Introduction: Nahum 3 serves as a warning to those who live in rebellion against God, and it also is a reminder of God’s sovereignty and might. In this outline of chapter 3, we will look closely at each verse, exploring the meaning and significance of Nahum’s prophetic message. We will also look at cross reference verses from other parts of the Bible that shed light on the themes and topics we find in Nahum 3.
I. Nahum 3:1 – Woe to the City of Blood
Nahum begins this chapter with a declaration of woe upon Nineveh, calling it a “city of blood.” This verse sets the tone for the rest of the chapter, as it points out the violence and cruelty that characterized the city of Nineveh. The prophet Isaiah also spoke of the wickedness of Nineveh, saying, “Woe to the city of oppressors, rebellious and defiled!” (Isaiah 1:4). Similarly, Ezekiel 24:6 describes Jerusalem as a “city of bloodshed,” indicating that the sin of violence was not unique to Nineveh.
II. Nahum 3:2-3 – The Sound of the Whip
In these verses, Nahum paints a vivid picture of the chaos and destruction that will come upon Nineveh. The sound of the whip, the noise of the chariot wheels, and the galloping horses all point to the swift and brutal judgment that God will bring upon the city. This imagery is reminiscent of the judgment that God brought upon Egypt, as described in Exodus 15:4, where the Lord “threw Pharaoh’s chariots and his army into the sea.”
III. Nahum 3:4-7 – The Cause of Nineveh’s Judgment
Nahum points out Nineveh’s judgment is because of its harlotries and sorceries. The city had seduced and deceived the nations, leading them into idolatry and sin. This is similar to the judgment that God pronounced upon Babylon in Revelation 17:1-2, where the great prostitute is said to have made the nations drunk with the wine of her immorality. Additionally, Jeremiah 51:7 describes Babylon as a “golden cup in the Lord’s hand” that made the whole earth drunk.
IV. Nahum 3:8-13 – The Inevitability of Nineveh’s Fall
Nahum compares Nineveh to the Egyptian city of Thebes, which was also destroyed despite its seemingly impregnable defenses. The prophet warns that Nineveh’s fortifications will not save it from God’s wrath. This theme of the futility of trusting in earthly defenses is echoed in Psalm 20:7, which says, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”
V. Nahum 3:14-17 – The Futility of Nineveh’s Preparations
Nahum mocks Nineveh’s attempts to prepare for the coming siege, saying that their efforts will be in vain. The city’s soldiers will be like locusts that fly away when the sun rises. This image brings to mind the the plague of locusts that God sent upon Egypt in Exodus 10:12-15, which served as a judgment against Pharaoh’s hardness of heart.
VI. Nahum 3:18-19 – The Finality of Nineveh’s Destruction
Nahum ends the chapter by declaring that Nineveh’s destruction will be complete and that no one will mourn its fall. This is similar to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, which were completely consumed by fire and brimstone (Genesis 19:24-25). The prophet Jeremiah also speaks of the finality of God’s judgment, saying, “I will make an end of all the nations” (Jeremiah 30:11).
Conclusion: Nahum 3 is a reminder to all people of the consequences of sin and rebellion against God. The chapter paints a graphic picture of the judgment that will come upon those who persist in wickedness. As we reflect on the message of Nahum, let us be reminded of the sovereignty of God and the importance of living in obedience to His commands. May we also find hope in the knowledge that God’s judgments are ultimately for the purpose of bringing about His righteous and just kingdom.
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