Means: To be sorry ... console oneself) His name is symbolic of the message of book
Historical Setting
1. During the time of Jeremiah and Zephaniah
2. Depending on the date of Jonah's prophecy, this was as much as a 100 years after Jonah
Time Period
1. 655-630 B.C. - (Exile)
2. After fall of City of No-Amon (3:8-10)
3. Before the actual fall of Nineveh (612 B.C.)
4. It was a time of Nineveh's strength (1:12)
5. After Israel's fall (no mention of Israel)
Historical Theme - What did it mean then?
1. Nineveh had failed to continue the spirit of repentance and fallen back into her wicked ways - those ways had to be judged.
2. To give comfort to Judah who had witnessed the fall of Israel and allowed them to see God would judge those who injured their brothers.
3. To give a warning to Judah who, instead of repenting in light of Israel's fall, continued to sin - Nineveh's judgment shows repentance is now!
Outline of the Book
1. The character of God (Chapter 1)
A. The description of God's character (1:1-7)
B. The application of God's character (1:8-15)
2. The description of God's wrath against Nineveh (2)
3. The character of God's wrath against Nineveh (3)
Future Theme - What's it mean in future?
1. God will judge those who injure His people
2. God will judge those who reject His ways
3. God's patience does not last forever against those who have no faith in Him
Reasons to read it:
1. If you think God is asleep at the wheel and He simply has overlooked your sin or the sin of others.
2. If you think God is simply the "God of Love" and has no interest in judgement and justice.
3. If you think you can continue to sin, fain repentance and have a weak follow-through to repentance.
4. If you think it doesn't matter to teach the next generation about God's grace - Nineveh failed to do so.
Practical Theme - What does it mean for me today?
1. If we fail to teach our children about the Grace of God they will have to face the Wrath of God! (1:1)
2. God's wrath and God's grace are in constant harmony (1:2-3)
3. God used His creation in the time of Jonah to teach His grace and will use His creation through Nahum to inflict His wrath (1:4,5,6,8)
4. God is not deterred or diminished by unbeliever's plans (1:9-11); their power (1:12-13); or, their religion (1:14-15)
5. God's desolation is complete and comprehensive (Chapter 2-3)
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