Introduction to Nahum

The book of Nahum is a collection of prophetic oracles that proclaim the fall of Nineveh, a prominent city of the Assyrian Empire. Nahum poetically portrays Nineveh’s demise at the hands of the Babylonians. To do so, he employs images that are common in the Prophetic Books, such as devouring lions (Nah 2:11–12), shameless prostitutes (Nah 3:4–6), and swarming locusts (Nah 3:14–17).

Background

The book begins by describing its contents as an oracle concerning Nineveh—one that was received in a vision by Nahum of Elkosh (Nah 1:1). The name “Nahum” comes from the Hebrew verb meaning “comfort.” Elkosh, Nahum’s hometown, is not mentioned anywhere else in the Old Testament. However, Nahum was probably from Judah (Nah 1:15).

Nineveh was one of the most prominent cities of the Assyrian Empire, which was renowned in the ancient world for its cruelty. The Old Testament records the Assyrians destroying and displacing the northern kingdom of Israel (722 bc) and repeatedly threatening the southern kingdom of Judah (see 2 Kgs 18–19; 2 Chr 33:10–13). The book of Jonah records an earlier time when the people of Nineveh expressed repentance (Jonah 3:5), though it appears that this attitude of contrition was long gone by Nahum’s time.

The text of Nahum most likely was written soon after 663 bc, when the Egyptian city of Thebes fell to the Assyrian king Ashurbanipal. The prophet uses this event as an example of the destruction coming to Nineveh (Nah 3:8–10). After Ashurbanipal’s death in 627 bc, Assyria was weakened by a series of internal struggles. At the same time, Babylon grew stronger. In 612 bc Nineveh was conquered by a coalition of Babylonians and Medes. The weakened Assyrians then moved their capital to Harran. Eventually they allied with Egypt, and the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar defeated them again at the Battle of Carchemish in 605 bc (2 Chr 35:20–24; Jer 46:1–2). After this final defeat, they faded from the world stage. Within this turbulent context, Nahum delivers a message of justice.

Structure

Nahum can be divided into three parts. In the first (Nah 1:2–15), the prophet announces that Yahweh will take vengeance on Nineveh. This section includes a partial acrostic poem (Nah 1:2–8). The second section (Nah 2:1–13) describes in poetic detail the fall of Nineveh at the hand of Yahweh. The final section (Nah 3:1–19) presents a mocking song (a dirge), which portrays celebration over the fall of Nineveh and its king rather than lamentation.

Outline

• God’s wrath against Nineveh (Nah 1:1–15)

• Depiction of Nineveh’s fall (Nah 2:1–13)

• A mocking lament for Nineveh (Nah 3:1–19)

Themes

Nahum shows us that God will bring justice. Oppressors will be punished when God takes vengeance on behalf of the oppressed. He brings judgment not only on His own people, but also on all the nations. In Nahum, we see God’s anger toward evil and His desire to rid the world of it. He is not only the God of Israel, but of the whole world—he raises up and throws down nations.

Nahum’s depiction of Nineveh contrasts with the city’s portrayal in the book of Jonah, where the people repent and receive mercy. Even though Nahum’s prophecies against Nineveh are grim, they come from a God who doesn’t anger easily (Nah 1:3). Nineveh had been given opportunities to turn from wickedness, but now the time has come for judgment. This judgment amounts to good news for the people of Judah, whom God promises to protect and restore (Nah 1:15; 2:2). Judah and all the other nations that had been terrorized by the Assyrian armies cried out for justice, and God granted it. Nahum concludes his oracle with a message to the Assyrians: Everyone who hears of their downfall will applaud (Nah 3:19). As we seek justice, we should take comfort in knowing that oppression will not last forever. In the face of overwhelming injustice, God is still a refuge for those who trust in Him (Nah 1:7). Yahweh hears, and He will deliver.

Further Reading

The Minor Prophets

Nahum, Book of CLBD

Nahum the Prophet CLBD

Nineveh CLBD