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Nineveh, Part II: How Patient Should God Be?

The prophetic book of Nahum is essentially a sequel to the book of Jonah.  Both focus on the people of Nineveh. Jonah proclaims doom and destruction on them. They have a change of heart (repent). And God relents.

A century or so later, they have forgotten all about that. This time Nahum proclaims doom and destruction. This time there is no change of heart; and history records that they are soon destroyed.

What did they do? Nahum simply pronounces that they are guilty (Nahum 1:3) and later shares some details:

The city of Nineveh is given a second chance, but they miss it—and they pay a heavy price.

God is patient (Nahum 1:3), but not patient forever. If he gives us a second change, we’d better take it.

Learn more about all twelve of the Bible’s Minor Prophets in Peter’s book, Return to Me: 40 Prophetic Teachings about Unfaithfulness, Punishment, and Hope from the Minor Prophets

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

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