Immersed in Zephaniah and Nahum: The Prophets' Urgent Call for Justice

Welcome to immerse: the daily Bible reading experience, where on day 259, we delve into the prophecies of Zephaniah and Nahum. Zephaniah's oracles, delivered nearly three quarters of a century after Micah and Isaiah, urge the complacent people of Judah to return to God as the day of the Lord approaches—a day that promises judgment and eventual restoration. Meanwhile, Nahum, who lived in Osh and prophesied the fall of Nineveh in 612 BC, highlights God's justice against Assyrian oppression. Both prophets emphasize the necessity for humility, righteousness, and fidelity to God. Their messages are a poignant reminder that the flourishing of creation requires the destruction of evil and that God's judgment is inescapable for those who persist in wickedness.

00:00 Introduction to Zephaniah
00:08 Historical Context and Zephaniah's Prophecies
01:01 The Day of the Lord: Judgment and Restoration
01:48 Josiah's Reforms and Zephaniah's Influence
02:48 Structure and Themes of Zephaniah's Oracles
03:38 Zephaniah's Vision of Future Restoration
04:21 Zephaniah's Call to Repentance
08:43 Judgment on Nations and Final Restoration
15:59 Introduction to Nahum
16:29 Nahum's Oracles Against Nineveh
18:13 The Fall of Nineveh: A Poetic Depiction
19:44 Nahum's Final Warnings and Reflections
29:47 Conclusion and Reflections

Buy Immerse: Prophets Now!

Volume 4

Immerse: Prophets is the fourth of six volumes of the Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience program. Prophets presents the First Testament prophets in groupings that represent four historical periods, beginning with the prophets who spoke before the fall of Israel’s northern kingdom (Jonah, Amos, Hosea, Micah, Isaiah), then before the fall of the southern kingdom (Zephaniah, Nahum, Habakkuk), around the time of Jerusalem’s destruction (Jeremiah, Obadiah, Ezekiel), and after the return from exile (Haggai, Zechariah, Joel, Malachi).

4 Questions to get your conversations started:
1. What stood out to you this week?
2. Was there anything confusing or troubling?
3. Did anything make you think differently about God?
4. How might this change the way we live?

QUICK START GUIDE
3 ways to get the most out of your experience

1. Use Immerse: Beginnings instead of your regular chapter and verse Bible. This special reader’s edition restores the Bible to its natural simplicity and beauty by removing chapter and verse numbers and other historical additions. Letters look like letters, songs look like songs, and the original literary structures are visible in each book.
2. Commit to making this a community experience. Immerse is designed for groups to encounter large portions of the Bible together
   for 8 weeks–more like a book club, less like a Bible study. By meeting every week in small groups and discussing what you read in open,
   honest conversations, you and your community can come together to be transformed through an authentic experience with the Scriptures.
3. Aim to understand the big story. Read through “The Stories and the Story” (p. 483) to see how the books of the Bible work together to tell God’s story of his creation’s restoration. As you read through Immerse: Beginnings, rather than ask, “How do I fit God into my busy life?” begin asking, “How can I join in God’s great plan by living out my part in his story?”

Day 258: The Divine Restoration and Ultimate Glory of Jerusalem

In today's episode of 'Immerse: The Daily Bible Reading Experience,' we journey through the prophetic visions of Israel's restoration and ultimate glory as depicted in the Bible. The Lord calls upon Jerusalem to shine bright, foretelling a future where darkness blankets the earth but God's glory rises above Israel. Nations and kings are drawn to this divine light, bringing wealth and reverence. The Lord promises to rebuild and restore, turning desolation into beauty, sorrow into joy, and providing eternal peace for His people. Foreigners will serve and honor Jerusalem, acknowledging the Lord's saving grace and merciful nature. Despite past anger and destruction, divine favor and a double portion of honor are assured. This message of hope is coupled with a stern warning to the rebellious, underscoring the importance of righteousness. The creation of a new heaven and earth is foreseen, where eternal joy, prosperity, and divine justice will reign. The narrative calls for praise and worship of the Lord, highlighting the transformation from suffering to blessing and the fulfillment of divine promises. This episode captures the essence of divine redemption, restoration, and justice, reflecting God's unwavering commitment to His people.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:06 The Glory of Jerusalem
00:21 Nations and Kings Acknowledge Jerusalem
01:12 The Return of the Exiles
03:29 God's Everlasting Light
04:16 Proclamation of Good News
05:01 Restoration and Rebuilding
05:43 God's Justice and Mercy
18:12 A New Creation
23:10 Final Judgement and Worship
25:27 Conclusion and Farewell

Buy Immerse: Prophets Now!

