WEBVTT NOTE This file was generated by Descript 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.840 Nancy: Welcome to immerse: the daily bible reading experience. 00:00:02.920 --> 00:00:04.300 day 200 and 59 00:00:04.680 --> 00:00:08.580 immersed in Zephaniah Zephaniah's. 00:00:08.580 --> 00:00:12.630 Oracles for the people of Judah were uttered nearly three quarters of a 00:00:12.635 --> 00:00:17.640 century after the days of Micah and Isaiah in the intervening years, 00:00:17.880 --> 00:00:20.880 Hezekiah's successors Manasa and Amman. 00:00:21.300 --> 00:00:24.300 Had tried to appease their Assyrian overlords by serving 00:00:24.300 --> 00:00:29.040 Assyrian Gods and suppressing the Lord's true priests and prophets. 00:00:29.670 --> 00:00:33.690 But the power of Assyria eventually declined and its hold on. 00:00:33.690 --> 00:00:35.160 Subject nations weakened. 00:00:36.210 --> 00:00:39.720 This allowed nations like Judah to regain some of their independence, 00:00:40.230 --> 00:00:44.490 which enabled the true prophets to once again speak freely for the Lord. 00:00:45.660 --> 00:00:49.650 One of those prophets, Zephaniah warned the complacent people of Judah 00:00:49.980 --> 00:00:54.360 who thought the Lord will do nothing to us, either good or bad, that they 00:00:54.360 --> 00:00:56.580 needed to return to God with urgency. 00:00:57.360 --> 00:01:00.900 They had little time left as the fearsome day of the Lord. 00:01:01.320 --> 00:01:04.980 The time when the Lord would come and punish the unfaithful was fast 00:01:04.980 --> 00:01:10.710 approaching Amos, Isaiah, and later prophets also speak of the day of 00:01:10.715 --> 00:01:12.870 the Lord as a time of judgment. 00:01:14.205 --> 00:01:16.485 God is a God of justice and peace. 00:01:16.905 --> 00:01:19.995 At some point, he must intervene to judge and set things right. 00:01:20.715 --> 00:01:24.945 The flourishing of creation requires the destruction of evil. 00:01:25.965 --> 00:01:29.295 In the New Testament, more light is shed on the day of the Lord. 00:01:29.625 --> 00:01:33.435 As we learn that it also involves God's breaking into the present creation 00:01:33.825 --> 00:01:35.685 to inaugurate his new creation. 00:01:36.570 --> 00:01:41.910 Here in Zephaniah's short book, we already see the Day of the Lord described 00:01:41.910 --> 00:01:47.160 as both a warning of imminent disaster and a vision of future restoration. 00:01:48.270 --> 00:01:52.230 By now, king Josiah, who had begun to reign as a child was 00:01:52.235 --> 00:01:53.700 old enough to assert himself. 00:01:54.300 --> 00:01:58.380 He carried out extensive religious reforms, which included wiping 00:01:58.380 --> 00:02:02.760 out the worship of pagan gods, restoring the temple in Jerusalem. 00:02:03.255 --> 00:02:06.255 And leading the people to renew their covenant with the Lord. 00:02:07.245 --> 00:02:10.665 We know from the accounts of his life recorded in Samuel Kings and 00:02:10.665 --> 00:02:15.135 Chronicles that he was prompted to do this largely by the rediscovery 00:02:15.135 --> 00:02:16.935 of the book of the law in the temple. 00:02:18.075 --> 00:02:22.995 But Josiah was no doubt also influenced by Zephaniah as warnings, particularly 00:02:22.995 --> 00:02:27.255 since the prophet was a direct descendant of Hezekiah and probably 00:02:27.255 --> 00:02:28.965 also a member of the Royal court. 00:02:29.835 --> 00:02:36.285 Act now before the fierce fury of the Lord falls, Zephaniah urged seek to 00:02:36.285 --> 00:02:38.955 do what is right and to live humbly. 00:02:39.525 --> 00:02:45.495 Perhaps even yet, the Lord will protect you by heeding this call the people were 00:02:45.495 --> 00:02:47.715 spared at least for another generation. 00:02:48.045 --> 00:02:52.395 The oracles of Zephaniah are organized into three groups. 00:02:53.205 --> 00:02:56.745 A similar phrase occurs at the end of the first and second groups marking 00:02:56.745 --> 00:02:58.305 off the three parts of the book. 00:02:59.130 --> 00:03:04.770 For the whole land will be devoured by the fire of his jealousy, as in Micah. 00:03:05.070 --> 00:03:09.390 The book's ultimate movement is from ruin to restoration, but in 00:03:09.395 --> 00:03:13.560 this case, it takes place over the course of the book as a whole rather 00:03:13.560 --> 00:03:15.600 than within each group of Oracles. 