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Nahum | 1 | 2 | 3 | PDF |

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These small group Bible studies of Nahum 3 contain commentary, discussion questions, and practical application. Visit our library of inductive Bible studies for more in depth inductive studies on this and other books of the Bible you can use in your small group.

Nahum 3 Bible Study Guide – Woe to Nineveh

Outline

I. Woe to Nineveh (1-7)
II. A comparison to Thebes (8-10)
III. A description of Nineveh’s destruction (11-18)

I. Woe to Nineveh (1-7)

Discussion Questions

• What is the bloody city?
• What do you think is God’s opinion of war?
• Nations go to war over many things. Is this just part of life or is there some criteria we can use to judge a war?
• According to the passage, why did this punishment come on Assyria?
• What does verse 4 mean by the “whorings of a prostitute?”
• Why are such strong words like “whoring” or “prostitute” used much less today than in the past?
• Does word usage show a changed attitude toward certain sins? Which words are not as socially acceptable as in the past? How should Christians respond to the watering down of sin by watering down of words used?
• What does verse 5 mean?
• How would Nineveh’s allies respond to her destruction?
• What does this show us about the nature of “friends” in the world?

Cross-References

Habakkuk 2:12 – Woe to him who builds a town with blood and founds a city on iniquity!

Isaiah 10:1-2 – Woe to those who decree iniquitous decrees, and the writers who keep writing oppression, to turn aside the needy from justice and to rob the poor of my people of their right, that widows may be their spoil, and that they may make the fatherless their prey!

Jeremiah 3:1-2 – If a man divorces his wife and she goes from him and becomes another man’s wife, will he return to her? Would not that land be greatly polluted? You have played the whore with many lovers; and would you return to me? declares the Lord. Lift up your eyes to the bare heights, and see! Where have you not been ravished? By the waysides you have sat awaiting lovers like an Arab in the wilderness. You have polluted the land with your vile whoredom.

Lamentations 1:8 – Jerusalem sinned grievously; therefore she became filthy; all who honored her despise her, for they have seen her nakedness; she herself groans and turns her face away.

Verse by Verse Commentary

1. Woe to the bloody city –

Nahum 3:1 – Woe to the bloody city, all full of lies and plunder— no end to the prey!

The theme of Nahum is clear. It is a pronouncement of judgment on Nineveh. The city, along with the Assyrian empire, would be destroyed. This is exactly what happened.

In this verse, Nahum goes more into the reasons why Nineveh would be destroyed. It was “bloody, and “full of lies and plunder.”

The description shows us that the way they waged war and conquest was not acceptable to God. They shed blood without reason.

Saying “war is normal” does not mean that God accepts war because it is normal. War is often a larger-scale amplification of the inherent pride, selfishness, and violence of man. Many people would rather steal from others than work for themselves. Throughout history, raiding parties have often gone out simply to steal resources from others. It is not merely a problem of one people group, but of humanity as a whole. God does not accept war merely because a government or leader decides to wage it.

There is such a thing as a righteous war. The Lord commanded Israel to wage war at times. Primarily, this was against wicked people, and Israel was an instrument of judgment in God’s hand.

Sometimes war is the only thing that can stop a despot from doing even worse harm. Hitler and the Nazis had to be stopped before they murdered all the Jews and “undesirables.” War was the only way to stop Hitler. It was a justified war.

Yet many times, war is not justified. Often, war is waged to obtain more resources that others have rightfully earned. That is what Assyria was doing. They would come in like locusts, destroy towns, murder people, pillage, and then plunder people and their possessions.

God was not happy.

Reflect – We are so small compared to the global forces causing war. What, if anything, can we do about it?

2. Verses 2-3 –

These verses describe the war that was going to descend on Nineveh. It would result in “dead bodies without end.”

God did not create people to kill one another. The first murder came after the fall when Cain murdered his brother, Abel.

It must grieve God to see the death and destruction that mankind causes.

Jesus ultimately came to bring about peace. We can taste it now within the church and look forward to the day when God’s peace fills the earth.

3. The “countless whorings of a prostitute” –

Nahum 3:4 – And all for the countless whorings of the prostitute, graceful and of deadly charms, who betrays nations with her whorings, and peoples with her charms.

This a reference to political seduction and idolatry. Assyria was a backstabbing country. It enticed and manipulated other nations through false promises. But it was “full of lies” (verse 1). Assyria went back on its word and betrayed other countries routinely. It was like a game where Assyria’s sole goal was to gain as much power and resources as possible while using every means to do so.