Volume 4

Immerse: Prophets is the fourth of six volumes of the Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience program. Prophets presents the First Testament prophets in groupings that represent four historical periods, beginning with the prophets who spoke before the fall of Israel’s northern kingdom (Jonah, Amos, Hosea, Micah, Isaiah), then before the fall of the southern kingdom (Zephaniah, Nahum, Habakkuk), around the time of Jerusalem’s destruction (Jeremiah, Obadiah, Ezekiel), and after the return from exile (Haggai, Zechariah, Joel, Malachi).

4 Questions to get your conversations started:
1. What stood out to you this week?
2. Was there anything confusing or troubling?
3. Did anything make you think differently about God?
4. How might this change the way we live?

QUICK START GUIDE
3 ways to get the most out of your experience

1. Use Immerse: Beginnings instead of your regular chapter and verse Bible. This special reader’s edition restores the Bible to its natural simplicity and beauty by removing chapter and verse numbers and other historical additions. Letters look like letters, songs look like songs, and the original literary structures are visible in each book.
2. Commit to making this a community experience. Immerse is designed for groups to encounter large portions of the Bible together
   for 8 weeks–more like a book club, less like a Bible study. By meeting every week in small groups and discussing what you read in open,
   honest conversations, you and your community can come together to be transformed through an authentic experience with the Scriptures.
3. Aim to understand the big story. Read through “The Stories and the Story” (p. 483) to see how the books of the Bible work together to tell God’s story of his creation’s restoration. As you read through Immerse: Beginnings, rather than ask, “How do I fit God into my busy life?” begin asking, “How can I join in God’s great plan by living out my part in his story?”

Day 257: The Lord's Redemption and Promises – Immerse Bible Reading

Welcome to Day 257 of the Immerse Bible Reading Experience. Today's reading calls for awakening and strength, harkening back to the days of God's mighty acts in Egypt. We delve into the comfort offered by God and His promises to release captives and to restore Jerusalem. The text stresses God’s sovereignty, His power over nations, and His mercy for those who turn to Him. The Lord speaks of suffering, redemption through His servant, and calls for justice and fairness. This spiritual journey touches on themes of repentance, restoration, and the promise of everlasting peace and joy for God's people. It concludes with an assurance that God's word will always produce fruit and prosper, urging the faithful to keep the Sabbath and follow His righteous paths.

00:00 Introduction and Invocation
00:43 The Lord's Comfort and Promise
01:47 Jerusalem's Suffering and Redemption
05:13 The Suffering Servant
08:14 The Lord's Everlasting Love
13:51 Call to Righteousness and Justice
22:59 Confession and Redemption
27:00 Conclusion and Farewell

Buy Immerse: Prophets Now!

Volume 4

Immerse: Prophets is the fourth of six volumes of the Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience program. Prophets presents the First Testament prophets in groupings that represent four historical periods, beginning with the prophets who spoke before the fall of Israel’s northern kingdom (Jonah, Amos, Hosea, Micah, Isaiah), then before the fall of the southern kingdom (Zephaniah, Nahum, Habakkuk), around the time of Jerusalem’s destruction (Jeremiah, Obadiah, Ezekiel), and after the return from exile (Haggai, Zechariah, Joel, Malachi).

4 Questions to get your conversations started:
1. What stood out to you this week?
2. Was there anything confusing or troubling?
3. Did anything make you think differently about God?
4. How might this change the way we live?

