Monday Reflection – November 22, 2021

Monday Reflection – November 22, 2021
Feet of Peace

Look! On the mountains the feet of one who brings good tidings, who proclaims peace! Nahum 1:15

In a world of increasing crime and violence, there is always the cry for peace. As the murder rates rise, peace seems more elusive. The brazen and barbaric acts of violence threaten the achievement of peace. The gruesome murders, ongoing conflicts, and air strikes and bombings weaken the efforts in pursuit of peace. The expansion of military force and increase in the production of weapons of mass destruction make us wonder whether peace will ever be experienced. Domestic violence and the continuous targeting of the most vulnerable in our society causes anger and desires to seek revenge. So there is always the cry and desire for peace. Peace enables stability and engenders a sense of safety and security.

Today’s Watchword predicts a future time of peace where the wicked will no longer invade Judah. But, when will this time of peace occur? To answer this question, we must consider the larger context of Nahum. The book of Nahum was written to communicate the pending destruction of the city of Nineveh. The prophet Nahum wrote sometime between 663 and 612 B.C. The book opens by introducing the oracle and highlights the majesty of God and His attributes. Verses 9-14 focus on God’s anger against Nineveh and His plans to afflict it. In verse 15, Nahum declares that the destruction of Nineveh by the Babylonians would be good news for Judah. Why? Nineveh was an enemy of Judah and the capital of the Assyrian Kingdom. In 722 B.C., the Assyrians had defeated the northern kingdom of Israel, destroying Samaria, its capital. In 701 B.C., the Assyrians nearly conquered Jerusalem, the capital of Judah. The Assyrians were widely known for their “endless cruelty”, leading God to condemn Nineveh to destruction.

We know from history that this destruction of Nineveh took place in 612 B.C. at the hands of the Medes. At that time, Judah was rid of one of its most dangerous enemies. The report of this news would have been considered good to everyone in Judah. Nineveh’s defeat would result in the ability of Judah to continue its annual feasts and to fulfill its vows to God in Jerusalem at the temple. The contrast between the fate of the godly and wicked was nothing but good news to Nahum and the people of God. God would vindicate His people.

Isaiah 52:7 uses a similar expression, as Isaiah marvels at the beauty of the feet of him who brings good news. Those who bring good tidings have beautiful feet; they partner with God for the salvation of men. The feet speak of activity, motion, and progress, and those who are active and moving in the work of preaching the gospel have beautiful feet. Paul also quotes part of this verse in Romans 10:15 to connect the preaching of the gospel with the deliverance from sin provided by God’s salvation.

What of our feet? Are we on the move bringing good tidings and proclaiming peace? May we recognize that the peace we desire must begin with us and in our relationships with one another.

Jermaine Gibson