00:03:16.440 --> 00:03:21.180 The three groups together predict judgment on Judah and Jerusalem, then 00:03:21.180 --> 00:03:25.830 judgment on other nations, and finally the restoration of Judah and Jerusalem. 00:03:26.820 --> 00:03:30.630 This pattern shapes other prophetic books as well, such as Ezekiel 00:03:31.410 --> 00:03:35.640 Zephaniah is careful to emphasize that only the lowly and humble 00:03:36.180 --> 00:03:37.710 will share in the great renewal. 00:03:38.970 --> 00:03:43.170 The book ends with a vision similar to the one at the end of Isaiah, with God's 00:03:43.170 --> 00:03:49.230 holy city rebuilt and thriving once again addressing Jerusalem directly. 00:03:49.770 --> 00:03:52.770 Zephaniah says the Lord himself will come to live there. 00:03:53.850 --> 00:03:58.320 On that day, the announcement to Jerusalem will be cheer up Zion. 00:03:58.650 --> 00:04:01.110 Don't be afraid for the Lord. 00:04:01.110 --> 00:04:02.910 Your God is living among you. 00:04:03.540 --> 00:04:05.100 He is a mighty savior. 00:04:05.850 --> 00:04:09.930 He will take delight in you With gladness, with his love, 00:04:10.470 --> 00:04:12.450 he will calm all your fears. 00:04:13.455 --> 00:04:16.425 He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. 00:04:21.465 --> 00:04:23.205 The Prophet Zephaniah. 00:04:24.735 --> 00:04:30.375 The Lord gave this message to Zephaniah when Josiah son of Amon was king of Judah. 00:04:31.275 --> 00:04:38.175 Zephaniah was the son of Kuai, son of Alaya, son of Amiah, son of Hezekiah. 00:04:41.280 --> 00:04:45.810 I will sweep away everything from the face of the earth says the Lord. 00:04:46.560 --> 00:04:49.290 I will sweep away people and animals alike. 00:04:49.980 --> 00:04:53.910 I will sweep away the birds of the sky and the fish in the sea. 00:04:54.660 --> 00:04:59.640 I will reduce the wicked to heaps of rubble and I will wipe humanity from 00:04:59.640 --> 00:05:02.010 the face of the earth, says the Lord. 00:05:03.000 --> 00:05:05.670 I will crush Judah and Jerusalem with my fist. 00:05:06.495 --> 00:05:10.095 And destroy every last trace of their Baal worship. 00:05:10.815 --> 00:05:15.465 I will put an end to all the idolatrous priests so that even the 00:05:15.465 --> 00:05:20.385 memory of them will disappear for they go up to their roofs and bow 00:05:20.385 --> 00:05:23.115 down to the sun, moon, and stars. 00:05:23.775 --> 00:05:30.375 They claim to follow the Lord, but then they worship Molech too, and I will 00:05:30.375 --> 00:05:32.685 destroy those who used to worship me. 00:05:32.925 --> 00:05:34.515 But now no longer do. 00:05:35.220 --> 00:05:39.390 They no longer ask for the Lord's guidance or seek my blessings. 00:05:40.980 --> 00:05:44.220 Stand in silence in the presence of the sovereign Lord. 00:05:44.910 --> 00:05:47.070 For the awesome day of the Lord's. 00:05:47.160 --> 00:05:48.420 Judgment is near. 00:05:49.230 --> 00:05:53.070 The Lord has prepared his people for a great slaughter and has 00:05:53.250 --> 00:05:59.130 chosen their executioners on that day of judgment, says the Lord. 00:05:59.775 --> 00:06:03.765 I will punish the leaders and princes of Judah and all 00:06:03.765 --> 00:06:05.955 those following pagan customs. 00:06:06.585 --> 00:06:12.255 Yes, I will punish those who participate in pagan worship ceremonies and those who 00:06:12.260 --> 00:06:18.495 fill their master's houses with violence and deceit on that day, says the Lord. 00:06:19.065 --> 00:06:22.905 A cry of alarm will come from the fish gate and echo throughout 00:06:22.905 --> 00:06:24.375 the new quarter of the city. 00:06:24.855 --> 00:06:29.595 And a great crash will sound from the hills well and sorrow. 00:06:29.745 --> 00:06:33.885 All you who live in the market area for all the merchants and 00:06:33.885 --> 00:06:35.625 traitors will be destroyed. 00:06:36.375 --> 00:06:41.325 I will search with lanterns and jerusalem's darkest corners to punish 00:06:41.330 --> 00:06:44.145 those who sit complacent in their sins. 00:06:44.775 --> 00:06:49.245 They think the Lord will do nothing to them, either good or bad. 00:06:49.815 --> 00:06:53.925 So their property will be plundered, their homes will be ransacked. 00:06:54.450 --> 00:06:57.750 They will build new homes, but never live in them. 00:06:58.290 --> 00:07:02.160 They will plant vineyards, but never drink wine from them. 00:07:04.110 --> 00:07:08.010 That terrible day of the Lord is near swiftly. 