Kingdom Divided Lesson 24 – Nahum and Zephaniah

  

Note:  For clarity the Kings of Israel are coded in Orange and Kings of Judah are coded in Blue.

Nahum 1 – Prophesy Against Nineveh

Nahum was a prophet to the Southern Kingdom of Judah.  Nahum is a book of prophecy against Nineveh, the capital of Assyria.  He described the cruelty of the Assyrians as they conquered nations.  He predicted the destruction of Nineveh and the end of the kingdom of Assyria.  He told Judah to continue to observe their religious feasts because the Assyrians will be out of the picture.

Nahum described God’s character and actions against Nineveh.  He said the Lord is a jealous and avenging God.  He takes vengeance and is filled with wrath against His enemies.  The Lord is slow to anger, great in power, and will not leave the guilty unpunished.  His way is in the winds and storms, and clouds are the dust of his feet.  He is in total control of everything. (Nahum 1:1-6)

Nahum contrasted God’s firmness in judgment and the care He gives for His own.  Believers can find comfort and peace as God balances the promise to judge evil and the good news of salvation.  The “Lord is good and a refuge in times of trouble.” – Nahum 1:7.  He cares for those who trust in Him.  When we were enemies, we were reconciled through the death of His Son and through the life He gives. (Nahum 1:6-8; Romans 5:10-15)

Jonah’s message to Nineveh was different from Nahum’s.  Jonah told the people to repent, which they did for a time.  But years later they returned to cruelty and their evil ways.  Nahum prophesied of their coming judgment. 

I hope you all understand we are living in days of mercy.  Christ will return one day.  When He does, It will be to judge the living and the dead (Acts 10:42; 2 Timothy 4:1; 1 Peter 4:5).  We are living in ‘Jonah’ days – days when God longs for you to repent, days God has appointed you for something very important to do.  Don’t run away from it.  Fulfill your duty to God.  Seek out His will for you in His word.  These Jonah days won’t go on forever.  If you haven’t turned to Him by the time the Lord returns, you will not find yourself with God’s mercy.  You will find yourself in His judgment.

Nahum’s message was important to Judah.  They suffered under the oppression of the Assyrian empire but his message provided hope and encouragement.  Nahum reminds us that God is actively working even in the darkest times to bring justice and hope throughout the world.

As we read Nahum 1:3, we can find comfort in God’s character because we know He cares about what is right and wrong.  So that no matter what evil is around us and throughout the world, God’s judgment will make everything right again.

Principle:  God loves all people, but does not tolerate evil.

Nahum 2-3 – Nineveh’s Fall

Nahum described Nineveh’s fall:

The enemy’s appearance – shields of soldiers are red; warriors are in scarlet; metal on chariots flashes on the day and are made ready; spears of pine are brandished; chariots storm through the streets looking like flaming torches.

Siege and looting of the city – Nineveh is like a pool, plunder of silver and gold; supply is endless, the wealth from all its treasures; she is pillaged, plundered, stripped; heats melt, knees give way, bodies tremble, faces pale.

Flooding of the city – River gates thrown open and palace collapses.

Sins of Nineveh is judged –God will burn up your chariots in smoke, the sword will devore your young; He will leave you no prey on the earth; voices of messengers will no longer be heard; city is full of lies; full of lush; mistress of sorceries; enslaves nations; witchcraft.

The book of Nahum illustrates God’s Word is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.  Everything will be accomplished just as God plans. (Palm 119:89; Matthew 5:18)  This gives us confidence and hope.

Nahum 1:7 is particularly meaningful and gives confidence and hope – “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble.  He cares for those who trust in him.”

Principle:  God’s Word is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.

Zephaniah 1-2 – Judgment on Judah and Nations

God raised up his prophet, Zephaniah to proclaim a warning of coming judgment on Judah and on the whole earth and to encourage repentance.  The purpose of this book is God is sovereign over all nations; the wicked will be punished and the righteous will be vindicated on the day of judgment; God blesses those who repent and trust in Him.

