Nubuat Nahum (Part 1) Latar Belakang Nubuat Nahum

Summary

The video discusses the prophecy of the lesser-known prophet Nahum from the Old Testament, focusing on his message regarding the city of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. It explains the historical and geographical context, including Assyria's interactions with Israel and Judah. The speaker highlights the division of Israel into two kingdoms after Solomon's reign and Assyria's role in the fall of the northern kingdom, Israel. Nahum's prophecy foretells the eventual destruction of Nineveh, emphasizing its significance in biblical history and its relevance to the people of Judah.

Takeaways

• 📖 Nahum is one of the lesser-known prophets in the Bible, especially in Catholic readings, compared to prophets like Isaiah or Jeremiah.
• 🏙️ The Book of Nahum contains an oracle about Nineveh, the capital city of the Assyrian Empire, located in the far east of Israel.
• 🌍 Nineveh was part of the Assyrian Empire, situated in the region of Mesopotamia, which lies between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
• 🗺️ During the reigns of Saul, David, and Solomon, the Kingdom of Israel stretched from the northern city of Dan to the southern city of Beersheba.
• ⚔️ After Solomon’s death, the kingdom was divided: the northern part became the Kingdom of Israel (Samaria as its capital), and the southern part became the Kingdom of Judah (Jerusalem as its capital).
• 👑 Ahaz, king of Judah, sought help from Tiglath-Pileser, the king of Assyria, to fend off an alliance between Israel and Aram, leading to Judah’s subjugation to Assyria.
• 💰 In exchange for Assyrian military support, Ahaz sent gold and silver from the temple in Jerusalem to the Assyrian king.
• 🛐 Ahaz later adopted Assyrian religious practices and introduced the worship of Assyrian deities in Jerusalem.
• 🏴 Israel (the northern kingdom) rebelled against Assyria but was eventually destroyed in 722 BCE, with the population exiled, and foreigners resettling in Samaria.
• ⚡ Nahum prophesied the destruction of Nineveh and Assyria, which eventually occurred in 612 BCE when Babylon and Media allied to defeat Assyria.

Q & A

Who is the prophet discussed in this script, and why is he not well known among Catholics?

The prophet discussed is Nahum. He is not well known among Catholics because his book is rarely read, unlike other prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, or Ezekiel.

What is the main topic of the Book of Nahum?

The main topic of the Book of Nahum is a prophecy about Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire, and its eventual destruction.

Where was Nineveh located, and what was its significance in ancient times?

Nineveh was located in the Assyrian Empire, east of Israel, in the Mesopotamian region. It was the capital city of Assyria, a powerful kingdom that had significant interactions with Israel and Judah.

How does the geography of the ancient world play a role in understanding Nahum's prophecy?

The script emphasizes the geographical connections by asking the audience to refer to maps in the Bible, showing the location of Nineveh, Assyria, and their proximity to Israel and Judah. This helps contextualize the prophecy in terms of political and territorial influence.

What was the historical relationship between Assyria and Israel/Judah?

Assyria had a contentious relationship with both Israel and Judah. Israel (the northern kingdom) paid tribute to Assyria but later rebelled, leading to its downfall. Judah, under King Ahaz, sought Assyria's help against other enemies, leading to Assyria's dominance over Judah.

Why did King Ahaz of Judah seek help from Assyria, and what were the consequences?

King Ahaz sought Assyria's help because Israel and Aram were attacking Jerusalem. In return, Ahaz sent silver and gold from the temple as a tribute, making Judah a vassal state to Assyria.

How did Assyria eventually defeat Israel, and what were the consequences for Samaria?

Assyria defeated Israel by besieging Samaria, the capital, after Israel rebelled and sought help from Egypt. The kingdom of Israel fell, and its people were deported. Foreigners were brought to live in Samaria, marking the end of Israel as a kingdom.

What significant event occurred in 722 BCE related to Israel?

In 722 BCE, the Assyrian Empire conquered Israel, destroyed Samaria, and exiled its people, marking the fall of the northern kingdom.

When did Assyria fall, and what role did Babylon and Media play?

Assyria fell in 612 BCE when the combined forces of Babylon and Media attacked and destroyed Nineveh, leading to the collapse of the Assyrian Empire.

What is Nahum's prophecy about Nineveh, and when did he likely deliver it?

Nahum's prophecy foretells the destruction of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. He likely delivered this prophecy before 612 BCE, the year Nineveh was destroyed by Babylon and Media.