QUICK START GUIDE
3 ways to get the most out of your experience

1. Use Immerse: Beginnings instead of your regular chapter and verse Bible. This special reader’s edition restores the Bible to its natural simplicity and beauty by removing chapter and verse numbers and other historical additions. Letters look like letters, songs look like songs, and the original literary structures are visible in each book.
2. Commit to making this a community experience. Immerse is designed for groups to encounter large portions of the Bible together
   for 8 weeks–more like a book club, less like a Bible study. By meeting every week in small groups and discussing what you read in open,
   honest conversations, you and your community can come together to be transformed through an authentic experience with the Scriptures.
3. Aim to understand the big story. Read through “The Stories and the Story” (p. 483) to see how the books of the Bible work together to tell God’s story of his creation’s restoration. As you read through Immerse: Beginnings, rather than ask, “How do I fit God into my busy life?” begin asking, “How can I join in God’s great plan by living out my part in his story?”

Day 256: God's Sovereignty and Promises in Isaiah

In today's Immerse: the daily Bible reading experience, we cover Day 256 with a solemn reflection on the words of the Lord from the book of Isaiah. This passage emphasizes God's omnipotence and creative power. The Lord, proclaiming Himself as the sole creator and redeemer, takes a firm stance against idols and false prophets, promising to fulfill His promises through Cyrus, His anointed one. He foretells the restoration of Jerusalem and the liberation of His people. God's steadfastness and righteousness are highlighted, along with a reminder of His covenant with Israel. As God speaks of future events and the salvation that is to come, the message provides hope and reassurance of His ultimate control over all circumstances.

00:00 Introduction to Immerse: Daily Bible Reading
00:04 God's Power and Prophecies
00:47 Cyrus: God's Anointed Shepherd
01:32 The Lord's Sovereignty and Promises
02:31 Warnings Against Idolatry
04:13 God's Everlasting Salvation
08:23 Judgment on Babylon
11:19 The Lord's Comfort and Redemption
15:12 The Servant's Mission
22:27 The Lord's Everlasting Salvation and Justice
24:26 Conclusion and Reflection

Buy Immerse: Prophets Now!

Volume 4

Immerse: Prophets is the fourth of six volumes of the Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience program. Prophets presents the First Testament prophets in groupings that represent four historical periods, beginning with the prophets who spoke before the fall of Israel’s northern kingdom (Jonah, Amos, Hosea, Micah, Isaiah), then before the fall of the southern kingdom (Zephaniah, Nahum, Habakkuk), around the time of Jerusalem’s destruction (Jeremiah, Obadiah, Ezekiel), and after the return from exile (Haggai, Zechariah, Joel, Malachi).

4 Questions to get your conversations started:
1. What stood out to you this week?
2. Was there anything confusing or troubling?
3. Did anything make you think differently about God?
4. How might this change the way we live?

QUICK START GUIDE
3 ways to get the most out of your experience

1. Use Immerse: Beginnings instead of your regular chapter and verse Bible. This special reader’s edition restores the Bible to its natural simplicity and beauty by removing chapter and verse numbers and other historical additions. Letters look like letters, songs look like songs, and the original literary structures are visible in each book.
2. Commit to making this a community experience. Immerse is designed for groups to encounter large portions of the Bible together
   for 8 weeks–more like a book club, less like a Bible study. By meeting every week in small groups and discussing what you read in open,
   honest conversations, you and your community can come together to be transformed through an authentic experience with the Scriptures.
3. Aim to understand the big story. Read through “The Stories and the Story” (p. 483) to see how the books of the Bible work together to tell God’s story of his creation’s restoration. As you read through Immerse: Beginnings, rather than ask, “How do I fit God into my busy life?” begin asking, “How can I join in God’s great plan by living out my part in his story?”

Day 255: Comfort and Redemption - God's Promise to Israel

Welcome to Immerse: the daily Bible reading experience. In today's episode, we read from the prophetic texts, delivering messages of comfort and hope to Jerusalem. God assures His people that their sins are forgiven and their days of sorrow are over. The episode calls on listeners to acknowledge God's incomparable power and sovereignty over all creation. Through vivid imagery, it speaks about the restoration and redemption of Israel, emphasizing God's promise to protect and guide His chosen people. Highlighting that all nations are insignificant before God, the reading reiterates the futility of idol worship, contrasting it with the eternal strength and justice of the Lord. Sentences throughout invite listeners to rely on and trust in God's everlasting strength and mercy, as He promises to renew and uplift those who are weary.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:06 A Message of Comfort
01:07 The Eternal Word of God
01:46 God's Power and Majesty
06:32 God's Care for His People
14:34 God's Promise of Redemption
20:53 The Folly of Idolatry
23:55 Conclusion and Farewell

Buy Immerse: Prophets Now!

