Nahum 3:11
You too will become drunk; you will go into hiding and seek refuge from the enemy.
You too will become drunk;

Nineveh would stagger under the cup of God’s wrath, stripped of clear judgment, strength, and military resolve. Assyria had intoxicated nations with violence and conquest, but the judgment it inflicted on others would return upon its own head (Jeremiah 25:15–16). Its feared armies and proud rulers would be powerless before the Lord who governs every nation.

Lam 4:21-22 So rejoice and be glad, O Daughter of Edom,…
Isa 51:17 Awake, awake! Rise up, O Jerusalem, you who have drunk…
Jer 25:15-17 This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, said to me:…

you will go into hiding

The inhabitants of the great fortified city would flee in terror rather than stand confidently behind Nineveh’s walls. Human defenses, wealth, and reputation cannot preserve a people whom God has appointed for judgment. The empire that had driven captives from their homes would itself be reduced to fear and concealment.

Isa 26:20 Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut your doors…
Isa 2:10 Go into the rocks and hide in the dust from the terror…
Rev 6:15-16 Then the kings of the earth, the nobles, the commanders…

and seek refuge from the enemy.

Nineveh would desperately look for protection from the invading forces of Babylon and Media, who destroyed the city in 612 BC. Assyria’s cruelty, idolatry, and pride brought divine justice upon the nation. The Lord’s judgment reversed its power: those who had made others seek refuge would themselves find no secure refuge from Him.

Psa 61:3-4 For You have been my refuge, a tower of strength…
Psa 18:2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer.…
Psa 57:1 For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.”…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nineveh
The capital of the Assyrian Empire, known for its great power and cruelty. Nahum prophesies its downfall.

2. Nahum
A prophet who delivers God's message of judgment against Nineveh.

3. Assyrian Empire
A dominant ancient empire known for its military prowess and harsh treatment of conquered peoples.

4. God's Judgment
The overarching theme of Nahum, emphasizing divine retribution against sin and injustice.

5. Enemies of Nineveh
The forces that would eventually conquer and destroy Nineveh, fulfilling Nahum's prophecy.
Teaching Points
Divine Justice
God's justice is inevitable and impartial. Just as Nineveh faced consequences for its actions, so too will all who oppose God's righteousness.

The Illusion of Security
Earthly power and fortifications cannot protect against divine judgment. True security is found in obedience to God.

Repentance and Humility
The call to repentance is urgent. Like Nineveh, individuals and nations must humble themselves before God to avoid judgment.

The Consequences of Sin
Sin leads to downfall and disgrace. The imagery of drunkenness symbolizes the loss of control and impending disaster due to sin.

God's Sovereignty
God is in control of history and nations. His plans will come to pass, and His purposes will be fulfilled.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the imagery of drunkenness in Nahum 3:11 relate to the concept of divine judgment in other parts of the Bible?

2. In what ways can the fall of Nineveh serve as a warning to modern nations and individuals?

3. How does understanding the historical context of Nineveh enhance our interpretation of Nahum 3:11?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we are seeking refuge in God rather than in worldly security?

5. How can we apply the lessons of Nahum 3:11 to our personal lives, particularly in terms of repentance and humility before God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 51:17-23
This passage also speaks of drinking the cup of God's wrath, similar to Nahum's imagery of becoming drunk.

Jeremiah 25:15-29
Jeremiah uses the metaphor of drinking the cup of God's wrath to describe the judgment on nations.

Revelation 18:6
The fall of Babylon in Revelation echoes the fall of Nineveh, with themes of divine judgment and retribution.
No-Amon, a SignS.D. Hilman Nahum 3:8-13
People
Egyptians, Nahum, Phut
Places
Assyria, Cush, Egypt, Nile River, Nineveh, Put, Thebes
Topics
Dazed, Drunk, Drunken, Enemy, Feeble, Fighting, Hid, Hidden, Hiding, Overcome, Refuge, Safe, Search, Seek, Strength, Strong, Stronghold, Swoon, Wine
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Nahum 3:10

     5157   head
     5251   chains
     5723   nobles
     5824   cruelty, examples
     7392   lots, casting of

Nahum 3:8-10

     5205   alliance

Library
The Tenth Commandment
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his man-servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.' Exod 20: 17. THIS commandment forbids covetousness in general, Thou shalt not covet;' and in particular, Thy neighbour's house, thy neighbour's wife, &c. I. It forbids covetousness in general. Thou shalt not covet.' It is lawful to use the world, yea, and to desire so much of it as may keep us from the temptation
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Nahum
Poetically the little book of Nahum is one of the finest in the Old Testament. Its descriptions are vivid and impetuous: they set us before the walls of the beleaguered Nineveh, and show us the war-chariots of her enemies darting to and fro like lightning, ii. 4, the prancing steeds, the flashing swords, the glittering spears, iii. 2,3. The poetry glows with passionate joy as it contemplates the ruin of cruel and victorious Assyria. In the opening chapter, i., ii. 2, Jehovah is represented as coming
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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