Noon Day Bible Study

Mount Bethel Missionary Baptist Church

Bible Study

Facilitator: Dr. Jacques Boyd, Pastor

September 15, 2021

Nahum, Habakkuk, & Zephaniah

Lesson Focus: Nahum assures us that God will judge. Habakkuk we have the evidence we need to trust God’s mysterious purposes. Zephaniah we have the hope that one day the problem of evil itself will be undone as God turns His people to Himself.

Main question: What is the Bible’s answer to the problem of evil?

Introduction: three books about the problem of evil.

NAHUM

Context

• Late 7^th century BCE; North has fallen, South still standing

• The Assyrians are feared by the people of Judah

• “Where is your God, O people of Yahweh?”

Theme

Yahweh is still jealous for His people, and ferociously protective of them, therefore they need not fear, for Yahweh is stronger than their enemies, and will strip them of their strength. 

1.  Yahweh’s Will Protect His People – Nahum 1:2-8

2.  God’s threatened judgment

3.  A vision of Nineveh’s demise

HABAKKUK

Context

• Late 7^th century BCE; North has fallen, South still standing

• Internal ethical decline in Judah

• Now the Chaldeans are on Judah’s doorstep

• “How can a holy God use a wicked nation for His purposes?”

Theme

Yahweh is sovereign over even the actions of the wicked. For even in their wickedness they serve Yahweh’s purpose. However, Yahweh is not indicted for evil Himself, for they will be judged for their own wickedness in due time. Thus, the people of Yahweh should patiently wait and trust in their God, and worship God.

1. How Long This Violence? – Habakkuk 1:2-4

2.  Until God Judges Through a Wicked Nation – Habakkuk 1:5-11

3.  Doesn’t Yahweh Love Righteousness? – Habakkuk 1:12-2:1

4.  Be Patient and Trust – Habakkuk 2:2-20

• Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11f; Hebrews 10:38

5.  Praise and Trust in Yahweh – Habakkuk 3

ZEPHANIAH

Context

• Late 7^th century BCE; North has fallen, South still standing

• Judah is practicing idolatry

• The “day” of some great king common language

Theme

The Day of the LORD will be the most terrible “day” ever, and it is executed against all false gods. But even in that calamity, God will create a remnant for himself.

1.  The Day of the Lord Upon Judah – Zephaniah 1:2-6

2.  The Day of the Lord Upon All – Zephaniah 2

3.  Salvation for the Remnant – Zephaniah 3:8-20

A Study Outline for Nahum

1. Nahum 1:2-11 – Yahweh is strong and powerful.

2. Nahum 1:12-2:12 – Nineveh only appears to be strong.

3. Nahum 2:13-3:19 – Yahweh is against Nineveh.

A Study Outline for Habakkuk

1. Habakkuk 1:2-4 – How long this violence?

2. Habakkuk 1:5-11 – Until Yahweh judges through a wicked nation.

3. Habakkuk 1:12-2:1 – How so?  Doesn’t Yahweh love righteousness?

4. Habakkuk 2:2-20 – Fear not!  The righteous will be saved and the wicked will be punished in due time.

5. Habakkuk 3:1-19 – Habakkuk’s response of worship and trust.

A Study Outline for Zephaniah

1. Zephaniah 1:2-2:2 – The Day of the LORD upon Judah.

2. Zephaniah 2:3-3:7 – The Day of the LORD upon all the earth.

3. Zephaniah 3:8-20 – The remnant of all nations will be saved.