (2:2). The Ninevites have destroyed His people and caused desolation, but the Lord is against the Assyrians now, and they will no longer be powerful (2:13).
Finally, in chapter 3, Nahum opens with his “Woe” speech. The Assyrians are described as blood-thirsty, and degenerate, and God reiterates how He is against them. Their powerful capitol city will be disgraced, and no one will grieve for them or be comforters to them (3:7). The people who should be in control – their princes and leaders – will flee like a swarm of locusts (3:16-17), and they will be of no help. All who hear of their destruction will rejoice because of the affliction they have received at the hands of the Assyrians (3:19).
Nahum focuses heavily on God’s justice. As stated in 1:3 – “The Lord will by no means clear the guilty”. This can be disconcerting – but remember also 1:7 – “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows those who take refuge in Him.” God is not going to overlook evil and those who abuse and oppress His people – His people who put their trust in Him. We all make mistakes – we are all guilty – but the question is, where does our heart lie – our loyalty? Do we continually come back to God, repent, and take refuge in Him? Or, as the Assyrians, do we forget God and trust in our own power and strength to the desolation of those around us? We must remember this as we build the “empire” of our lives. Are we cruel and hateful – only believing others in our life to be used? Or are we merciful and kind, resting in our Savior to provide justice ultimately and remembering the grace He has offered?
This story is as old as time – good will triumph over evil. God is a mighty warrior who will vanquish evil and defend His people. As Nahum states – “who can endure the heat of His anger?” This is not a divine being who is detached and distant. We must remember our refuge is the same God for whom the “clouds are the dust beneath His feet” (1:3). Let us put our hope in Him, come back to Him, and put away our own cruel tendencies to rest in this truth.
