An Abominable Filth Upon Nineveh
Nahum 3:6 says, “And I will cast abominable filth upon thee, and make thee vile, and will set thee as a gazingstock.”
Nineveh was called “the bloody city!” (v. 1a), because it was “all full of lies and robbery” (v. 1b). They also committed a multitude of whoredoms and witchcrafts (v. 4). Their city was the embodiment of cruelty and wickedness (Ps 11:5). God’s judgment will be upon them (v. 7). This was fulfilled when Nineveh fell into the hands of the Medes and the Babylonians around 612 BC. Nahum’s prophecy serves as a reminder to all of us that God is both Holy and Just (Acts 3:14). Although He is “merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth” (Ex 34:6), He will never tolerate sin and the persistent rebellion against Him (Ps 5:4)!
God will “cast abominable filth” upon the Ninevites. Just as filth or waste is both unpleasant and disturbing, the sins of the people will not only be publicly exposed, but their harsh judgment will also be seen being poured out. Then they will realize that they have acted in defiance against the righteous God (Gal 6:7); Who had previously demonstrated His mercy and compassion to Nineveh when He sent Jonah to prophesy against their sins. And because they repented (Jon 3:5), God withheld His judgment (Jon 3:10). But about 150 years later, wickedness abounded again and they ignored the cries of the prophet Nahum (Nah 1:12).
Therefore, they will face God’s judgment (Nah 2:8). There is always a price to pay for continual disobedience (Prov 13:13). God’s holiness (Lev 20:26), will never allow sin and wickedness to flourish – He “shall judge the world in righteousness” (Ps 9:8). Nineveh will be made “vile,” which simply magnifies how sin dehumanizes one’s worth and identity. Unconfessed sins (Prov 28:13), will ultimately degrade our character (Ps 12:8). Nineveh will also become a “gazingstock” or a public display of horror and curiosity. Sadly, those who refuse to repent not only dishonors God but also mocks Him. However, His grace still offers an opportunity of redemption for those who would turn back to Him! God bless you!
- Pastor Melito Barrera
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