Introduction:
Nineveh, the ancient capital of the Assyrian Empire, is a significant city in biblical history, particularly noted for its eventual judgment and destruction as prophesied by the prophets Nahum and Jonah. The city, known for its great size and influence, was also infamous for its wickedness and cruelty, which ultimately led to its downfall as decreed by God.

Biblical Background:
Nineveh's prominence is first highlighted in the Book of Jonah, where God commands Jonah to go to the city and proclaim its impending destruction due to its wickedness. Jonah 1:2 states, "Arise, go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before Me." Jonah's initial reluctance and subsequent obedience lead to Nineveh's temporary repentance and deliverance from destruction, as recorded in Jonah 3:10 : "When God saw their actions—that they had turned from their evil ways—He relented from the disaster He had threatened to bring upon them."

Prophecy of Nahum:
The Book of Nahum, written approximately a century after Jonah, provides a detailed prophecy concerning the final judgment on Nineveh. Unlike Jonah's message, Nahum's prophecy does not offer a call to repentance but rather a declaration of inevitable destruction. Nahum 1:2-3 describes God's character in the context of judgment: "The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD is avenging and full of wrath. The LORD takes vengeance on His foes and reserves wrath for His enemies. The LORD is slow to anger and great in power; the LORD will by no means leave the guilty unpunished."

Reasons for Judgment:
The reasons for Nineveh's judgment are multifaceted, rooted in its persistent sinfulness and cruelty. Nahum 3:1 highlights the city's violence and deceit: "Woe to the city of blood, full of lies, full of plunder, never without prey." The Assyrians were notorious for their brutal military campaigns and oppressive rule over conquered peoples, which contributed to their reputation as a "city of blood."

The Fall of Nineveh:
Nahum's prophecy vividly describes the fall of Nineveh, emphasizing the totality and inevitability of its destruction. Nahum 2:6 states, "The river gates are thrown open, and the palace collapses." This imagery reflects the historical account of Nineveh's fall in 612 BC, when a coalition of Babylonians, Medes, and Scythians besieged the city, leading to its eventual downfall. The prophecy in Nahum 3:19 concludes with a declaration of finality: "There is no healing for your injury; your wound is grievous. All who hear the news about you clap their hands over you. For who has not felt your endless cruelty?"

Theological Significance:
The judgment on Nineveh serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and justice. It underscores the biblical principle that God holds nations accountable for their actions and that His patience, though long-suffering, has limits. The narrative of Nineveh's judgment also illustrates the theme of divine retribution against unrepentant sin and the ultimate triumph of God's righteousness over human wickedness.

Conclusion:
The account of Nineveh's judgment is a testament to the seriousness with which God views sin and the certainty of His justice. It serves as a warning to all nations and individuals to turn from wickedness and seek God's mercy, lest they face similar consequences.