Day 227 Nahum 1–3 Psalm

34 Nahum was a prophet who lived around the 7th century BC. His name means comfort. God gave him a message specifically about Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian empire. About a hundred years before Nahum, Jonah had preached there, and the people had turned back to God for a time. But by Nahum’s day, Nineveh had returned to violence and cruelty. In Nahum 1, Nahum begins with a strong picture of God’s power. He is mighty like a storm, yet He is also a safe place for those who run to Him. The people of Nineveh had hurt many nations, but God reminds His people that He cares about them and will bring peace. This is like when you feel surrounded by problems, but then remember that someone stronger has your back. In Nahum 2, Nahum describes how Nineveh’s power will come to an end. The city that thought it could never fall would lose its treasures and strength. Think about a time when someone took something from you, maybe your peace or your joy, and later God found a way to give it back. That is what Nahum wanted God’s people to know. His love brings back hope when it feels like everything has been stolen. In Nahum 3, The last chapter paints a picture of Nineveh’s pride collapsing. The city had caused fear everywhere, but now it would face the consequences of its choices. Nahum’s words close with the assurance that no empire, no matter how strong, is greater than God. In Psalm 34, David’s song fits beautifully with Nahum’s message. He celebrates that God hears every cry and saves those who call to Him. The psalm says God is close to the brokenhearted and rescues those who feel crushed. When life feels heavy or scary, Psalm 34 reminds us that God is not distant. He leans close, He listens, and He brings comfort.