00:07:08.010 --> 00:07:13.650 It comes a day of bitter tears, a day when even strong men will cry out. 00:07:14.400 --> 00:07:18.120 It will be a day when the Lord's anger is poured out, a day of 00:07:18.120 --> 00:07:20.130 terrible distress and anguish. 00:07:20.490 --> 00:07:24.930 A day of ruin and desolation, A day of darkness and gloom, 00:07:25.320 --> 00:07:27.630 A day of clouds and blackness. 00:07:28.080 --> 00:07:33.780 A day of trumpet calls and battle cries down, go the walled cities 00:07:33.990 --> 00:07:35.880 and the strongest battlements. 00:07:36.840 --> 00:07:40.260 Because you have sinned against the Lord, I will make you 00:07:40.260 --> 00:07:42.240 grope around like the blind. 00:07:42.630 --> 00:07:46.020 Your blood will be poured into the dust and your bodies will 00:07:46.020 --> 00:07:47.670 lie rotting on the ground. 00:07:49.125 --> 00:07:52.425 Your silver and gold will not save you on that day of the Lord's 00:07:52.425 --> 00:07:57.705 anger for the whole land will be devoured by the fire of his jealousy. 00:07:58.245 --> 00:08:02.625 He will make a terrifying end of all the people on earth 00:08:05.205 --> 00:08:06.315 gather together. 00:08:06.495 --> 00:08:08.055 Yes, gather together. 00:08:08.115 --> 00:08:13.365 You shameless nation gather before judgment begins before your time 00:08:13.365 --> 00:08:15.585 to repent is blown away like chaff. 00:08:16.410 --> 00:08:21.540 Act now before the fierce fury of the Lord falls and the terrible 00:08:21.540 --> 00:08:23.820 day of the Lord's anger begins. 00:08:24.660 --> 00:08:29.550 Seek the Lord all who are humble and follow his commands. 00:08:30.210 --> 00:08:33.510 Seek to do what is right and to live humbly. 00:08:34.350 --> 00:08:38.940 Perhaps even yet, the Lord will protect you, protect you from his 00:08:38.940 --> 00:08:41.550 anger on that day of destruction. 00:08:43.575 --> 00:08:46.395 Gaza and Ashkelon will be abandoned. 00:08:46.905 --> 00:08:49.065 Ashdod and Ekron torn down. 00:08:49.875 --> 00:08:54.015 And what Sorrow awaits you, Philistines, who live along the 00:08:54.015 --> 00:08:58.635 coast and in the land of Canaan for this judgment is against you too. 00:08:59.295 --> 00:09:03.315 The Lord will destroy you until not one of you is left. 00:09:03.975 --> 00:09:08.295 The Philistine coast will become a wilderness pasture, a place of shepherd 00:09:08.295 --> 00:09:10.875 camps and enclosures for sheep and goats. 00:09:11.655 --> 00:09:15.075 The remnant of the tribe of Judah will pasture there. 00:09:16.065 --> 00:09:20.115 They will rest at night in the abandoned houses in Eschelon. 00:09:21.195 --> 00:09:25.545 For the Lord, their God will visit his people in kindness and 00:09:25.545 --> 00:09:28.215 restore their prosperity again. 00:09:30.285 --> 00:09:35.775 I have heard the taunts of the Moabites and the insults of the Ammonites mocking 00:09:35.775 --> 00:09:38.625 my people and invading their borders. 00:09:39.240 --> 00:09:46.380 Now, as surely as I live says the Lord of heaven's armies, the God of Israel, Moab, 00:09:46.380 --> 00:09:51.810 and Amman will be destroyed, destroyed as completely as Sodom and Gomorrah. 00:09:52.500 --> 00:09:57.510 Their land will become a place of stinging nettles, salt pits in eternal desolation. 00:09:58.230 --> 00:10:01.680 The remnant of my people will plunder them and take their land. 00:10:02.835 --> 00:10:07.245 They will receive the wages of their pride for they have scoffed at the 00:10:07.245 --> 00:10:09.315 people of the Lord of Heaven's armies. 00:10:09.945 --> 00:10:14.955 The Lord will terrify them as he destroys all the gods in the land. 00:10:15.855 --> 00:10:21.555 Then nations around the world will worship the Lord each in their own land. 00:10:23.595 --> 00:10:28.845 You Ethiopians will also be slaughtered by my sword, says the Lord. 00:10:30.960 --> 00:10:34.260 The Lord will strike the lands of the North with his fist 00:10:34.710 --> 00:10:36.780 destroying the land of Assyria. 00:10:37.260 --> 00:10:43.080 He will make its great capital Nineveh, a desolate wasteland, parched like a desert. 00:10:44.070 --> 00:10:48.540 The proud city will become a pasture for flocks and herds, and all sorts 00:10:48.780 --> 00:10:50.700 of wild animals will settle there. 00:10:51.720 --> 00:10:56.130 The desert owl and Screech Owl will roost on its ruined columns. 