The theme of the prophecy of Nahum is the complete and final destruction of Nineveh. Jonah had already warned the city of its danger, and a temporary respite had been gained by repentance. But the people soon returned to their evil ways, and Nahum was sent to declare the doom of the city, without promise of relief.

Nineveh was one of the. greatest cities of ancient times, the capital of the flourishing Assyrian empire. At the time when Nahum delivered his prophecy, Assurbanipal was at the height of his power. His capital was the center of the trade and commerce of the world. Yet it was a ‘*bloody city, all full of lies and robbery,’’ having plundered the neighboring nations, and was ripe for destruction. Within a short time the prophet’s words came true; the great city was laid low, scattered ruins still marking the place where it stood.

The prophecy of Habakkuk is concerned with the rise of the Chaldeans to power. Habakkuk had seen this mighty people used in inflicting judgment upon Nineveh, and they appeared to be the very instrument of God. But a problem arose when they were seen to be as wicked as the Assyrians whom they had destroyed. How could God use for any purpose a heartless, cruel nation, bent wholly upon

evil? The prophet’s answer is that God will make all his dealings clear if we but wait for him. ‘‘The just shall live by faith.’’? When the issues appear confused, the righteous can still remain steadfast and loyal to Godthat is their life. ‘‘Be true; light will dawn.’’

The last chapter is a poem of great beauty, remarkable for its expression of unwavering faith. Though all gifts fail, the Giver himself abides, and in him the prophet will rejoice.

Zephaniah may have been a great-great-grandson of Hezekiah, Zeph. 1:1, R.V. He prophesied during the reign of Josiah, probably before the discovery of the Book of the Law, as the evils which he denounced were then removed by the king.

Zephaniah is the prophet of the Day of the Lord. He does not, like Obadiah, Nahum, or Habakkuk, deal with the downfall of any one nation; he is instead a prophet of universal judgment. His message to the nations is parallel to the words of Jesus: ‘‘Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish,’’ Luke 13:4, 5.

Zephaniah declares that all nations, even Judah itself, will fall under the divine wrath if they continue to defy the divine law. But his message is more than one of judgment. He shows that God is working for the salvation of mankind and that following judgment there will be revealed new heavens and a new earth wherein dwells righteousness.