Many readers may find it difficult to read the type of violence that the Lord is about to bring to Nineveh through the Babylonian invasion. On a certain level the violence seems justifiable because Nineveh is going to experience the same treatment they had subjected others to for so long.
However, it is still unsettling to hear the Lord’s prophet speak in such graphic terms of what the Lord is about to unleash on Nineveh. Some might object to him being behind such violence being perpetrated against people—even if it is the Ninevites.
In response we can say that the word of the Lord is consistent in its picture of the destruction of the wicked.1 In the end the Lord will not put up with wickedness and evil in his world forever. Justice must ultimately be done by the Lord. Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord
(Romans 12:19; Deuteronomy 32:35–36; Hebrews 10:30). These scenes from Nineveh are but a small taste of what is to come at the final judgment. The most quoted messianic Psalm in the New Testament, Psalm 110, describes the work of the promised Messiah in similar terms (Psalm 110:5–6). When Jesus returns, he will bring a judgment that is far more terrifying than what Nahum sees in his vision.
It must also be remembered, however, that the Lord has warned Nineveh of this coming destruction. He sent Jonah to warn them. He gave a warning when their army was destroyed at the gate of Jerusalem (2 Kings 19:35). They have had the opportunity to turn from their wickedness but have ultimately rejected the Lord’s word.
In the same way, the promised Messiah of Psalm 110 went to the cross as an atoning sacrifice for sin. Jesus the Judge lays the foundation for forgiveness for all who will turn to him, without compromising justice.2
2 The crack of the whip, and rumble of the wheel, galloping horse and bounding chariot!