NAHUM

Charles Simeon's Devotional Commentaries

 

#1218

GOD A REVENGER OF SIN

Nahum 1:2; Nahum 1:6.

KJV. "God is jealous, and the Lord revenges; the Lord revenges, and is furious; the Lord will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserves wrath for his enemies.…Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger?

NIV. "The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD takes vengeance and is filled with wrath. The LORD takes vengeance on his foes and maintains his wrath against his enemies."

"Who can withstand his indignation? Who can endure his fierce anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; the rocks are shattered before him!"

Most unbelievers have a foolish notion that God is all mercy and love! They simply do not believe that He will ever execute judgment on impenitent transgressors. In their pride, they defy all of the threats and warning that God has made in His holy Word.

In fact, it is the hope of God's mercy which encourages men to go on in their sins; for, if once they would believe that they shall soon become monuments of God's righteous indignation, they would consider their ways, and labor by all possible means to avert his displeasure.

About one hundred and forty years before this was written, the Prophet Jonah had been sent to warn the Ninevites of their impending destruction. But they had repented of their wickedness; and God, in his mercy, had withheld his threatened judgments. But now he warns them, that since they had filled up the measure of their iniquities, his wrath should come upon them to the uttermost.

Now, I would ask, supposing God to be determined to convince men that he would execute vengeance on the impenitent, what could he add to what is here spoken? Methinks there is here such an accumulation of words, as must defy incredulity itself to question the truth contained in them. It is not a pleasing subject that we are now called to insist upon; but it is necessary; and the more necessary, because of men's backwardness to give it the consideration it deserves. Let us, then, consider,

I. The description here given of God.

God is "a jealous God".

He has a claim to our undivided allegiance, and to all the affections of our souls. And when he sees how prone we are to set our affections on the creature rather than on him, it befits him to be jealous.

A man like ourselves would not do well to simply overlook the unfaithfulness of his wife, who was giving to others the affections which were his unalienable right. How much less, then, can God admit such an alienation of our hearts from him! He cannot; indeed "his very name is Jealous, Exodus 34:14;" and he must divest himself of his every perfection, before he can merely overlook the dishonor and sin which our unfaithfulness reflects upon him.

God will "take vengeance" on obstinate transgressors.

"The LORD takes vengeance and is filled with wrath!" We are not indeed to conceive of him as feeling in his own bosom such emotions as constitute "wrath" in man; in that sense "fury is not in him, Isaiah 27:4." But so far as the effects of his displeasure are felt, it will be the same to us, as if he were filled with the utmost rage!

At present, indeed, he bears with sinners with all imaginable patience and long-suffering; but "he reserves them unto the day of judgment to be punished, 2 Peter 2:9."

"The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD takes vengeance and is filled with wrath!" In truth, there is no word in any language that can express what God "reserves for his enemies;" no, nor can any imagination conceive it. The Psalmist well says, "Who knows the power of your anger? Even according to your fear, so is your wrath! Psalm 90:11."

"Who can stand before his indignation?"

"Who indeed can abide the fierceness of his anger?" These pointed interrogations convey the most tremendous thoughts to our minds. Now we can mock God's judgments, as if they were scarcely worthy of a thought, Psalm 10:5; but it will not be so when the time for the infliction of them is fully come. Then "the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, no less than the poor bond-man, will hide themselves in the dens, and in the rocks of the mountains; and will cry to the mountains and rocks to fall upon them, and to hide them from the face of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. "The great day of his wrath being come, who shall be able to stand! Revelation 6:15-17."

The wrath of man has been sustained, even when it raged to the utmost extent of human ingenuity to inflict pain; but who can sustain the wrath of God? The soul, aided by divine grace, has upheld the body; but who, or what, can uphold the soul, when it is God's omnipotent arm that inflicts the punishment?

Some will console themselves with the thought that they shall do as well as others. But if they could for one moment descend to Hell, and see the agonies, and hear the cries, of a damned soul, methinks it would be little consolation to think that they shall do as well as others. If they were only to be racked upon a wheel, and to endure its agonies but for an hour, their prospect, methinks, would be but little cheered by this thought; how much less then, when the wrath of an offended God must be endured to all eternity!

