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Showing posts from July, 2022

Nahum: Wrestling with the violence of Scripture

I had not previously done an in-depth study of Nahum. In fact, if I had to recite all 66 books of the Christian Bible I probably would have neglected this one. This stands as no huge surprise, a short 3 chapter book that is rarely mentioned in Bible studies, sermons, or quoted on home decor. But it stood out to me this time, as the author of my Old Testament textbook bragged on its literary craftsmanship saying "Nahum has no superior and few peers among Old Testament poets." (LaSor 319). That really caught my attention! Why haven't I heard more about this work of art, then? Reading on a bit further answered my query rather quickly. Nahum is really a violent book, describing and relishing in the destruction of the Assyrian capital, Nineveh. It stands in stark contrast with the rather popular book, Jonah. I suppose it would seem ironic to champion such a book when its counter is so commonly referenced, and has such an opposing story and message, God's mercy for Ninevah