The book of Zephaniah was written during the reign of King Josiah.  During his reign the Book of the Law was found and Josiah humbled himself before God and brought restoration and reformation to Judah.  He purged the high places where idols were worshipped and restored the temple of the Lord.

Zephaniah gives specifics about God’s judgment:

God will sweep away everything from the face of the earth; He will sweep away both men and animal, birds of the air and fish of the sea. (Zephaniah 1:2-3).

God will stretch out His hand against Judah and all in Jerusalem; He will cut off every remnant of Baal and the idolatrous priests. (Zephaniah 1:4-5).

God will search Jerusalem and punish those who are complacent; their wealth will be plundered, houses demolished; the day of the Lord is near and will be bitter; it will be a day of wrath, distress, anguish, trouble, ruin, darkness, gloom, clouds and blackness, and a day of trumpet and battle cry against cities and towers. (Zephaniah 1:12-16).

He listed other nations who awaited God’s judgment – Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Cush, and Assyria. (Zephaniah 2:4-15)  We learn that no nation will be spared.  Everyone will be accountable for their actions.

Zephaniah 3 – Future Restoration of Jerusalem

The specific sins of Jerusalem are listed in Zephaniah 3:1-8.  It was a city of oppressors, rebellious and defiled.  She obeyed no one; she accepted no correction; she didn’t trust the Lord; she didn’t draw near to her God; her officials were roaring lions; her rulers were wolves; her prophets were arrogant and treacherous men; her priests profaned the sanctuary and did violence to the law.

People today respond to the thought of God’s judgment in different ways.  Some think ‘I’m a good person so I will go the heaven’, some say ‘how can a loving God send judgment’, some say ‘God doesn’t bring judgment anymore since Jesus died on the cross’, or others say ‘God would have spared Sodom and Gomorrah if there were only ten righteous and there are too many Christian in the world for Him to bring judgment on us’.  It all boils down to we want to be in charge and try to explain God through human minds.  Remember God’s thoughts are higher than ours.

We should respond to God by drawing near to Him.  He wants to be close and personal (Hebrews 10:22).  He wants us to hold fast in the hope that He promised (Hebrews 10:23).  We are to spur one another on to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24).

God is holy, just and perfect.  He gave us the freedom to choose how we respond to Him.  He doesn’t force us to obey.  We have free will.  God has made Himself and His truth known to everyone.  Romans 1:20 says “we are without excuse”.  His wrath is His righteous judgment against those who do evil.  So because God is just and righteous, He will judge according to His righteous standards.

Zephaniah offered hope to Judah in Zephaniah 3:9-20.  He said false doctrine will be thoroughly exposed.  Nothing will escape the Lord’s cleansing work.  God will leave a remnant of people who love and acknowledge the Lord.  The people who have been faithful and humble will be forgiven for their sins committed against the Lord.  In place of hopelessness there will be confidence and assurance.  People will no longer be held captive by evil.  “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save.” – Zephaniah 3:17.

Zephaniah’s final verses offered encouragement from God.  For those people who were scattered, He will reunite them and bring them home.  The message for us today is we live in an evil world, but one day He will bring us home – our heavenly home.

Principle:  The same God who judges sin with vengeance will restore His children when they repent.

We have familiar lessons about the Lord’s judgment on sin and rebellion.  We may think the Old Testament seems very sever when it comes to sin.  We are fortunate as Christians that we are able to approach the throne under an entirely different relationship with the Lord.  A relationship has been made possible only through the sacrifice of Jesus, who is now our advocate before God.  Some things haven’t changed.  There is still a pattern today when we rebel; there is repentance and restoration.

This week’s attribute of God is He is Love.  His love never fails.  He showed His love by sending His Son to be our Savior.  He calls us to repent from sin and to trust in Him.

