David Bahn – Reflections

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Today’s readings: Nahum 2-3, 2 Kings 22, Psalm 54.

2 Kings 22:11-13, 15-20

When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes. ¹² And the king commanded [his men], saying, ¹³ “Go, inquire of the Lord for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that has been found. For great is the wrath of the Lord that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us.”

¹⁵ And [Huldah the prophetess] said to them, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: ‘Tell the man who sent you to me, ¹⁶ Thus says the Lord, Behold, I will bring disaster upon this place and upon its inhabitants, all the words of the book that the king of Judah has read. ¹⁷ Because they have forsaken me and have made offerings to other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the work of their hands, therefore my wrath will be kindled against this place, and it will not be quenched. ¹⁸ But to the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the Lord, thus shall you say to him, Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Regarding the words that you have heard, ¹⁹ because your heart was penitent, and you humbled yourself before the Lord, when you heard how I spoke against this place and against its inhabitants, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and you have torn your clothes and wept before me, I also have heard you, declares the Lord. ²⁰ Therefore, behold, I will gather you to your fathers, and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace, and your eyes shall not see all the disaster that I will bring upon this place.’” And they brought back word to the king.

At first glance, today’s readings seem to pull us in two different directions. Nahum 2–3 pronounces God’s judgment on Nineveh, the proud capital of Assyria. Then, we turn to 2 Kings 22 and the account of young King Josiah discovering the long-neglected Book of the Law during repairs to the Temple. It almost feels like an interruption. In reality, these events unfold during the same period of history. As Assyria’s power begins to crumble, God is at work not only among the nations but also among his own people. The two accounts belong together, revealing the Lord’s absolute rule over history and preparing us for an important lesson about justice, repentance, and grace.

The message of Nahum (which means comfort) brings comfort to Judah because they live in fear of the cruelty of the Assyrians. He foretells the destruction of Nineveh – the very city to which Jonah did not want to go. When he went there the people repented and God relented and did not destroy the city. Assyria is represented by Nineveh, and the Assyrians were brutally cruel. So we can understand why Jonah didn’t want to go there earlier, and why it was so comforting to know that God was going to destroy them.

Nahum shows that God judges a proud, unrepentant nation—Nineveh. Huldah announces that Judah also stands under God’s judgment. Yet in the midst of that announcement, Josiah discovers that the LORD sees the humble heart. God’s justice is certain, but so is his mercy toward those who repent.

Paul makes much the same point in Romans 1 and 2. He begins by describing the unmistakable evidence of humanity’s rebellion against God. It is easy to nod our heads in agreement—until he turns the spotlight on us. “Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges” (Romans 2:1). The problem is not simply their sin. It is ours. No one stands righteous before God on his own. His justice is impartial; he does not overlook sin simply because it is found in “our” camp rather than “theirs.”

But neither is God’s final word condemnation. Josiah humbled himself before the Lord, confessed the truth, and found mercy. So do we. When God’s Word exposes our sin, it also points us to the Savior. Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. Paul adds, “of whom I am the foremost” (1 Timothy 1:15). That is not merely Paul’s confession. It is ours as well. And because Christ has borne our sin, all who repent and trust in him receive mercy, forgiveness, and life. That is the source of true and eternal comfort.

Follow the Word is a daily Bible reading and devotional ministry of St. John Lutheran Church, Cypress, Texas.