It looks like Nineveh’s repentance at Jonah’s preaching didn’t last. He must have been relieved. Nahum saw business as usual, a corrupt city, and prophesied judgement.
Hard though it may be to see at times, God’s judgement is not opposed to his mercy, but here Nahum sees that it is in mercy for the righteous that God overthrows the wicked.
The LORD is good, a stronghold in a day of trouble; he protects those who take refuge in him, even in a rushing flood. He will make a full end of his adversaries, and will pursue his enemies into darkness. (Nahum 1:7-8)
In the wars and conflicts of the Ancient Near East, there was not much space for neutrality – and the LORD took sides to protect those who turned to him. When we’re dealing with the affairs of nations, things happen on a grand scale, with the fall of cities and whole societies.
Where can I see God stepping into the smaller conflicts of our own communities? How can I find enough clarity of vision to work alongside him?
Nick Watson 