But, that we sink not into despondency, let us attend to,

II. The advice, which one moment's reflection on this subject must suggest.

The doom of Nineveh was fixed; but not so the doom of any among us. No, brethren, there is yet hope concerning you; yes, concerning every one of you. Only,

1. Do not remain in your rebellion and impenitence.

When Nineveh was warned by Jonah, though no encouragement was given to them to repent, they humbled themselves, on a mere perhaps that God might possibly have mercy on them; and the mercy which they sought was granted to them, Jonah 3:5-10.

But to you I am authorized to proclaim mercy; for God's gracious message to you is, "Repent, and turn from your sins. Do not let them destroy you! Ezekiel 18:30." Yes indeed, by timely humiliation, you may yet avert the wrath of your incensed God; who, "if you forsake your evil ways, and turn unto him, will have mercy upon you, and abundantly pardon," to the full extent of your multiplied transgressions! Isaiah 55:7.

2. Do not remain in your unbelief.

God has provided a Savior for you, even his only dear Son; who has, by his own obedience unto death, effected a reconciliation for you; and "has committed unto us the ministry of reconciliation;" so that we are not only authorized, but commanded, to say to all of you, without exception, "Be reconciled to God! 2 Corinthians 5:18-20." He has illustrated this to you in his Word, by the appointment of cities of refuge for those who by any accident should slay a man. The very instant he should get within the gates of anyone of these cities, he was safe; and the pursuer of blood, however enraged, could not get at him to hurt him, Numbers 35:9-25.

In the same way, who shall sustain any hurt, that flees to Christ for refuge? None! In him you will be safe. Once found in him, you have nothing to fear. You are as safe in him, as you would be in Heaven itself! Hebrews 6:17-18. Romans 8:1.

To every one of you, then, I give this counsel from the Lord, "Come, my people, enter into your chambers, and shut your doors about you; hide yourself, as it were, for a little moment, until the indignation is over and past, Isaiah 26:20."

3. Do not remain in your proud defiance of your God.

There were, in the days of old, some who, in answer to God's threatenings, said, "Let him make speed, and hasten his work, that we may see it; and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw near and come, that we may know it, Isaiah 5:19." And such there are among ourselves, who, in reply to all that we say, exclaim, "Ah, Lord God, does he not speak parables, Ezekiel 20:49." But indeed, my dear friends, God's patience will have an end; and the very exercise of it will only aggravate our condemnation, if it does not "prevail to lead us to repentance, Romans 2:4-6."

Be persuaded that God's description of himself, in the words of our text, will be found true at the last. He is indeed "a consuming fire, Hebrews 12:29;" and "can your heart endure, or your hands be strong, in the day that he shall deal with you? Ezekiel 22:14." "Have you an arm like God? and can you thunder with a voice like him? Job 40:9." No; it is in vain to contend with God; for "who shall set briers and thorns against him in battle? He will go through them, and burn them up together! Isaiah 27:4." those who

Truly, "it will be a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God! Hebrews 10:31." Be convinced of this; and "today, while it is called today," implore mercy at his hands; so shall you find, that "he will pardon your iniquity, and pass by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage; for he retains not anger forever, because he delights in mercy, Micah 7:18." And if the description of him in my text is true, you shall find that true also which is added in the seventh verse, "The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knows those who trust in him."

 

#1219

GOD A REFUGE IN TIME OF TROUBLE

Nahum 1:7.

KJV. "The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knows them that trust in him.

NIV. "The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him!"

When God interposed in a cloud between the camp of Israel and the camp of the Egyptians, the cloud was to Israel a pillar of fire, to give them light; but to the Egyptians a cloud of darkness, to obstruct their way. And such is the varied aspect of Jehovah to his friends and enemies in all ages.