Volume 4

Immerse: Prophets is the fourth of six volumes of the Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience program. Prophets presents the First Testament prophets in groupings that represent four historical periods, beginning with the prophets who spoke before the fall of Israel’s northern kingdom (Jonah, Amos, Hosea, Micah, Isaiah), then before the fall of the southern kingdom (Zephaniah, Nahum, Habakkuk), around the time of Jerusalem’s destruction (Jeremiah, Obadiah, Ezekiel), and after the return from exile (Haggai, Zechariah, Joel, Malachi).

4 Questions to get your conversations started:
1. What stood out to you this week?
2. Was there anything confusing or troubling?
3. Did anything make you think differently about God?
4. How might this change the way we live?

QUICK START GUIDE
3 ways to get the most out of your experience

1. Use Immerse: Beginnings instead of your regular chapter and verse Bible. This special reader’s edition restores the Bible to its natural simplicity and beauty by removing chapter and verse numbers and other historical additions. Letters look like letters, songs look like songs, and the original literary structures are visible in each book.
2. Commit to making this a community experience. Immerse is designed for groups to encounter large portions of the Bible together
   for 8 weeks–more like a book club, less like a Bible study. By meeting every week in small groups and discussing what you read in open,
   honest conversations, you and your community can come together to be transformed through an authentic experience with the Scriptures.
3. Aim to understand the big story. Read through “The Stories and the Story” (p. 483) to see how the books of the Bible work together to tell God’s story of his creation’s restoration. As you read through Immerse: Beginnings, rather than ask, “How do I fit God into my busy life?” begin asking, “How can I join in God’s great plan by living out my part in his story?”

Day 254: Hezekiah's Reign and Prophecies of Destruction - Immerse Bible Reading Experience

In today's episode of the Immerse Bible Reading Experience, we read through Day 254, covering a range of dramatic events and prophecies from the Bible. The Lord’s condemnation and planned destruction against Edom is vividly described, along with the judgment that will transform their lands into a desolate wilderness inhabited by wild creatures. We then transition to the reign of King Hezekiah, detailing his confrontation with the King of Assyria and the subsequent divine intervention that saves Jerusalem. Key moments include the Assyrian chief of staff’s taunts, Hezekiah's prayer for rescue, the miraculous defeat of the Assyrian army by an angel of the Lord, and Hezekiah's recovery from illness following a prophecy by Isaiah. Furthermore, Hezekiah’s prideful display of his wealth to Babylonian envoys foreshadows the future exile of Judah. This episode is replete with divine actions, prophecies, and a significant focus on faith and repentance.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:06 The Lord's Wrath and Judgment
01:19 The Day of the Lord's Revenge
01:47 Desolation of Edom
03:05 The Lord's Glory and Salvation
05:03 Assyrian Threat to Judah
09:34 Hezekiah's Plea and Isaiah's Prophecy
17:17 Hezekiah's Illness and Recovery
20:45 Hezekiah's Folly and Isaiah's Warning
22:28 Conclusion and Farewell

Buy Immerse: Prophets Now!

Volume 4

Immerse: Prophets is the fourth of six volumes of the Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience program. Prophets presents the First Testament prophets in groupings that represent four historical periods, beginning with the prophets who spoke before the fall of Israel’s northern kingdom (Jonah, Amos, Hosea, Micah, Isaiah), then before the fall of the southern kingdom (Zephaniah, Nahum, Habakkuk), around the time of Jerusalem’s destruction (Jeremiah, Obadiah, Ezekiel), and after the return from exile (Haggai, Zechariah, Joel, Malachi).

4 Questions to get your conversations started:
1. What stood out to you this week?
2. Was there anything confusing or troubling?
3. Did anything make you think differently about God?
4. How might this change the way we live?

