Nahum
Book Overview
Author: Nahum the Elkoshite Date of Writing: Approximately 663-612 BC (between fall of Thebes and fall of Nineveh) Historical Context: Assyrian Empire at height of power and cruelty; Nineveh is capital Original Audience: Judah suffering under Assyrian oppression Purpose: To announce God's judgment on Assyria (Nineveh) and to comfort Judah with promise of deliverance Genre: Prophetic oracle; poetry
One-Sentence Summary
God will judge cruel Assyria completely, bringing comfort to oppressed Judah and demonstrating no evil empire escapes divine justice.
Book Structure
Three Chapters of Judgment (Chapters 1-3)
- Chapter 1: God's character - jealous, avenging, powerful; refuge for His people
- Chapter 2: Detailed prophecy of Nineveh's fall; vivid battle imagery
- Chapter 3: Reasons for judgment - violence, lies, cruelty; complete destruction assured
Note: The entire book focuses on Nineveh's certain doom, contrasting sharply with Jonah's account of their earlier repentance.
Key Verses
Nahum 1:7 - "The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him." Significance: Balances God's judgment with His protective care - He is both avenging toward enemies and refuge for His people.
Nahum 1:2-3 - "The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD takes vengeance and is filled with wrath. The LORD takes vengeance on his foes and vents his wrath against his enemies. The LORD is slow to anger but great in power; the LORD will not leave the guilty unpunished." Significance: Reveals God's justice - though patient, He will not allow wickedness to go unpunished forever; divine wrath is real and certain.
Nahum 1:15 - "Look, there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace! Celebrate your festivals, Judah, and fulfill your vows. No more will the wicked invade you; they will be completely destroyed." Significance: Promise of deliverance brings good news to the oppressed - later applied to gospel proclamation in Romans 10:15.
Key Themes & Messages
Major Themes
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God's Justice and Vengeance
- LORD is avenging God who punishes wickedness
- Will not leave the guilty unpunished
- Divine wrath against persistent cruelty and oppression
- God defends His people against their oppressors
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The Fall of Nineveh
- Detailed prophecy of Nineveh's destruction
- Graphic imagery of military defeat
- Impregnable city will be conquered
- Fulfilled in 612 BC when Babylon destroyed Nineveh
-
God's Power in Nature
- Opening theophany: God's power in storm and earthquake
- Mountains quake, earth trembles at His presence
- No one can withstand His indignation
- Nature itself responds to divine anger
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Comfort for God's People
- "Good news" for Judah: oppressor will be destroyed
- God is refuge in times of trouble
- He cares for those who trust in Him
- Affliction will not rise again
-
The Certainty of Divine Judgment
- Even mighty empires cannot escape God's justice
- Delayed judgment doesn't mean escaped judgment
- God's patience has limits
- All nations accountable to the sovereign God
Central Message
Nahum announces certain judgment on cruel Assyria (Nineveh), demonstrating that God will not allow wickedness to go unpunished forever. The prophecy comforts oppressed Judah with assurance that their powerful enemy will fall. God's justice may seem delayed, but it is certain. The LORD is both avenging against His enemies and a refuge for those who trust Him. No empire, however mighty, can stand against the sovereign God.
Practical Application
For Daily Living:
- Find Refuge in God: When facing powerful opposition or injustice, make God your stronghold rather than relying solely on human solutions
- Trust Delayed Justice: When evil seems to prosper, remember that God's patience isn't weakness—judgment will come at the right time
- Recognize God's Power: Let Nahum's vivid descriptions of God's power in nature fuel your confidence in His ability to handle any situation
- Stand Against Cruelty: Don't be intimidated by powerful people or systems that practice oppression—God sees and will act
- Comfort the Oppressed: Use Nahum's message to encourage those suffering under unjust power structures
For Spiritual Growth:
- Balance your understanding of God's character—He is both compassionate refuge and avenging judge
- Develop patience by trusting God's timing for justice rather than demanding immediate resolution
- Study how God's justice operates on a national and systemic level, not just individually
- Find comfort in knowing that no human power, however formidable, can ultimately prevail against God's purposes
Recommended Resources
Commentaries
Best Overall Jonah and Nahum by T. Desmond Alexander (Tyndale) - Excellent evangelical treatment showing the connection between God's mercy (Jonah) and justice (Nahum).
For Beginners Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah by O. Palmer Robertson (NICOT) - Clear, accessible exposition connecting these prophets to God's character and purposes.
For In-Depth Study Nahum by Duane Garrett (NAC) - Solid evangelical commentary with strong theological grounding and historical background.
Technical/Academic Nahum by Michael H. Floyd (Eerdmans) - Comprehensive scholarly work with detailed philological analysis and literary structure.