Nahum 3 - Introduction

Nineveh Is Laid Waste

Nahum Three

Nahum said Nineveh would face horrible punishment because, (1) They killed people or they were a bloody city, (2) They were guilty of telling lies, and (3) They robbed people and took things that were not theirs. (Nahum 3:1) The attack would be marked with cracking whips, churning wheels, galloping horses, noisy chariots and the army attacking with flashing swords and spears. So many soldiers would be killed in Nineveh they would stumble over piles of dead bodies. (Nahum 3:2-3) Nineveh was condemned for the evil practices of spiritual whoredom and witchcraft.

God was against Nineveh. People would see how evil they were. They would face a scornful end. God, in the brief book of Nahum, gave a vivid description of the overthrow of Nineveh. He said that "with an overrunning flood He will make an utter end of the place." (Nahum 1:8) "While they are drunken as drunkards, they shall be devoured as stubble fully dry." (Nahum 1:10) They would have no protection because "the gates of thy land shall be set wide open unto thine enemies: the fire shall devour thy bars." (Nahum 3:13) Nineveh would never recover because, "there is no healing of thy bruise." (Nahum 3:19) The city would be taken with ease, like shaking ripe figs into the mouth of the eater. (Nahum 3:12) Nineveh would have many soldiers, but it would avail nothing. Nineveh was fatally wounded. There was no hope for them. When other's heard the news of Nineveh's downfall they would cheer because of the constant cruelty and all the ways Nineveh had caused pain for others.