QUICK START GUIDE
3 ways to get the most out of your experience

1. Use Immerse: Beginnings instead of your regular chapter and verse Bible. This special reader’s edition restores the Bible to its natural simplicity and beauty by removing chapter and verse numbers and other historical additions. Letters look like letters, songs look like songs, and the original literary structures are visible in each book.
2. Commit to making this a community experience. Immerse is designed for groups to encounter large portions of the Bible together
   for 8 weeks–more like a book club, less like a Bible study. By meeting every week in small groups and discussing what you read in open,
   honest conversations, you and your community can come together to be transformed through an authentic experience with the Scriptures.
3. Aim to understand the big story. Read through “The Stories and the Story” (p. 483) to see how the books of the Bible work together to tell God’s story of his creation’s restoration. As you read through Immerse: Beginnings, rather than ask, “How do I fit God into my busy life?” begin asking, “How can I join in God’s great plan by living out my part in his story?”

My dear listener, today we walk with Isaiah through a tapestry of warning, wisdom, and hope. The reading opens with a lament for Samaria, the proud city whose beauty fades like a flower, brought low by pride and indulgence. The Lord’s message is clear: true security is found not in human schemes or alliances, but in the tested cornerstone He lays in Zion.

We witness the Lord’s dealings with Jerusalem—Ariel, the city of David—where disaster and deliverance are intertwined. The prophet exposes the folly of empty ritual and the danger of trusting in Egypt rather than in God. Yet, amid judgment, there is a promise: the humble will rejoice, the deaf will hear, and the blind will see.

Isaiah’s vision stretches to the coming of a righteous king, a time when justice and peace will flourish, and the Spirit will be poured out from heaven. The Lord’s people are called to repentance, trust, and generosity, even as nations rise and fall around them. The episode closes with a vision of Jerusalem secure, the Lord as judge and king, and forgiveness for His people.

Whether you are a seeker, a student, or simply curious about the enduring power of prophecy, this episode offers a thoughtful, accessible guide through Isaiah’s profound revelations. Let us journey together through these ancient words, discovering how their wisdom and hope still speak to us today.

Chapter Markers

• 0:00 – Welcome & Lament for Samaria
• 2:56 – The Tested Cornerstone and the Folly of Human Schemes
• 5:13 – Ariel: Disaster and Deliverance for Jerusalem
• 8:42 – The Spirit of Deep Sleep and the Wisdom of the Potter
• 13:13 – Rebellion, Egypt, and the Call to Return
• 19:18 – The Lord’s Compassion and the Promise of Restoration
• 24:22 – The Coming of a Righteous King and the Outpouring of the Spirit
• 32:32 – The Fall of Assyria and the Security of Zion
• 39:32 – The King in His Splendor and the Forgiveness of God

Join us for this immersive reading experience, and may the visions of Isaiah inspire you to seek wisdom, humility, and hope in every season and nation.

Buy Immerse: Prophets Now!

Volume 4

Immerse: Prophets is the fourth of six volumes of the Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience program. Prophets presents the First Testament prophets in groupings that represent four historical periods, beginning with the prophets who spoke before the fall of Israel’s northern kingdom (Jonah, Amos, Hosea, Micah, Isaiah), then before the fall of the southern kingdom (Zephaniah, Nahum, Habakkuk), around the time of Jerusalem’s destruction (Jeremiah, Obadiah, Ezekiel), and after the return from exile (Haggai, Zechariah, Joel, Malachi).

4 Questions to get your conversations started:
1. What stood out to you this week?
2. Was there anything confusing or troubling?
3. Did anything make you think differently about God?
4. How might this change the way we live?

QUICK START GUIDE
3 ways to get the most out of your experience

1. Use Immerse: Beginnings instead of your regular chapter and verse Bible. This special reader’s edition restores the Bible to its natural simplicity and beauty by removing chapter and verse numbers and other historical additions. Letters look like letters, songs look like songs, and the original literary structures are visible in each book.
2. Commit to making this a community experience. Immerse is designed for groups to encounter large portions of the Bible together
   for 8 weeks–more like a book club, less like a Bible study. By meeting every week in small groups and discussing what you read in open,
   honest conversations, you and your community can come together to be transformed through an authentic experience with the Scriptures.
3. Aim to understand the big story. Read through “The Stories and the Story” (p. 483) to see how the books of the Bible work together to tell God’s story of his creation’s restoration. As you read through Immerse: Beginnings, rather than ask, “How do I fit God into my busy life?” begin asking, “How can I join in God’s great plan by living out my part in his story?”