Next time we will continue our study of Kingdom Divided with the book of Jeremiah. Hope to see you here. – I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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Kingdom Divided Lesson 23 – Micah

  

Note:  For clarity the Kings of Israel are coded in Orange and Kings of Judah are coded in Blue.

Micah was a prophet who lived during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah.  This book in a mixture of judgment and hope.  Micah warned about God’s judgment against the capital cities of both kingdoms, Jerusalem (southern kingdom) and Samaria (northern kingdom), because of the sinfulness of their people, rulers, prophets and priests.  Micah also promised the restoration of Zion and a kingdom of peace for those who worshiped and belonged in God.  He prophesied that a ruler born in Bethlehem would set up a kingdom that would last forever.

God gives warnings so we will not have to suffer His wrath.  Judgment is certain if God’s warnings aren’t heeded and the sacrifice of His Son is rejected.  For the believer, God will discipline us, not from hate, but because He loves us.  He knows sin destroys us and He wants us whole.

Micah 1-2 – God is Coming in Judgment

Micah’s warning was for Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.  His vision was concerning Samaria and Jerusalem.  He denounces their specific sins: the sin of idolatry (Micah 1:1-7); the sin of covetousness and pride (Micah 2:1-5); the sin of listening to false prophets (Micah 2:6-11).

Our wrong desires can escalate into acts of sin. “But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man unclean.  For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.” – Matthew 15:18-19.  “but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.  Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” – James 1:14-15.

We all battle with sin just like Judah and Israel.  Nothing has changed in 2,000 years.  We lie and cheat and are guilty of idolatry.  The lesson here is if we don’t repent, we will face God’s judgment.  If we repent, God will show mercy and forgive us.

Micah gives an encouraging promise to people.  God will restore and bring together the remnant of Israel (Micah 2:12-13).

Micah 3-5 – God is Coming in Peace

Micah denounced the sins of Israel and Judah’s corrupt leaders: they hate good and love evil (Micah 3:1-4); the prophets lead the people astray (Micah 3:5-7); the leaders despise justice and distort all that is right and take bribes, the priests teach for a price, and the prophets tell fortunes for money  (Micah 3:9-12).

Leaders are held to a higher standard.  Others see what they do and think if they do it, it must be ok.  “In everything set them an example by doing what is good.  In your teaching show integrity ….” – Titus 2:7.  “… we who teach will be judged more strictly.” – James 3:1b.

Micah’s leadership as God’s prophet differs from the other leaders.  He was full on power by the Spirit of the Lord.  He had confidence in God.  He knew God and was close to Him and His Word.  “But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the Lord, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin.” – Micah 3:8.

God has placed you where you are for a reason.  It may be in the work-place with co-workers or at home with your family.  Wherever you are, you are to set an example to stand with Him and do what is right.

Micah 4:1-8 – Micah talked about in the last day the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established.  This is the ultimate city of Jerusalem, the city of Zion.  This will be fulfilled in the millennium when all will be restored and Jerusalem will be the capital of the millennial earth.  I look forward to unity and peace and the pure worship of the Lord forever.

Micah revealed that a future Shepherd and King would be their peace.  He would be a Shepherd who rules by the power of God.  Of course this King is Jesus.  We learn in Micah 5:2-5 that He will come from Bethlehem, be ruler over Israel, will be great to the ends of the earth, and will bring peace.

Knowing that Jesus will return should impact our lives.  We should encourage one another (Hebrews 10:25).  We should spread the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20).  We should do everything for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).  Whatever we do we should do it as if working for the Lord (Colossians 3:23).  His returning gives us hope.  There will be no more pain or grief.  We will receive perfect bodies.  We will be reunited with our deceased loved ones.  We will be with the Lord forever.

Micah 6-7 – God is Coming in Mercy

God appealed to Israel in Micah 6:1-7.  He told them to stand up and plead their case to the Lord.  He told to remember their journey and how God rescued them, remember how they were counseled, and to bow down before the exalted God.  God had showed them what was good and what was required of them.  Micah connects our faith with our actions.  God gives us the gift of salvation by grace.  But He desires us to apply these instructions in return.  He wants us to walk humbly with Him, to love mercy, and to act justly.  All of which only comes from the Holy Spirit – God Himself.