Towards the Ninevites, who had now nearly filled up the measure of their iniquities, and forced, as it were, from Jehovah a decree of utter and everlasting excision, God is represented in terms the most fearsome language:

"The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD takes vengeance and is filled with wrath. The LORD takes vengeance on his foes and maintains his wrath against his enemies." Nahum 1:2

"Who can withstand his indignation? Who can endure his fierce anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; the rocks are shattered before him!" Nahum 1:6

But, lest the Lord's people should apply this description of Jehovah indiscriminately to all people of whatever character, the prophet stops abruptly, and declares, that towards his own believing people Jehovah is of a very different character; for "he is good, and a stronghold in the day of trouble, and knows those who trust in him."

Let us for our comfort, consider Jehovah as he is here depicted to us:

I. In the perfections of his nature.

"He is good." He is in every way "good;" and appears to be so in all that he has ever done.

His works of creation were all, after an attentive survey of them by the Divine Artificer, pronounced to be "very good." In the course of so many thousands of years there never has been found one single instance in which any work of his could be improved; so perfect has been the adaptation of every part to its respective use, and so complete the subservience of each to the good of the whole.

His works of providence come less within the sphere of human observation, because we know not all the ends that are to be accomplished by them; but of those which have been the most dark or most calamitous, we have had the unanimous testimony of the best judges, that "he has done all things well!" and that, however "clouds and darkness may have been round about him, justice and judgment have been the foundation of his throne."

Of his works of redemption what shall we say? In what terms can we convey any just notion of them? Truly the tongue of an archangel is incapable of expressing the goodness of God in giving his only dear Son to die for us! 1 John 4:8-10. This mystery far exceeds the comprehension of any finite intelligence; its "height and depth and length and breadth can never be explored!" "May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully!" Ephesians 3:19

Suffice it to say, that the incarnation and death of the Son of God is the one subject of adoration among all the hosts of Heaven, and will continue to be so through the countless ages of eternity! Revelation 5:12-14.

But, while the goodness of God is readily acknowledged in reference to those who are the objects of mercy--it may be doubted in reference to those who shall be the objects of his everlasting displeasure. It may be asked, How can his punitive justice be good? I answer, If he did not maintain the rights of justice, he could not be "good."

Whatever ungodly men may imagine, justice is necessary in every government; and, if an earthly monarch would be thought essentially defective if he allowed all the laws of the realm to be broken with impunity--then so would Jehovah, with reverence be it spoken, act unworthily as the Moral Governor of the universe, if he made no difference between the observers of his laws, and those who violated them without remorse. His law is a transcript of his holy will; and the honor of it must be maintained, either by the observance of its precepts, or by the execution of its penalties.

Besides, if the justice of God were not displayed in the punishment of sin, he would neither be revered in Heaven, nor feared on earth. In Heaven, his justice and holiness and truth would be altogether darkened, and the radiance of all his other perfections obscured; and on earth, Satan would retain an undisputed sway over the hearts of men.

In every view therefore we must say, not only that God is good, but that his goodness, no less than "his greatness, is unsearchable!"

We have a further insight given us into the character of God:

II. In the provisions of his covenant.

Sin has brought misery along with it; and since the first introduction of sin into the world, "man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upward." But God has entered into covenant with his only dear Son as our head and representative; and has made over to us himself as our God, at the same time that he takes us to himself as his people. In the day of trouble we feel, that none but God can afford us any effectual help; and he engages at that season to be a very present help unto us. Whatever our affliction may be, we may go to him with it, and find him to be, "A refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat! Isaiah 25:4." We see in the instance of Hezekiah, what a stronghold he is, when surrounded by the Assyrian army, whom, according to all human appearance, it was impossible for him to withstand; one assurance of protection from Jehovah enabled that holy prince to despise all the threats of his blaspheming adversary, and to rest as secure and as composed as if there had been no danger at hand, Isaiah 37:21-33.

But if in temporal troubles God is such a refuge--then much more is he when the soul is oppressed with a sense of sin. Hear what he speaks to us by his beloved Son, "Come unto me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Yes! our adorable Savior was fitly represented to us by the cities of refuge, which were open day and night to the manslayer, and which afforded him perfect security from the pursuer of blood, the very instant he entered within their gates. Such a city is the Lord Jesus, "whose name is a strong tower, to which the righteous runs and is safe."

