Introduction
Turn to the Old Testament book of Nahum. Nahum is located between Micah and Habakkuk, near the end of the Old Testament. It’s fine to use the table of contents in your Bible, as Nahum is not a commonly referenced book. This is, in fact, the least preached-on book in the Bible. Most pastors spend their entire careers without ever preaching a sermon from it.
Until today, I had never delivered a Sunday morning message on Nahum. In thirty years of preaching, I’ve mentioned a verse from this book eleven times, and only four times here at FBC Nac. These references were primarily to Nahum 1:3 or Nahum 1:7, with one mention of Nahum 1:6.
If this is the least preached-on book in the Bible, why focus on it today? Nahum is only three chapters and 47 verses long—you can read it in about seven and a half minutes. Yet, it contains some of the most profound statements about God: the best and most comforting words and the worst and most terrifying words you could ever hear. If you know God, you need to hear both His declarations. If you don’t know Him, you need to understand His message.
Hold on to your seat—Nahum packs a punch!
Message Title: The Airplane is Going Down
This might seem like an unusual sermon title, but it encapsulates the entire message of Nahum. Before diving deeper into this thought, let’s learn more about the book.
Scripture: Nahum 1:1
“The pronouncement concerning Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.” (CSB)
You’ve likely heard sermons about Nineveh. Around 760 BC, Jonah preached there, warning of God’s impending judgment due to the people’s sins. In response, the city of Nineveh (then home to about one million people) repented, and God forgave them.
Fast forward roughly 125 years to Nahum’s time, and Jonah’s message and the people’s repentance are long forgotten. The Assyrian Empire has grown in strength, size, and sin. Assyria, the first global military superpower, dominated the world with unparalleled violence, technological warfare advancements, and extreme perversions. Nineveh, its crown jewel, boasted walls 100 feet high, a 150-foot-wide moat, and a reputation for cruelty.
God’s message through Nahum isn’t a warning but a pronouncement. Unlike Jonah’s message, there’s no second chance here. Judgment is inevitable.
Nahum 1:2–3
“The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord takes vengeance and is fierce in wrath. The Lord takes vengeance against his foes; he is furious with his enemies. The Lord is slow to anger but great in power; the Lord will never leave the guilty unpunished. His path is in the whirlwind and storm, and clouds are the dust beneath his feet.” (CSB)
The book of Nahum is not primarily about Nineveh—it’s about God. These verses highlight His character:
- He is jealous.
- He takes vengeance against His foes.
- He is slow to anger but will never leave the guilty unpunished.
- He is mighty and in control of creation.
This message is crucial because modern Christianity often emphasizes human needs and emotions over God’s nature. While personal devotion and “how-to” messages are valuable, they can’t replace a foundational understanding of who God is.
Key Themes in Nahum
- God is Unsafe
We often picture God as a gentle, doting figure, but Nahum challenges this view. God is not a safe, passive deity; He is a consuming fire. - God’s Greatness
Nahum 1:5–6 describes God’s power:- The mountains quake before Him.
- The earth trembles in His presence.
- No one can withstand His indignation.
- God’s Jealousy
God’s jealousy is not a flaw but a reflection of His rightful desire for our undivided worship. It breaks His heart when we prioritize anything above Him. - God’s Judgment
Unlike human justice, God’s judgment is exhaustive and unavoidable. He never overlooks sin. Nahum 1:8 warns that Nineveh’s destruction will be overwhelming, like a flood. - God’s Dual Nature
While Nahum 1:7 highlights God’s goodness and care for those who take refuge in Him, His goodness doesn’t negate His judgment of sin.
The Paradox of God
Nahum portrays both the comfort and the terror of God’s character. For those who know Him, He is a stronghold in times of distress. For those who oppose Him, His judgment is inescapable.
As we reflect on this message, let us remember that God’s character demands both reverence and trust. The airplane is going down—but for those who seek refuge in the Lord, there is hope.
