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Nahum, Habakkuk

Study Guide / Outline

Introduction

  • Text Overview: The text introduces the books of Nahum and Habakkuk, mentioning that these prophets lived during the reign of Josiah and focusing on the historical backdrop of Assyrian oppression.
  • Main Points:
    • Nahum prophesies about the downfall of Nineveh, emphasizing God’s justice and comfort for the oppressed.
    • Habakkuk’s message revolves around living by faith and understanding God’s justice.

Nahum

Nahum 1: A Psalm Praising God

  • Description: This section presents Chapter 1 of Nahum, which is a psalm praising God and describing the fall of Nineveh.
  • Main Points:
    • Nahum’s psalm emphasizes God’s character, including His justice and mercy.
    • Nineveh’s impending downfall is portrayed as a demonstration of God’s justice.

Nahum 2: Description of Nineveh’s Judgment

  • Description: Chapter 2 provides a description of Nineveh’s judgment, continuing the message of its downfall.
  • Main Points:
    • The focus remains on the honor of God, who provides shelter for His people and scatters His enemies.

Nahum 3: Reasons for God’s Judgment

  • Description: Chapter 3 mentions the reasons behind God’s judgment on Nineveh, highlighting the city’s deserving of God’s wrath.
  • Main Points:
    • Nahum reveals that the earlier repentance of Nineveh was short-lived, and they deserved God’s judgment.
    • The book indirectly speaks of God’s covenant faithfulness.

Habakkuk

Habakkuk 1: Habakkuk’s Questions

  • Description: This section discusses Habakkuk’s questioning of God, asking why sin often goes unpunished and why the wicked prosper.
  • Main Points:
    • Habakkuk raises profound questions about the justice and fairness of God’s actions.
    • God’s response reveals that the just shall live by faith.

Habakkuk 2: God’s Response

  • Description: Chapter 2 reveals God’s response to Habakkuk’s questions, emphasizing the just living by faith.
  • Main Points:
    • God explains His plan, which includes using the Chaldeans as instruments of judgment.
    • The righteous live by faith, while the proud and wicked will face destruction.

Habakkuk 3: Habakkuk’s Psalm of Confidence

  • Description: In this section, Habakkuk’s psalm of confidence and trust in God is discussed.
  • Main Points:
    • Habakkuk expresses trust in God’s justice, even in the face of adversity and famine.
    • The just shall live by faith, and believers can find confidence in God.

Conclusion

  • Summary: Both Nahum and Habakkuk emphasize the themes of God’s justice, mercy, and the importance of living by faith, even in challenging circumstances.