Has he not himself said, "Him who comes unto me I will never cast out?" Let the afflicted sinner go to him, and he shall find that this "man," this God-man, "will be to him as a hiding-place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place; as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land! Isaiah 32:2." Truly "He will save to the uttermost, all who come unto God by Him."

We shall have a yet deeper insight into his character, if we view him,

III. In the dispensations of his grace.

"He knows those who trust in him;" not merely as distinguishing them from others, but as feeling towards them the most affectionate regard; (in this sense the Word "knows" is frequently used, Psalm 1:6.) He views them with the tenderest sympathy and compassion, being "touched with a feeling of all their infirmities, Hebrews 4:15," and being "afflicted in all their afflictions, Isaiah 63:9."

Of his people, when suffering under their Egyptian task-masters, he said, "I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their task-masters; for I know their sorrows! Exodus 3:7."

And the same tender regard is shown by him to a solitary individual as to a whole nation; for David says, "When my spirit was overwhelmed, you knew my path, Psalm 142:3;" and again, "You have known my soul in adversities, Psalm 31:7."

The act of trusting in God is itself so pleasing and acceptable in his sight, that there is nothing which he will not do for one who looks to him in such a frame, Psalm 31:19. So abundantly will he communicate to such a one the riches of his grace, that he will make his soul like a well-watered garden, filled with the richest fruits, suited to every season of the year! Jeremiah 17:7-8. Whatever enemies may assault him, God will "keep his soul in perfect peace, Isaiah 26:3," and make him even as Mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abides forever! Psalm 125:1.'

What improvement shall we make of this subject?

1. "Acquaint yourselves with God".

Study the character of God as drawn in the Holy Scriptures. Some think of him as a God of all mercy; and others, as clothed only in the terrors of inexorable justice. But the true character of God is, that he is "a just God and a Savior." In the Lord Jesus Christ this union of justice and mercy is fully displayed. Once view him as dying, rising, reigning for sinful man, and then all the description given of God in our text will be seen in its true light, and all the brightness of the Godhead irradiate your souls.

2. Glorify him as God.

As far as we know God, even though it is only in the notices which he has given us of himself in the works of creation, we ought to "glorify him as God, Romans 1:21." How much more then ought we to do so, when all his glory is made to shine before us in the face of Jesus Christ! How should we love him, serve him, trust in him, and delight ourselves in him! O, beloved, let your hearts ascend to him, and your souls be devoted to him, as the occasion demands.

Is he "good?" Then praise him for his goodness.

Is he "a stronghold?" Then flee to him, and dwell continually in him.

Does he "know those who trust in him?" Then let him have joy over you as monuments of his grace, and delight in you as heirs of his glory, Zephaniah 3:17.

In a word, live but for him; and as he has "bought you with a price, see that you glorify him with your bodies and your spirits, which are his, 1 Corinthians 6:20."

 

#1220

THE PROPER IMPROVEMENT OF GOD'S MERCIES

Nahum 1:15.

(Thanksgiving Sermon for peace, in May 1802)

KJV. "Behold upon the mountains the feet of him who brings good tidings, that publishes peace! O Judah, keep your solemn feasts, perform your rows."

NIV. "Look, there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace! Celebrate your festivals, O Judah, and fulfill your vows."

In the writings of the prophets there is an abruptness of style, which often renders them intricate, and almost unintelligible. The rapidity of their transitions . . .
from one person to another,
from one period to another,
and from one subject to another
--tends to bewilder the mind, and operates as a discouragement to us, when we endeavor to investigate and comprehend their meaning.

But when we are on our guard respecting this, we shall often discover beauties that will amply repay the labor of investigation, and shall be led to admire those passages, which at first sight appeared to be involved in impenetrable obscurity.

The subject of the prophecy before us is the destruction of Sennacherib's army, as a prelude to the overthrow of the Assyrian empire, of which Nineveh was the capital.