God compares Assyria to the whorings of the prostitute, a vivid description of its self-serving, vile, and unfaithful practices. Certainly, idolatry was involved. Assyria would have spread its idol worship to the places it influenced as well.

While this seems to be figurative language, Assyrians were also very likely heavily engaged in sexual immorality. Idolatry and sexual immorality go hand in hand.

God is not afraid of using strong words such as “whoring” or “prostitute.”

In modern times, many words denoting vile sins are fading out of use. They are often replaced by politically correct words which are deemed to be more socially acceptable. These words often water down the sin and make it sound less evil and more palatable.

Here are some examples.

• Homosexuality > Gay
• Fornication > One-night stand or “fling” or “sleeping together”
• Adultery > Cheating
• Prostitute > Sex worker
• Abortion > Pregnancy termination
• Lust > Having “needs” or attraction
• Pornography > Adult content
• Greed > Ambition
• Pride > Self-confidence

Application – God calls things what they are. That can mean using an ugly word (whoring) for an ugly behavior. We should be careful not to dilute our own sins by making them sound less serious (ie: instead of “I was lying,” “I was stretching the truth”). The battle of ideas is often fought through words. Therefore, we should not cede words and allow language to be changed to water down sin.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 – For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.

4. I am against you –

Nahum 3:5 – Behold, I am against you, declares the Lord of hosts.

The following verses describe how God was going to shame Assyria. It wouldn’t only be destroyed, but it would be publicly exposed. Her sins would not be secret anymore.

It is a reminder that the light of God will one day uncover all evil. Nothing will be hidden forever.

Luke 12:2-3 – Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops.

Ephesians 5:11 – Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.

Reflect – Is there anything in your life that you would be afraid to expose on a Sunday morning in church? If so, take it to God, deal with it, and turn away from it.

Application – One day everything will be exposed. There will be no more secrets. Therefore, we should live our lives in a transparent way, welcoming accountability and fellowship. What area of your life do you need the light to shine? Should you take it to a brother or sister in Christ and ask for their prayers, accountability, and support?

5. Assyria’s allies would turn away –

Nahum 3:7 – And all who look at you will shrink from you and say, “Wasted is Nineveh; who will grieve for her?” Where shall I seek comforters for you?

In the past, many had formed alliances with Assyria because they could benefit financially from the partnership. They were friendly because of what they could gain. But as soon as Assyria could no longer offer any benefit, her allies disappeared. They wouldn’t weep. They wouldn’t comfort her. They would move on to the next ally who could provide more benefits.

Many times, friendships in the world are like this. People are happy to be friends with those who have something to offer them (food, rides on a boat, gifts, invitations, concert tickets, etc.). When the gravy train stops rolling, the supposed “friends” disappear.

Many who strike it rich discover “hangers-on” who try to attach themselves for handouts. But if the rich person loses his money and faces trouble, how many of these people will help him?

God calls us to make wise friendships with companions who can help us grow spiritually.

Proverbs 13:20 – Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

Application – Be a true friend to others. Look for real friends who will not desert you when the going gets tough. Finally, do not pursue friendships or partnerships with the world or worldly people.

1 John 2:15-17 – Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

II. A comparison to Thebes (8-10)

Discussion Questions

• Why does God compare Nineveh with Thebes?
• What happened to Thebes?
• What happens to all of these human civilizations?

Verse by Verse Commentary

1. Comparison to Thebes –

Nahum 3:8 – Are you better than Thebes that sat by the Nile, with water around her, her rampart a sea, and water her wall?

Thebes was one of the great cities of ancient Egypt. It was located on the Nile River in Upper Egypt, near modern-day Luxor. It dwelt securely in its power and riches.

It had many allies, including Cush, Egypt, Put, and Libya.

Around 663 BC, the Assyrian king Ashurbanipal attacked and captured Thebes. The city was plundered and its people suffered severely.

This was about fifty years before the fall of Assyria. The downfall of Thebes would have been well-known to the people of Nineveh.

Nahum essentially says, “You remember what happened to Thebes? The same thing will happen to you.”

This time they would be on the receiving end rather than the giving end.

III. A description of Nineveh’s destruction (11-19)

Discussion Questions

• Which description of Nineveh’s destruction is most vivid to you?
• What does it mean that their troops are “like women” (13)?
• Why would you need to draw water for a siege (14)?
• How were their shepherds “asleep” (18)?
• What should a shepherd be like?
• How can you be a better shepherd (in your family, church, community)?
• How would people react to Nineveh’s destruction (19)?
• What key lessons did you learn from the book of Nahum?
• What do you want to remember moving forward?
• What is your number one application for your study of Nahum?