00:10:56.550 --> 00:10:59.370 Their calls echoing through the gaping windows. 00:11:00.150 --> 00:11:04.320 Rubble will block all the doorways and the cedar paneling 00:11:04.320 --> 00:11:06.330 will be exposed to the weather. 00:11:07.290 --> 00:11:09.390 This is the boisterous city. 00:11:09.420 --> 00:11:14.340 Once so secure, I am the greatest It boasted. 00:11:14.820 --> 00:11:17.040 No other city can compare with me. 00:11:18.360 --> 00:11:22.170 But now look how it has become an utter ruin. 00:11:22.680 --> 00:11:24.750 A haven for wild animals. 00:11:25.590 --> 00:11:31.200 Everyone passing by will laugh in derision and shake a defiant fist. 00:11:33.210 --> 00:11:39.480 What sorrow, awaits, rebellious, polluted Jerusalem, the city of violence and crime. 00:11:40.200 --> 00:11:42.000 No one can tell it anything. 00:11:42.360 --> 00:11:44.100 It refuses all correction. 00:11:44.610 --> 00:11:48.300 It does not trust in the Lord or draw near to its God. 00:11:48.990 --> 00:11:52.830 Its leaders are like roaring lions hunting for their victims. 00:11:53.460 --> 00:11:57.000 Its judges are like ravenous wolves at evening time. 00:11:57.150 --> 00:12:00.270 Who by dawn have left no trace of their prey? 00:12:01.230 --> 00:12:05.460 It's prophets are arrogant liars seeking their own gain. 00:12:06.090 --> 00:12:11.580 Its priests defile the temple by disobeying God's instructions. 00:12:12.285 --> 00:12:16.995 But the Lord is still there in the city and he does no wrong. 00:12:17.955 --> 00:12:22.935 Day by day, he hands down justice and he does not fail. 00:12:23.535 --> 00:12:26.025 But the wicket know no shame. 00:12:28.035 --> 00:12:29.115 I have wiped out. 00:12:29.115 --> 00:12:33.285 Many nations devastating their fortress walls and towers. 00:12:33.675 --> 00:12:35.595 Their streets are now deserted. 00:12:36.015 --> 00:12:38.505 Their cities lie in silent ruin. 00:12:39.195 --> 00:12:40.785 There are no survivors. 00:12:41.250 --> 00:12:42.570 None at all. 00:12:43.290 --> 00:12:47.280 I thought, surely they will have reverence for me now. 00:12:48.030 --> 00:12:52.410 Surely they will listen to my warnings, then I won't need to 00:12:52.415 --> 00:12:55.410 strike again destroying their homes. 00:12:56.070 --> 00:13:00.600 But no, they get up early to continue their evil deeds. 00:13:01.290 --> 00:13:04.310 Therefore, be patient, says the Lord. 00:13:05.610 --> 00:13:08.850 Soon I will stand and accuse these evil nations. 00:13:09.390 --> 00:13:14.460 For, I have decided to gather the kingdoms of the earth and pour out 00:13:14.520 --> 00:13:17.490 my fiercest anger and fury on them. 00:13:18.180 --> 00:13:18.600 All. 00:13:18.605 --> 00:13:22.890 The earth will be devoured by the fire of my jealousy. 00:13:25.410 --> 00:13:28.970 Then I will purify the speech of all people so that everyone 00:13:28.970 --> 00:13:30.960 can worship the Lord together. 00:13:31.560 --> 00:13:35.880 My scattered people who live beyond the rivers of Ethiopia will 00:13:35.880 --> 00:13:37.710 come to present their offerings. 00:13:38.595 --> 00:13:43.185 On that day, you will no longer need to be ashamed for you will 00:13:43.185 --> 00:13:45.195 no longer be rebels against me. 00:13:45.915 --> 00:13:49.815 I will remove all proud and arrogant people from among you. 00:13:50.595 --> 00:13:53.535 There will be no more haughtiness on my holy mountain. 00:13:54.435 --> 00:13:58.935 Those who are left will be the lowly and humble for it is they 00:13:58.935 --> 00:14:00.735 who trust in the name of the Lord. 00:14:01.800 --> 00:14:04.680 The remnant of Israel will do no wrong. 00:14:05.460 --> 00:14:08.520 They will never tell lies or deceive one another. 00:14:09.180 --> 00:14:14.850 They will eat and sleep in safety and no one will make them afraid. 00:14:15.870 --> 00:14:18.060 Sing o Daughter of Zion. 00:14:18.630 --> 00:14:20.520 Shout aloud, O Israel. 00:14:21.120 --> 00:14:23.730 Be glad and rejoice with all your heart. 00:14:24.150 --> 00:14:25.980 O daughter of Jerusalem. 00:14:26.460 --> 00:14:31.410 For the Lord will remove his hand of judgment and will disperse the armies 00:14:31.410 --> 00:14:34.380 of your enemy and the Lord himself. 00:14:34.440 --> 00:14:37.710 The king of Israel will live among you. 00:14:38.340 --> 00:14:43.800 At last, your troubles will be over and you'll never again fear disaster. 