Page 151 - Advanced OT Survey Revised

Nahum

Prophet: Nahum, possibly “comfort,” or wordplay on “avenging” (cf. 1:2) or
“relent” (cf. Jon. 3-4), Date: mid- late 7th c. B.C. (between 663-fall of Thebes
and 612-fall of Nineveh) Form: Chiasm (focus on death of Nineveh)

Theme: Judgment on Nineveh

Message: YHWH will avenge harm that Assyria inflicted on His covenant
people!

Brief Summary: Nineveh once had responded to the preaching of Jonah and turned from their evil ways
to serve the Lord God. But 150 years later, Nineveh returned to idolatry, violence, and arrogance
(Nahum 3:1–4). Once again God sends one of His prophets to Nineveh warning of judgment in the form
of the destruction of their city and exhorting them to repentance. Sadly, the Ninevites did not heed’s
Nahum’s warning, and the city was brought under the dominion of Babylon. cxxv

Practical Application: God is patient and slow to anger. He gives every country time to repent of sin
and follow Him as Lord. But He is not mocked. Any time a country turns away from Him and rejects
righteousness, evil results, and He steps in with judgment. This was true for Assyria, and it will be true
for any nation today. As Christians it is our duty to stand up for biblical principles and proclaim Christ, for
it is only in repentance and the life-changing message of the gospel that any country can find hope. cxxvi

The Book of Nahum
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y30DanA5EhU&list=PLgl7ryoHplad8C
QaqxLiGYeJ02c1XYnT1&index=8

Habakkuk

Prophet: Habakkuk (unknown; cf. apocryphal Bel and Dragon, visits Daniel in
lion’s den) Date: late 7th – early 6th c. B.C. (Judah’s last days, between 612-
Nineveh and 586-Jerusalem)

Genre/Form: Dialogue Cycles (Most prophets speak to the people about God, but Habakkuk speaks to
God about the people)

Theme: Trusting God… regardless of the circumstances

Message: Even amidst divine silence and perceived injustice, God’s people can trust His sovereign
purposes!

Brief Summary: The Book of Habakkuk begins with Habakkuk crying out to God for an answer to why
God’s chosen people are allowed to suffer in their captivity (Habakkuk 1:1-4). The Lord gives His answer

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