Cross-References

Revelation 18:7-8 – As she glorified herself and lived in luxury, so give her a like measure of torment and mourning, since in her heart she says, I sit as a queen, I am no widow, and mourning I shall never see.’ For this reason her plagues will come in a single day, death and mourning and famine, and she will be burned up with fire; for mighty is the Lord God who has judged her.

Jeremiah 51:11 – “Sharpen the arrows! Take up the shields! The Lord has stirred up the spirit of the kings of the Medes, because his purpose concerning Babylon is to destroy it, for that is the vengeance of the Lord, the vengeance for his temple.

Ezekiel 34:2-4 – “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy, and say to them, even to the shepherds, Thus says the Lord God: Ah, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep? You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat ones, but you do not feed the sheep. The weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the injured you have not bound up, the strayed you have not brought back, the lost you have not sought, and with force and harshness you have ruled them.

Verse by Verse Commentary

1. Imagery of Nineveh’s destruction –

• Your fortresses are like fig trees – Like a fig tree, they would be shaken. Instead of holding up, they would fall to pieces and be eaten like a fig.
• Your troops are women in your midst – This could speak of the fact that after the men died in battle, the women would have to take their place as the last line of defense. That would mean the battle would go very poorly for them. Or it could mean that their soldiers would perform like women. Women are not as strong or good at fighting as men. Either way, Nahum meant it was bad news for Nineveh. Their elite fighting force would be depleted and unable to protect the city.
• The gates of your land are wide open – Their strong gates could not protect them.
• Draw water for your siege – Prepare for a lengthy siege.
• Strengthen your forts – Assyria should prepare for battle, but it wouldn’t do them any good.
• The sword will cut you off and devour you like locusts – The invading army would be like a swarm of locusts descending on the city and wasting all in its path.
• Multiply yourselves like locusts – They should increase their troops for the battle. It is scoffing advice, much like Elijah gave to the prophets of Baal. It is like a taunt, “Recruit more troops! You are going to need them!”
• You increased your merchants; the locust spreads its wings and flies away – The merchants who enriched themselves through Assyria’s power were nowhere to be seen. They were not about to die protecting the city.
• Your princes are like grasshoppers – You don’t have to have lived in that culture and time of history to know this is not a good thing. A grasshopper is not known for its warrior acumen. Even worse, these grasshoppers and locusts would fly away rather than coming to bring aid. It was every person for himself. One can imagine nobles making their own preparations to escape the city with their money rather than jumping in to contribute to its defenses.

2. Your shepherds are asleep –

Nahum 3:18 – Your shepherds are asleep, O king of Assyria; your nobles slumber. Your people are scattered on the mountains with none to gather them.

That is not a good thing. Shepherds are to fight for and protect the sheep.

The Bible often talks about shepherds. Moses, Isaac, and David were shepherds. The angels announced Jesus’ birth to shepherds. Jesus compared Himself to the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. David talked of God as being the Good Shepherd (Psalm 23).

It is almost as if the sheep/shepherd relationship was designed by God to teach us how He cares for us and how we should care for others.

In Ezekiel 34, God is angry with the leaders of Israel. They were supposed to be like shepherds caring for their people. Instead, they exploited the sheep.

Ezekiel 34:3-4 – You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat ones, but you do not feed the sheep. The weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the injured you have not bound up, the strayed you have not brought back, the lost you have not sought, and with force and harshness you have ruled them.

The shepherd is supposed to feed, strengthen, heal, bind up, and seek the sheep. This is how leaders are to act in the church. At the same time, Parents, politicians, and leaders at every level should learn from shepherds how to care for those following them.

But the Assyrian leaders did not lead their flock well. They led them into idolatry. Essentially, they brought their sheep straight into the mouth of the lion (God’s judgment). They were asleep at the wheel. It is a stark contrast to the Assyrian king in the book of Jonah. When he heard Jonah’s message, he immediately repented and led his people to do the same.

Reflect – In what area are you like a shepherd? Are you performing this role well? How can you improve?

3. The destruction of Nineveh would be complete and final –

Nahum 3:19 – There is no easing your hurt; your wound is grievous. All who hear the news about you clap their hands over you. For upon whom has not come your unceasing evil?

It was not going to be a temporary setback, but a complete defeat. Those who heard it would celebrate. It would be an inglorious end for a powerful kingdom.

Reflecting on the Book of Nahum

• What key lessons did you learn from the book of Nahum?
• What do you want to remember moving forward?
• What is your number one application for your study of Nahum?

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