00:14:44.820 --> 00:14:49.980 On that day, the announcement to Jerusalem will be Cheer up Zion. 00:14:50.220 --> 00:14:50.910 Don't be afraid. 00:14:52.125 --> 00:14:54.975 For the Lord, your God is living among you. 00:14:55.275 --> 00:14:56.955 He is a mighty savior. 00:14:57.525 --> 00:14:59.175 He will take delight in you. 00:14:59.175 --> 00:15:03.945 With gladness, with his love, he will calm all your fears. 00:15:04.245 --> 00:15:09.945 He will rejoice over you With joyful songs, I will gather you who 00:15:09.945 --> 00:15:12.015 mourn for the appointed festivals. 00:15:12.645 --> 00:15:14.205 You will be disgraced. 00:15:14.235 --> 00:15:14.865 No more. 00:15:15.510 --> 00:15:18.810 And I will deal severely with all who have oppressed you. 00:15:19.320 --> 00:15:21.420 I will save the weak and helpless ones. 00:15:21.930 --> 00:15:24.930 I will bring together those who were chased away. 00:15:25.440 --> 00:15:29.850 I will give glory and fame to my former exiles wherever they 00:15:29.850 --> 00:15:31.770 have been mocked and shamed. 00:15:32.550 --> 00:15:37.650 On that day, I will gather you together and bring you home again. 00:15:38.610 --> 00:15:44.430 I will give you a good name, a name of distinction among all the nations 00:15:44.430 --> 00:15:49.440 of the earth as I restore your fortunes before their very eyes. 00:15:50.250 --> 00:15:52.480 I, the Lord have spoken, 00:15:59.160 --> 00:16:00.810 immersed in naham. 00:16:02.415 --> 00:16:05.595 Very little is known about the prophet Naham. 00:16:06.255 --> 00:16:09.075 We are given no details of his personal life. 00:16:09.135 --> 00:16:16.275 Other than that he lived in Osh, a city whose location is unknown today since he 00:16:16.275 --> 00:16:21.405 shows brilliant skill with words, we do know that he was educated and literate. 00:16:22.155 --> 00:16:26.775 The historical situation he refers to in his messages is also clear. 00:16:28.305 --> 00:16:29.085 Ham's five. 00:16:29.090 --> 00:16:33.825 Oracles describe the fall of the city of Nineveh Capital of the Assyrian 00:16:33.825 --> 00:16:38.625 Empire, an event that happened in 612 bc. 00:16:39.375 --> 00:16:43.935 The messages celebrate this event as an expression of God's just rule 00:16:43.935 --> 00:16:48.915 over the world, specifically his judgment against an oppressive people. 00:16:49.665 --> 00:16:52.545 Nahm highlights the Assyrian oppression by asking. 00:16:53.955 --> 00:16:59.595 Where can anyone be found who has not suffered from your continual cruelty? 00:17:00.855 --> 00:17:05.985 The first Oracle in the book is most likely a song because its lines begin 00:17:05.985 --> 00:17:09.645 with the consecutive letters of the first half of the Hebrew alphabet. 00:17:10.485 --> 00:17:13.725 This literary device appears in several of the Psalms. 00:17:14.355 --> 00:17:19.875 The Oracle praises God as both just and merciful echoing the language. 00:17:19.875 --> 00:17:23.595 God used to describe himself to Moses at Mount Sinai. 00:17:24.345 --> 00:17:30.255 The Lord is slow to get angry, but he never lets the guilty go unpunished. 00:17:30.975 --> 00:17:34.905 This provides the context for what's said in the other four 00:17:34.905 --> 00:17:39.345 oracles in the book, which describe God's judgment against Nineveh. 00:17:40.590 --> 00:17:44.430 The second Oracle draws a series of contrasts by speaking 00:17:44.430 --> 00:17:46.980 alternately to Assyria and Judah. 00:17:47.730 --> 00:17:52.920 For example, the temples and gods of Assyria will be destroyed while 00:17:52.920 --> 00:17:57.660 Judah will be free once again to celebrate its own religious festivals. 00:17:58.380 --> 00:18:01.790 Here we get a brief glimpse of an essential truth of the gospel. 00:18:03.015 --> 00:18:08.055 When the messenger is coming over the mountains with good news, a crucial 00:18:08.055 --> 00:18:12.045 part of the announcement is that God's enemies have been defeated. 00:18:13.455 --> 00:18:18.675 The third Oracle is a poetic depiction of the battle in which Nineveh was conquered. 00:18:19.365 --> 00:18:22.875 It's here that the prophet Naham particularly exhibits 00:18:22.875 --> 00:18:24.825 his special ability with words. 00:18:25.530 --> 00:18:29.790 He first develops an extended image of bright colors and gleaming 00:18:29.790 --> 00:18:34.500 light to portray a formidable coalition of nations on the attack. 