Topical Encyclopedia The city of Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire, is prominently featured in the biblical narrative, particularly in the Book of Jonah. The Ninevites are often associated with themes of wickedness and repentance, and their account provides insight into the nature of sin, including lying, and the possibility of redemption.Historical Context Nineveh was a major city in ancient Mesopotamia, located on the eastern bank of the Tigris River. It was known for its grandeur and as a center of power and culture. However, the Assyrians, including the Ninevites, were notorious for their brutality and idolatry, which often included deceitful practices. Biblical Account The Book of Jonah provides the most detailed biblical account of the Ninevites. God commands Jonah to go to Nineveh and proclaim judgment against it because of its wickedness. Jonah 1:2 states, "Arise, go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before Me." The Ninevites' wickedness likely included various sins, among them lying and deceit. The Assyrian Empire, known for its military conquests and oppressive rule, would have engaged in deceitful practices to maintain power and control. Repentance and Forgiveness Despite their reputation for wickedness, the Ninevites' response to Jonah's message is one of the most remarkable examples of repentance in the Bible. Jonah 3:5 records, "And the people of Nineveh believed God. They proclaimed a fast and dressed in sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least." The king of Nineveh himself issued a decree urging everyone to turn from their evil ways and violence, which would include lying and deceit. Jonah 3:8 states, "But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call out earnestly to God. Let each one turn from his evil ways and from the violence in his hands." God's response to their repentance is one of mercy and forgiveness. Jonah 3:10 says, "When God saw their actions—that they had turned from their evil ways—He relented from the disaster He had threatened to bring upon them." Theological Implications The account of the Ninevites highlights the seriousness of sin, including lying, and the possibility of divine forgiveness upon genuine repentance. It underscores the biblical teaching that God is willing to forgive even the most wicked if they turn from their sinful ways and seek His mercy. The Ninevites' repentance serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of God's word and the importance of truthfulness and integrity in the life of believers. The narrative encourages believers to examine their own lives for deceit and to seek God's forgiveness and guidance in living truthfully. Prophetic Warnings The prophet Nahum later prophesied against Nineveh, indicating that the city's repentance was short-lived. Nahum 3:1 declares, "Woe to the city of blood, full of lies, full of plunder, never without prey." This suggests that the Ninevites returned to their deceitful ways, ultimately leading to their downfall. The account of the Ninevites serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of returning to sinful behaviors, including lying, after experiencing God's grace. It emphasizes the need for continual faithfulness and integrity in the life of believers. Torrey's Topical Textbook Nahum 3:1Woe to the bloody city! it is all full of lies and robbery; the prey departs not; Torrey's Topical Textbook Library "Nineveh, that Great City" The Evidence of Scripture on Changes of Determination. Concerning the Sacrament of Penance The Paralytic Let Down through the Roof. Of a Private Fast. The Exhortation of the Last HomilyIs Continued in This. ... Psalm LI. On Feast Days and Fast Days. 2 Cor. I. 23 Answer to the Objection of the Heathen, that it was not Right to ... Resources Should the Hebrew midwives be commended for lying? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God kill Ananias and Sapphira for lying? | GotQuestions.org Is it ever right to lie? | GotQuestions.org Lying: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Lying: A Characteristic of the Apostasy Lying: False Prophets Addicted To Lying: False Witnesses Addicted To Lying: Folly of Concealing Hatred By Lying: Leads to Love of Impure Conversation Lying: Often Accompanied by Gross Crimes Lying: Saints: Pray to be Preserved From Lying: Saints: Reject Those Who Practise Lying: Saints: Respect not Those Who Practise Lying: The Devil Excites Men To Lying: The Devil, the Father of Lying: The Evil of Rulers Hearkening To Lying: The Wicked: Addicted To, from Their Infancy Lying: The Wicked: Bring Forth Lying: The Wicked: Give Heed To Lying: The Wicked: Prepare Their Tongues For Lying: They Who are Guilty of, Shall be Cast Into Hell Lying: Vanity of Getting Riches By Related Terms |
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