• Download Video
• Download Audio
• Print
• Email
• Save As PDF

"O Judah, keep your appointed feasts"

Text: Nahum 1:15

THE PROTECTION OF JUDAH

King Sennacherib of Assyria had threatened to overrun Judah with a huge Assyrian army. How should Judah respond? Isaiah 37 records carefully two major things that happened.

1. King Hezekiah cried out to the Lord in prayer (Isaiah 37:14-20).

2. Isaiah was sent by the Lord to give a word of encouragement and hope.

a) God will send the Assyrians back to its own country.

b) Sennacherib will not set foot in Jerusalem (Isaiah 37:33-34).

c) God will personally defend Jerusalem.

d) He will save the people living there (Isaiah 37:35).

e) The prayer offered by King Hezekiah had been heard (Isaiah 37:21).

f) Isaiah then uttered a prophecy against Assyria (Isaiah 37: 21-35).

THE DEFEAT OF THE ASSYRIANS

The defeat of the Assyrians was guaranteed when God had committed Himself to defending His people.

“Behold, on the mountains
The feet of him who brings good tidings,
Who proclaims peace!
O Judah, keep your appointed feasts,
Perform your vows.
For the wicked one shall no more pass through you;
He is utterly cut off.”
Nahum 1:15

1. “The feet of him who brings good tidings”

a) Behold, messengers would be sent out.

b) The message they will proclaim:

i) A message of peace.

ii) The threatened war with the Assyrians would be removed.

2. A word to Judah

a) The people may continue with their plans to celebrate “the appointed feasts”.

b) Vows that have been taken may be performed at the Temple in Jerusalem.

3. Assyria the enemy

a) He is called “the wicked one”.

b) He will not pass through the land of Judah any more.

c) Assyria would be “utterly cut off!”