00:18:35.490 --> 00:18:39.690 He then alludes to the way Nineveh's river floods and destroys part of 00:18:39.690 --> 00:18:44.400 its wall, creating a breach that allows the siege forces to enter. 00:18:45.300 --> 00:18:50.640 He uses the image of receding floodwaters to represent the Assyrian army and 00:18:50.640 --> 00:18:52.800 population fleeing the onslaught. 00:18:53.820 --> 00:18:59.370 When Naham says at the end that the city is plundered, empty and ruined, 00:18:59.880 --> 00:19:04.470 he begins with a short Hebrew word, adds a letter to make the next word 00:19:04.980 --> 00:19:07.200 and adds another letter for the third. 00:19:07.830 --> 00:19:11.460 Thus using the lengthening sound in each successive word to 00:19:11.460 --> 00:19:13.710 represent the spreading disaster. 00:19:14.730 --> 00:19:18.330 The fourth Oracle details the crimes for which Assyria 00:19:18.330 --> 00:19:20.220 has been judged and punished. 00:19:20.715 --> 00:19:23.355 Like a den filled with young lions. 00:19:23.775 --> 00:19:29.505 It has been cruelly violent and like a prostitute or mistress of deadly 00:19:29.505 --> 00:19:35.985 charms, it has enticed the nations forcing subject peoples to worship. 00:19:35.985 --> 00:19:41.725 Its false gods the last Oracle in the book, which probably comes from 00:19:41.775 --> 00:19:43.905 a time shortly before Nineveh fell. 00:19:44.910 --> 00:19:48.900 Warns the Assyrians not to be complacent and think that their 00:19:48.900 --> 00:19:50.670 capital cannot be conquered. 00:19:51.600 --> 00:19:56.400 It reminds them that 50 years earlier, their own emperor went all 00:19:56.400 --> 00:20:01.230 the way to Egypt and captured the supposedly impregnable city of thieves, 00:20:01.710 --> 00:20:06.690 which was protected by the river on all sides, walled in by water. 00:20:08.040 --> 00:20:11.400 This final oracle is a fitting end to the book. 00:20:12.150 --> 00:20:17.700 It serves as a caution to any other nation, including Judah, that might 00:20:17.700 --> 00:20:19.530 think it can never be conquered. 00:20:20.040 --> 00:20:24.690 The implied warning is that only fidelity to the God of justice and 00:20:24.695 --> 00:20:27.030 mercy will keep a nation secure. 00:20:27.990 --> 00:20:32.820 The supposed strength of any empire cannot stand in the face 00:20:32.820 --> 00:20:34.980 of God's judgment when it comes 00:20:39.870 --> 00:20:40.880 the prophet namm. 00:20:43.500 --> 00:20:48.750 This message concerning Nineveh came as a vision to Naim who lived in Osh. 00:20:50.730 --> 00:20:54.960 The Lord is a jealous God filled with vengeance and rage. 00:20:55.710 --> 00:21:00.930 He takes revenge on all who oppose him and continues to rage against his enemies. 00:21:02.130 --> 00:21:07.230 The Lord is slow to get angry, but his power is great and he never 00:21:07.230 --> 00:21:09.060 lets the guilty go unpunished. 00:21:10.275 --> 00:21:13.455 He displays his power and the whirlwind and the storm. 00:21:14.325 --> 00:21:19.545 The billowing clouds are the dust beneath his feet at his command, the 00:21:19.550 --> 00:21:22.935 oceans dry up and the rivers disappear. 00:21:23.925 --> 00:21:29.025 The lush pastures of basin and caramel fade and the green forests 00:21:29.025 --> 00:21:31.995 of Lebanon wither in his presence. 00:21:31.995 --> 00:21:35.205 The mountains quake and the hills melt away. 00:21:36.615 --> 00:21:40.125 The earth trembles and its people are destroyed. 00:21:41.565 --> 00:21:47.895 Who can stand before his fierce anger, who can survive his burning fury, his 00:21:47.895 --> 00:21:53.535 rage blazes forth like fire and the mountains crumble to dust in his presence. 00:21:53.805 --> 00:21:55.785 The Lord is good. 00:21:56.385 --> 00:21:57.465 A strong refuge. 00:21:57.465 --> 00:22:02.445 When trouble comes, he is close to those who trust in him, but 00:22:02.445 --> 00:22:04.365 he will sweep away his enemies. 00:22:04.995 --> 00:22:06.765 And an overwhelming flood. 00:22:07.605 --> 00:22:10.965 He will pursue his foes into the darkness of night. 00:22:11.925 --> 00:22:14.205 Why are you scheming against the Lord? 00:22:14.805 --> 00:22:17.085 He will destroy you with one blow. 00:22:17.745 --> 00:22:22.995 He won't need to strike twice his enemies tangled like thorn bushes 00:22:23.535 --> 00:22:28.965 and staggering like drunks will be burned up like dry stubble in a field. 00:22:30.105 --> 00:22:34.875 Who is this wicked counselor of yours who plots evil against the Lord? 00:22:36.345 --> 00:22:39.285 This is what the Lord says though. 