In this chapter, the Lord tells the people of Nineveh that their voices will never again be heard. Here’s the chapter in its entirety: “Nineveh, you are already surrounded by enemy armies! Sound the alarm! Man the ramparts! Muster your defenses, and keep a sharp watch for the enemy attack to begin! For the land of Israel lies empty and broken after your attacks, but the Lord will restore its honor and power again.
Shields flash red in the sunlight! The attack begins! See their scarlet uniforms! Watch as their glittering chariots move into position, with a forest of spears waving above them. The chariots race recklessly along the streets and through the squares, swift as lightning, flickering like torches. The king shouts to his officers; they stumble in their haste, rushing to the walls to set up their defenses. But too late! The river gates are open! The enemy has entered! The palace is about to collapse!
Nineveh’s exile has been decreed, and all the servant girls mourn its capture. (Wow…we can’t keep ignoring God, and think He’s not going to discipline us.) Listen to them moan like doves; watch them beat their breasts in sorrow. Nineveh is like a leaking water reservoir! The people are slipping away. “Stop, stop!” Someone shouts, but the people just keep on running.
“Loot the silver! Plunder the gold! There seems no end to Nineveh’s many treasures – its vast, uncounted wealth. Soon the city is an empty shambles, stripped of its wealth. Hearts melt in horror, and knees shake. The people stand aghast, their faces pale and trembling.
Where now is that great Nineveh, lion of the nations, full of fight and boldness, where the old and feeble and the young and tender lived with nothing to fear? O Nineveh, you were once a mighty lion! You crushed your enemies to feed your cubs and your mate. You filled your city and your homes with captives and plunder.
“I am your enemy!” says the Lord Almighty. “Your chariots will soon go up in smoke. The finest of your youth will be killed in battle. Never again will you bring back plunder from conquered nations. Never again will the voices of your proud messengers be heard.” (Nahum 2) (Wow! The Lord will strip away all of our treasures and power, if we continue to be disobedient.)
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Lord, humble our spirits. Remove any haughtiness, and replace anything within our spirit that doesn’t represent you with a contrite heart. And, Lord, help us heed your warnings. We love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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