What does it mean to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly before God? (Micah 6:8)

To act justly means to be impartial and non-judgmental toward those that are different from you.  It means to speak out about injustice like abortion, human trafficking, bulling.  It’s not participating in something when you know it’s a sin just because you want to be accepted.

To love mercy means facing insults without retaliating, forgiving over and over again, bearing the consequences of someone else’s sin, reaching out to the lonely and not expecting anything in return, having compassion for those in need.

To walk humbly with your God means to recognize that the Lord is high and exalted and you are not.  It’s to understand His authority as Creator.  It’s trusting Him with your care and the world’s problems.

God is gracious and doesn’t remain angry forever.  He loves to show mercy and compassion.  Israel and Judah faced judgment as God held them accountable for their sins against Him and others.  He promised judgment but also hope.  Micah’s warnings are for us today.  We live in a world that demonstrates wickedness against its people every day.  God wants us to remember He will judge the evil and the sins of the world.  The only way to escape is to repent and turn to God.

What are ways you can act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly before God?

What gifts and abilities has He given you for that?

What is keeping you from applying these instructions?

Micah offered hope to Israel. “… I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.” Micah 7:7-9.  They were to watch and wait, because through God’s judgment, they would rise again.

We learn in Micah 7:18-20 that no one is like God.  He pardons sin and forgives our transgressions.  He doesn’t stay angry forever, because He loves showing us mercy and compassion.

Principle:  God desires us to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with Him. 

This week’s attribute of God is He is Good.  God’s ways are righteous.  He is just and merciful.  He offers hope, refuge, and care to all who come to Him.  He makes all things work together for our good.

Next time we will continue our study of Kingdom Divided with the books of Nahum and Zephaniah.  Hope to see you here. – I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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Kingdom Divided Lesson 22 – Various Scriptures

 

This study includes various Scriptures about God’s chosen people and His purifying plan for them.

These passages record how and why God’s judgment fell on Israel and Judah.

2 Kings 21:15-15 – God said He would bring such disaster on Jerusalem and Judah that the ears of everyone who hears of it will tingle.

2 Kings 17:1-23 – King Hosea of Israel was imprisoned by Assyria because the Israelites had sinned against the Lord.  They worshiped other gods and followed the practices of the nations the Lord had driven out.

2 Kings 25:1-21 – God allowed King Nebuchadnezzar to capture Jerusalem and burn the city.

God’s purposes prevailed, despite the failure of His people.

Isaiah 9:1-7 – God will enlarge their nation, increase their joy, and send His son.  He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince or Peace.  He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom.  Suffering accomplishes God’s purposes.  Isaiah 43:1-9 – “See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

We see God’s grace and sovereignty through the judgment on His people.  He persevered a remnant.  The people were freed from exile returned to Jerusalem.  They were given prophets and hope for the future.  Later they would be given Jesus.  God gave us Jesus and through Him we have hope.

As I study Israel and Judah’s suffering, I ask myself why.  Why were they so stupid, hard headed,  and stubborn?  Why wouldn’t they listen?  When you think about it, people are the same today – prideful, stubborn, and can’t see what is right in front of them.  People are blinded by a sinful, fallen world.

Through these passages we should see truths about God.  God loves us even when we sin.  He is always with us during our sufferings.  This knowledge should give us comfort and peace.

Life in this world involves suffering.  Genesis 3:19 relates to the suffering in the world. – We now have to work for our food and we all will have to die one day.  Adam and Eve brought sin into this world.  Now we all live in a fallen world and with sin and the suffering it brings.  No one escapes suffering.                                                                  

Why is there suffering?  Human suffering tests us and strengthens us growing us closer to God.  There is suffering in this world because through suffering the work of God might be displayed (Job 1:9-12; Joel 2:12-14; John 9:1-3).  Following Christ doesn’t guarantee a pass to an easy life.  Believers and unbelievers alike experience hardships and suffering.

