Read Nahum 3:1-7
I just learned that this part of Nahum’s prophecy is referred to as a “woe oracle.” As such, it has two parts, and woe oracles are directed to those doomed by God, including the judgment pronounced on foreign nations, like Nineveh. We understand the word “woe” to be the state of distress and extreme grief. The two sections of this type of oracle are (1) accusation and (2) announcement.
The “accusation” states what evil has been done. What wrongs do we see highlighted here? “Nineveh, the beautiful and faithless city, mistress of deadly charms, enticed the nations with her beauty. She taught them all her magic, enchanting people everywhere.” The results of their evil schemes are also given.
The “announcement” describes the punishment. Verses 5-7 speak of how God will reveal Nineveh’s corruption for the world to see, and then show us how Nineveh will be destroyed and left abandoned. There is finality to Nineveh’s future.
Up to this time, onlookers would think Nineveh had it all. They were a mighty empire displaying military, political, and economic power. These verses give us a glimpse of how they wielded their power over others. How easily that desire for power took over a nation who had historically listened to the prophet Jonah and turned to God. This speaks volumes about how quickly our human desire for power can make us enemies of God.
Why should God care about the Assyrians, and particularly Nineveh? God wanted us to see how he deals with Israel’s enemies. By destroying Nineveh, God was making a statement for all generations. We see how humans can be lured by evil when it looks desirable. Don’t we tend to idolize those people in this world with wealth, power, and status? It’s scary to think of. It’s not that these things are bad when used for kingdom purposes.
We need to be careful not to discount the messages of the prophets as irrelevant. In fact, we do well to learn from the mistakes of others. Jeremiah was also a prophet during the time of Nahum’s oracle. You’ll recall his words from Jeremiah 9:23-24 as it relates to power: “This is what the Lord says: ‘Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the Lord, have spoken!’”
“Woe is me” is a saying you’ve probably heard and even said yourself. We use it as a statement of despair or grief, or to describe an extremely sad situation we’re facing. More recently, it’s become a humorous idiom we use for dramatic effect! The drama that unfolds for Nineveh will be anything BUT humorous, but their despair and mourning will be great. God had spoken their fate of destruction.
Let’s pray … Thank you for the reminder of how quickly we can fall into the trap of lusting for power and recognition. Forgive me for those times when I have had the wrong motivations. I want to boast of you and your works in my life. May I be a shining light that points to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