The prophet begins this chapter with expatiating in general terms on the power and vindictive justice of Jehovah, Nahum 1:2-7.

He then speaks of these perfections with a more express reference to his main point, Nahum 1:8-10.

After that, he proceeds to address himself to Nineveh, from whence that "wicked counselor," Sennacherib, should come, Nahum 1:11.

Then, in Jehovah's name, he addresses himself to the Jewish nation, to certify to them, that, however greatly this formidable enemy should harass and distress them, they should be freed from his yoke, Nahum 1:12, 13.

Then he addresses more immediately Sennacherib himself, and declares that he, his family, and his idols, should be signally and entirely cut off, Nahum 1:14.

Lastly, beholding, as it were, his prophecy already accomplished, he points to the Messenger hastening over the mountains to announce the glad tidings; and he calls upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem to resume their usual occupations, and especially their religious ordinances, in humble acknowledgment of the Divine goodness, and with a faithful regard to those vows which they had made in the day of their calamity, Nahum 1:15.

The affinity between this subject, and that which calls for our attention this day, will more fully appear, while we consider,

I. The tidings which are announced to us this day.

These certainly relate, in the first instance, to Hezekiah's deliverance by the destruction of Sennacherib's army.

This was a great deliverance, wrought by God himself through the ministry of an angel, Isaiah 37:36. And it may well serve to illustrate the blessings we this day commemorate. And, if there have been any signal interpositions of God in favor of our land, the mention of them will mark the parallel more strongly.

They relate also to the deliverance of mankind from sin and death through the intervention of the Lord Jesus.

The deliverances given to the Jews, are constantly represented in Scripture as typical of the great work of redemption; and the very expressions in the text are used by Isaiah with a more direct reference to that event, Isaiah 52:7. Nor is this idea founded in conjecture; for Paul, quoting the words of both the prophets, applies them directly to the proclaiming of salvation to the Gentile world, Romans 10:13-15. If then the prophet mingled these two events, well may we do so too; and from contemplating the mercies given to us in a temporal view, take occasion to reflect on the infinitely richer mercies which we obtain through Christ. Here the destruction of our spiritual enemies by Christ, "the Angel of the Covenant," may be announced, as joyful tidings to those who are "shut up under the Law," the wretched expectants of death and judgment.

We are at no loss how to improve these tidings, since the prophet himself suggests,

II. The duties resulting from God's mercies.

In an encouraging yet admonitory strain, he exhorts us to,

1. A devout acknowledgment of the mercies received.

The way to Jerusalem having been blocked up by the besieging army, the prophet tells the people, that now they may have free access to the temple, and come up at the appointed seasons to their solemn feasts. And should not we also now avail ourselves of the opportunities which are afforded to us, and wait upon God without distraction. We should at least spend this day, not in mere carnal mirth, but in solemn feasting before God, even in spiritual, and more appropriate joy.

The remembrance of the work of redemption more especially should kindle in our hearts a sacred flame of gratitude and thanksgiving, and should stimulate us to a more strict observance of the Sabbath, which, in commemoration of it, was made to supersede the original Sabbath, and was designated by that honorable appellation, The Lord's Day.

2. A conscientious performance of the vows we have made.

It is most probable, that many, during the siege of Jerusalem, would make vows to God, as the Jews from the beginning had been in the habit of doing under their calamities. Nor can we doubt but that many of ourselves, in seasons of sickness or trouble, have purposed, and perhaps vowed, to change the course of our lives, if we were delivered from the distresses which we either felt or feared.

Alas! if we compare our petitions in the midst of trouble, with our lives when delivered from trouble, what a solemn contrast does there appear! Let it not, however, be so on this occasion; but let us remember the vows that are upon us; for "better were it never to vow at all, than to vow and not pay! Ecclesiastes 5:4-5."

We conclude then with an address, both inspired and uttered by God himself, "Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify against you! Offer unto God thanksgiving, and pay your vows unto the Most High! Psalm 50:7; Psalm 50:14."