Isaiah 55:8-9 tells us what we should consider before be blame others or give reasons for our suffering. – Our thoughts are not God’s thoughts and His ways are not our ways.  His thoughts and ways are higher than ours.

How does God provide comfort during our suffering?  Isaiah 45:7; 41:10 and 2 Corinthians 11:23-12:10 tell us that God’s truth gives us comfort during times of suffering.  – God is our Creator.  He is in control.  He created everything so He has the right to do what He wants, when He wants.  “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness… For when I am weak, then I am strong.” - 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

How does suffering help us long for something better?  2 Corinthians 4:16-18 and Revelation 22:1-5 show us that suffering helps us long for something better.  – Our momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs our suffering.  One day we will be in heaven with the Lord Jesus and there will be no more suffering.

Does personal suffering help us to seek God?  When we are suffering we are more likely to go to God for His help.  Suffering humbles us.  It makes us more aware of our need for Him.  He uses suffering like sickness, death, job loss, divorce, etc. to draw us to Himself.

These verses show us different ways God works to draw us to him through challenges. 

Numbers 32:23 – When we sin, God sees and knows our sin and draws us to Himself.

Psalm 40:7 – God knows when we are weak and needy.  He comes to us with help.  He is our deliverer.

Psalm 118:13-14 – When we are down and out, He gives us strength.

Jeremiah 9:7; Zechariah 13:9 – He draws us to Himself by testing us.

Why do we resist our neediness?  We resist admitting our need for God, because we like to be in control and self-sufficient.  We are taught from childhood to be independent.  There is also pride and shame to admit we have failed.

What good comes from Jesus's suffering?  Jesus accomplished a greater good through His suffering.  Isaiah 53:4-6, 11-13 – He took all our sins and sorrows and died on the cross for us.  “By his wounds we are healed.”   His suffering and death atoned for our sins.  His suffering shows us how to respond to love, humiliation, ridicule, and persecution in this life.  His death accomplished redemption for us from the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13-13; Romans 3:24).  He redeemed us from the guilt and power of sin.  He defeated the power of Satan (Colossians 3:15).

We should take great comfort in Psalm 46:1; 11 – “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”  “The Lord almighty is with us…”

Does personal suffering contribute to our spiritual growth?  Romans 5::3-5; James 1:2-4 –  Suffering makes us realize we are not in control.  It helps us depend on God.  Suffering allows us to experience God’s presence and proves He is faithful.   Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  We should consider it pure joy when faced with trials, because testing of faith develops perseverance which matures us. 

There are other benefits that suffering brings beyond personal growth.  Corinthians 1:3-7; 1 Peter 4:12-14 - When we suffer, Jesus is there to comfort us.  Suffering produces patient endurance.  We should not be surprised when we suffer.  Christ suffered so as a suffering Christian we are identifying with Him.  When we suffer, we experience God’s presence and comfort.  Then we are able to share His comfort with others. 

When you are going through some type of trial, remember that through suffering God might be achieving a higher purpose for your life so you should rejoice in your suffering.  “…rejoice in our suffering, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” – Romans 5:3-4

Our earthly pains and sufferings won’t last forever.   Each day we are closer to the end of our lives on this earth or Jesus’ return.  If you are a follower of Jesus, then you will be in heaven with Him forever without pain, tears, and suffering.  If you are not a follower, you will face eternal pain and suffering.  Only God can rescue you from sin’s penalty.

Principle:  God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

This week’s attribute of God is He is Faithful.  God keeps all His promises.  He knows and loves each one of us.  In this life we will face suffering, but God is faithful and we can trust Him.  God accomplishes His purposes even through suffering.

Next time we will continue our study of Kingdom Divided with the book of Micah.  Hope to see you here. – I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

__________________________________________

 

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