Over the next few days, I will share some very specific prophecies that have stood the test of time. Pieces in the puzzle that indicate there is a higher intelligence in control of the affairs of humanity. For instance, the prophecy concerning the destruction of Nineveh is very specific.
Nineveh was established by Nimrod, “the mighty hunter” (Gen. 10:8-10). It served as the capitol of the Assyrian Empire for many years. For years’ sceptics questioned the existence of the city since it could not be found. However, British archaeologist A. H. Layard excavated the site in 1845-1854. He unearthed the great palace of King Sargon along with a library of over 22,000 cuneiform documents. King Sargon was mentioned by Isaiah the prophet (Isa. 20:1).

The heavily fortified walls of Nineveh were about 20mtrs high and 15mtrs thick. It contained towers that were 30mtrs high. It was surrounded by a moat that was 45mtrs wide. The circumference of the wall around the city was about 17km. 4Km along the river edge and 13kms around the city. Nineveh was destroyed in 612BC by a coalition of Babylonians, Scythians and Medes. The fall of that great city was not a matter of chance, but rather a fulfilment of Bible prophecy outlined in detail in the book of Nahum. According to the Bible, Nineveh was to be punished for the empire’s inhumane treatment of Israel.

Nahum made some specific predictions: In Nahum 3:17, the prophet said Nineveh’s army officers would flee rather than fight. Babylonian records claim that Assyrian army members did flee from the battle. In Nahum 3:19 (and 1:9), the prophet said that Nineveh, which was the Assyrian Empire’s capital and perhaps the most powerful city of the ancient world, would suffer a fatal wound that would never heal. Nineveh and the Assyrian Empire never recovered from the defeat.

It is worth noting that recovery would not have been unprecedented. The Assyrian empire had conquered Babylon many years beforehand, but Babylon was able to recover from that defeat, regain its power, and defeat Assyria. But, as Nahum had accurately prophesied some 2600 years ago, Nineveh never recovered. Nahum 3:19 (NLT): There is no healing for your wound; your injury is fatal. All who hear of your destruction will clap their hands for joy. Where can anyone be found who has not suffered from your continual cruelty?

In Nahum 1:10 and 3:11, the prophet said that during the final hours of the attack on Nineveh, the Ninevites would be drunk. There is evidence that this prophecy was fulfilled. According to the ancient historian Diodorus Siculus: “The Assyrian king gave much wine to his soldiers. Deserters told this to the enemy, who attacked that night.”
Continued tomorrow…