00:22:39.285 --> 00:22:43.665 The Assyrians have many allies, they will be destroyed and disappear. 00:22:44.535 --> 00:22:45.765 Oh my people. 00:22:46.155 --> 00:22:50.025 I have punished you before, but I will not punish you again. 00:22:50.985 --> 00:22:55.725 Now I will break the yoke of bondage from your neck and tear off the 00:22:55.725 --> 00:22:57.555 chains of ass Syrian oppression. 00:22:59.265 --> 00:23:04.545 And this is what the Lord says concerning the Assyrians In Nineveh, you will have 00:23:04.545 --> 00:23:06.675 no more children to carry on your name. 00:23:07.725 --> 00:23:11.235 I will destroy all the idols and the temples of your gods. 00:23:11.955 --> 00:23:16.305 I am preparing a grave for you because you are despicable. 00:23:17.325 --> 00:23:21.345 Look, a messenger is coming over the mountains with good news. 00:23:21.855 --> 00:23:23.655 He is bringing a message of peace. 00:23:24.645 --> 00:23:27.375 Celebrate your festival so people of Judah. 00:23:28.035 --> 00:23:34.395 Fulfill all your vows for your wicked enemies will never invade your land again. 00:23:35.235 --> 00:23:37.305 They will be completely destroyed. 00:23:38.625 --> 00:23:42.975 Your enemy is coming to crush you, Nineveh, man, the ramparts. 00:23:43.185 --> 00:23:46.245 Watch the roads, prepare your defenses. 00:23:46.455 --> 00:23:47.925 Call out your forces. 00:23:48.765 --> 00:23:54.285 Even though the destroyer has destroyed Judah, the Lord will restore its honor. 00:23:55.425 --> 00:23:59.145 Israel's vine has been stripped of branches, but he will 00:23:59.145 --> 00:24:04.095 restore its splendor, shields, flash, red, and the sunlight. 00:24:04.545 --> 00:24:10.065 See the scarlet uniforms of the valiant troops watch as their glittering 00:24:10.070 --> 00:24:15.135 chariots move into position with a forest of spears waving above them. 00:24:16.455 --> 00:24:20.055 The cherry hits race recklessly along the streets and rush 00:24:20.055 --> 00:24:21.885 wildly through the squares. 00:24:22.635 --> 00:24:26.445 They flash like firelight and move as swiftly as lightning. 00:24:27.195 --> 00:24:28.935 The king shouts to his officers. 00:24:29.535 --> 00:24:33.495 They stumble in their haste, rushing to the walls to set up their defenses. 00:24:34.605 --> 00:24:36.645 The river gates have been torn open. 00:24:37.005 --> 00:24:38.835 The palace is about to collapse. 00:24:40.125 --> 00:24:45.225 Nineveh's exile has been decreed, and all the servant girls mourn its capture. 00:24:46.185 --> 00:24:49.965 They moan like doves and beat their breasts in sorrow. 00:24:51.060 --> 00:24:54.000 Nineveh is like a leaking water reservoir. 00:24:54.990 --> 00:24:56.700 The people are slipping away. 00:24:57.030 --> 00:24:57.660 Stop. 00:24:57.810 --> 00:24:58.290 Stop. 00:24:58.290 --> 00:25:00.930 Someone shouts, but no one even looks back. 00:25:01.650 --> 00:25:04.320 Loot the silver, plunder the gold. 00:25:05.520 --> 00:25:07.440 There's no end to nineveh's treasures. 00:25:07.770 --> 00:25:09.720 It's vast uncounted wealth. 00:25:10.560 --> 00:25:18.090 Soon the city has plundered empty and ruined hearts melt and knees shake. 00:25:18.930 --> 00:25:23.100 The people stand aghast, their faces pale and trembling. 00:25:24.360 --> 00:25:25.830 Where now is that great? 00:25:25.830 --> 00:25:29.190 Nineveh, that den filled with young lions. 00:25:30.330 --> 00:25:35.670 It was a place where people like lions and their cubs walked freely and without fear. 00:25:36.450 --> 00:25:40.680 The lion tore up meat for his cubs and strangled prey for his mate. 00:25:41.430 --> 00:25:45.720 He filled his den with prey, his caverns with his plunder. 00:25:46.920 --> 00:25:50.970 I am your enemy, says the Lord of heaven's armies. 00:25:51.600 --> 00:25:54.270 Your chariots will soon go up in smoke. 00:25:55.020 --> 00:25:57.180 Your young men will be killed in battle. 00:25:57.930 --> 00:25:59.010 Never again will you. 00:25:59.010 --> 00:26:02.910 Plunder conquered nations, the voices of your proud 00:26:02.915 --> 00:26:05.190 messengers will be heard no more. 00:26:06.330 --> 00:26:06.600 What? 00:26:06.600 --> 00:26:11.040 Sorrow, awaits Nineveh, the city of murder and lies. 00:26:11.910 --> 00:26:15.360 She's crammed with wealth and is never without victims. 