My dear listener, today we traverse the prophetic landscapes of Isaiah, where the fate of nations and the hope of the world are painted in bold, unforgettable strokes. The reading opens with a vision of Babylon’s downfall—its revelry interrupted, its idols shattered, and its people scattered. The prophet’s watchman stands vigilant, announcing the collapse of empires and the fleeting nature of earthly power.

We journey through Edom’s restless night, Arabia’s weary refugees, and Jerusalem’s valley of vision, where sorrow and confusion reign. The Lord’s call to repentance is met with feasting and denial, and the proud are brought low while the humble are lifted up. The narrative then turns to Tyre, the great trading city, whose glory fades and is later revived, only to serve a higher purpose.

Isaiah’s vision expands to encompass the whole earth: cities crumble, the land mourns, and only a remnant remains to sing for joy. Yet, amid judgment, there is a banquet of hope—a feast for all peoples, the promise of death’s defeat, and the gathering of God’s people from every corner of the earth. The episode closes with songs of trust, resurrection, and the assurance that the Lord’s salvation will fill the world with fruit.

Whether you are a seeker, a student, or simply curious about the sweep of history and hope, this episode offers a thoughtful, accessible guide through Isaiah’s far-reaching prophecies. Let us walk together through these ancient visions, discovering how their wisdom and promise still speak to us today.

Chapter Markers

• 0:00 – Welcome & Oracle Against Babylon
• 2:31 – The Watchman’s Cry and Edom’s Night
• 4:41 – Arabia’s Refugees and the Fall of Kedar
• 6:16 – Jerusalem: The Valley of Vision
• 11:38 – Shebna, Eliakim, and the Key of David
• 14:39 – The Lament for Tyre and Her Revival
• 18:48 – The Lord’s Judgment on the Whole Earth
• 24:00 – Songs of Praise, Trust, and Resurrection
• 33:36 – The Gathering of Israel and the Great Trumpet

Join us for this immersive reading experience, and may the visions of Isaiah inspire you to seek wisdom, humility, and hope in every season and nation.

Buy Immerse: Prophets Now!

Volume 4

Immerse: Prophets is the fourth of six volumes of the Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience program. Prophets presents the First Testament prophets in groupings that represent four historical periods, beginning with the prophets who spoke before the fall of Israel’s northern kingdom (Jonah, Amos, Hosea, Micah, Isaiah), then before the fall of the southern kingdom (Zephaniah, Nahum, Habakkuk), around the time of Jerusalem’s destruction (Jeremiah, Obadiah, Ezekiel), and after the return from exile (Haggai, Zechariah, Joel, Malachi).

4 Questions to get your conversations started:
1. What stood out to you this week?
2. Was there anything confusing or troubling?
3. Did anything make you think differently about God?
4. How might this change the way we live?

QUICK START GUIDE
3 ways to get the most out of your experience

1. Use Immerse: Beginnings instead of your regular chapter and verse Bible. This special reader’s edition restores the Bible to its natural simplicity and beauty by removing chapter and verse numbers and other historical additions. Letters look like letters, songs look like songs, and the original literary structures are visible in each book.
2. Commit to making this a community experience. Immerse is designed for groups to encounter large portions of the Bible together
   for 8 weeks–more like a book club, less like a Bible study. By meeting every week in small groups and discussing what you read in open,
   honest conversations, you and your community can come together to be transformed through an authentic experience with the Scriptures.
3. Aim to understand the big story. Read through “The Stories and the Story” (p. 483) to see how the books of the Bible work together to tell God’s story of his creation’s restoration. As you read through Immerse: Beginnings, rather than ask, “How do I fit God into my busy life?” begin asking, “How can I join in God’s great plan by living out my part in his story?”