The great ancient empires of the Middle East, the Egyptians, the Assyrians, the Babylonians, the Romans have a fascinating history that archeologists and historians are uncovering for us today. Their work helps us appreciate the prophets we are reading in our lectionary these days:  Isaiah, Jeremiah, Nahum, Habakkuk, who tell of the Assyrian and Babylonian invasions that destroyed the Jewish kingdoms of Israel and Judah over three centuries. 

Besides the Jewish kingdoms, the great powers crushed other smaller neighbors, adding their lands to their own. Besides Jewish captives, they brought other peoples in chains to build their magnificent cities, like Nineveh and Babylon. 

Prophets like Nahum and Habakkuk, who we read in our lectionary this week, question why God permitted these mighty empires to swallow up God’s people and desecrate his Holy Land. Yes, his people were unfaithful, but why does God permit the mighty to rule over the poor? 

Nahum details the cruelties of the Assyrians and exults in the fall of Nineveh in 612 BC. It’s not Babylonian armies alone that cause Assyria to fall. God finally judges their evil.  (Friday ) 

Habakkuk openly complains to God: 

Why, then, do you gaze on the faithless in silence
while the wicked man devours
one more just than himself?

God’s answer:

 Write down the vision
Clearly upon the tablets,
so that one can read it readily.
For the vision still has its time,
presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint;
If it delays, wait for it,
it will surely come, it will not be late. (Saturday)

 A magnificent prayer of Habakkuk recognizing God at work in spite of everything is found on Friday morning, week 2 of the Liturgy of the Hours and on Good Friday morning. Questions of evil are Friday questions; they must be asked in the light of the Passion of Jesus.

A new documentary series  on YouTube, “History Unwalled” tells the story of the ancient Assyrians, Babylonians and Romans  using AI to reproduce their cities and times. I was fascinated by the series. Worth a look.