00:26:16.140 --> 00:26:21.030 Hear the crack of whips, the rumble of wheels, horses, hooves, 00:26:21.030 --> 00:26:23.220 pound and chariots clutter. 00:26:23.220 --> 00:26:28.050 Wildly see the flashing swords and glittering spears as 00:26:28.050 --> 00:26:30.210 the charioteers charge past. 00:26:31.260 --> 00:26:35.700 There are countless casualties, heaps of bodies, so many bodies 00:26:35.700 --> 00:26:37.290 that people stumble over them. 00:26:37.800 --> 00:26:42.030 All this because Nineveh, the beautiful and faithless city 00:26:42.540 --> 00:26:44.550 mistress of deadly charms. 00:26:44.970 --> 00:26:46.920 Enticed the nations with her beauty. 00:26:47.490 --> 00:26:50.760 She taught them all her magic enchanting people. 00:26:50.760 --> 00:26:56.430 Everywhere I am your enemy says the Lord of heaven's armies. 00:26:57.030 --> 00:27:02.250 And now I will lift your skirts and show all the earth your nakedness and shame. 00:27:03.060 --> 00:27:07.500 I will cover you with filth and show the world how vile you really are. 00:27:08.340 --> 00:27:13.050 All who see you will shrink back and say, nine lies and ruins. 00:27:13.620 --> 00:27:14.790 Where are the mourners? 00:27:15.750 --> 00:27:17.970 Does anyone regret your destruction? 00:27:19.200 --> 00:27:21.420 Are you any better than the city of Thebes? 00:27:21.810 --> 00:27:26.100 Situated on the Nile River surrounded by water, she was 00:27:26.100 --> 00:27:28.320 protected by the river on all sides. 00:27:28.590 --> 00:27:34.650 Walled in by water, Ethiopia and the land of Egypt gave unlimited assistance. 00:27:35.670 --> 00:27:39.240 The nations of put and Libya were among her allies. 00:27:39.960 --> 00:27:43.770 Yet Thieves fell and her people were led away as captives. 00:27:44.640 --> 00:27:48.450 Her babies were dashed to death against the stones of the streets. 00:27:49.410 --> 00:27:52.800 Soldiers threw dice to get Egyptian officers as servants. 00:27:53.490 --> 00:27:55.950 All their leaders were bound in chains. 00:27:57.000 --> 00:28:02.100 And you, Nineveh will also staggered like a drunkard you will hide 00:28:02.100 --> 00:28:03.810 for fear of the attacking enemy. 00:28:04.230 --> 00:28:05.940 All your fortresses will fall. 00:28:07.125 --> 00:28:10.455 They will be devoured, like the ripe figs that fall into the mouths 00:28:10.455 --> 00:28:12.105 of those who shake the trees. 00:28:13.005 --> 00:28:15.945 Your troops will be as weak and helpless as women. 00:28:17.025 --> 00:28:22.065 The gates of your land will be opened wide to the enemy and set on fire and burned. 00:28:23.355 --> 00:28:24.645 Get ready for the siege. 00:28:24.975 --> 00:28:27.555 Store up water, strengthen the defenses. 00:28:28.125 --> 00:28:32.115 Go into the pits to trample clay and pack it into molds, making 00:28:32.120 --> 00:28:33.795 bricks to repair the walls. 00:28:35.085 --> 00:28:36.885 The fire will devour you. 00:28:37.275 --> 00:28:39.345 The sword will cut you down. 00:28:40.125 --> 00:28:44.925 The enemy will consume you like locusts, devouring, everything they see. 00:28:45.825 --> 00:28:46.935 There will be no escape. 00:28:47.385 --> 00:28:52.485 Even if you multiply like swarming locusts, your merchants have multiplied 00:28:52.490 --> 00:28:54.315 until they outnumber the stars. 00:28:54.645 --> 00:28:59.265 But like a swarm of locusts, they strip the land and fly away. 00:29:00.465 --> 00:29:05.655 Your guards and officials are also like swarming locusts that crowd together in 00:29:05.655 --> 00:29:11.295 the hedges on a cold day, but like locusts that fly away, when the sun comes up, 00:29:11.715 --> 00:29:14.205 all of them will fly away and disappear. 00:29:15.405 --> 00:29:16.785 Your shepherds are asleep. 00:29:17.145 --> 00:29:18.345 Oh, Ayn king. 00:29:19.155 --> 00:29:21.315 Your princes lie dead in the dust. 00:29:22.515 --> 00:29:25.695 Your people are scattered across the mountains with no 00:29:25.695 --> 00:29:27.195 one to gather them together. 00:29:28.065 --> 00:29:30.045 There is no healing for your wound. 00:29:30.585 --> 00:29:32.205 Your injury is fatal. 00:29:33.195 --> 00:29:37.515 All who hear of your destruction will clap their hands for joy. 00:29:38.565 --> 00:29:43.365 Where can anyone be found who has not suffered from your continual cruelty? 00:29:47.895 --> 00:29:50.745 This concludes today's immerse reading experience. 00:29:50.895 --> 00:29:52.125 Thank you for joining us.