NOTES for Nah 3:1-19

The capital of Assyria is called a city full of deceit and murder, and it is no accident that these grave sins are singled out and mentioned together. The path along which the pagan kingdom walked was the path of lies and death. This is the very path onto which the father of lies, rightly called a murderer from the beginning, tries to lead people, longing to destroy all whom he draws into his mire. Hopes of receiving power from him are groundless from the start; after teasing people with the illusion of might, he will surely deceive and destroy them. Where now are the many rulers whose power seemed unshakable?

The Assyrian Empire also collapsed - the prophecy of its destruction was fulfilled. Since then, the history of its people has in many ways resembled Israel's fate. The Assyrian people are still scattered throughout the world, and, like the Jewish people, they have more than once faced attempts at destruction. But like Israel, this ancient people is alive today, and that means its historical path continues for a reason. It also means that the Lord closes none of His good paths either for the Assyrian people or for any other people.