What makes Nahum special?

Little is known about the prophet Nahum. Even the location of his hometown of Elkosh (1.1) is not known for certain, though it was somewhere in the nation of Judah. In Hebrew, Nahum means “comfort,” but the prophet spoke harsh words of judgment against the nation of Assyria that were anything but comforting. Nahum’s severe message of judgment against Assyria’s capital, Nineveh, is often compared and contrasted with the message of Jonah, which describes the people of Nineveh turning away from their wicked ways and being forgiven by God.

Why was Nahum written?

Nahum announces the coming downfall of the Assyrian Empire and its capital city, Nineveh. The powerful Assyrians caused great suffering for a number of other nations, including the people of Israel. In fact, Assyria invaded and defeated the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 B.C., taking many of its people into exile. During the following one hundred years, Assyria continued to be a threat to the southern kingdom of Judah as well. But Nahum reassures the people of Judah that God will soon set them free from the “chains” of the Assyrians (1.13), so they can once again enjoy peace and celebrate their festivals (1.15). The Lord will “protect those who trust him in times of trouble” (1.7). Nahum’s message of doom for Assyria was comforting for those nations who had been threatened and injured by Assyria. And it repeated a theme that was common in the message of Israel’s prophets: The Lord is concerned with justice and will punish those nations or individuals who use their power to mistreat others.

What’s the story behind the scene?

In 853 B.C. at Qarqar, Assyria attacked and won a victory over a group of allied nations that included the northern kingdom of Israel. For the next two hundred years Assyria was the most powerful force in the ancient Near East (see the map on p. 2370). Assyria conquered many nations and made others pay heavy taxes, including Israel and Judah (2 Kgs 15.19,20,29; 16.5-18; 17.1-6; 18.7-21).

It is uncertain when the prophet Nahum lived and preached. But it was sometime after 663 B.C., when Assyria defeated the Egyptian city of Thebes (3.8-10), and before 612 B.C., when Assyria’s capital city Nineveh was destroyed by a group of nations that included the Babylonians and Medes. Most likely, Nahum’s message comes from the time of Judah’s king Josiah (640-609 B.C.), which means he lived and preached at the same time as the prophets Zephaniah and the young Jeremiah.

How is Nahum constructed?

Nahum can be divided into two main sections: the first is a psalm describing the power of Lord God and how the Lord will deliver Judah from the chains of Assyrian influence; the second part of the book includes prophecies announcing the downfall of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria.

• Hope for Judah: The Lord will break the power of Assyria (1.1-15)
• Nahum’s strong words of judgment for Nineveh (2.1—3.19)

Hope for Judah: The Lord Will Break the Power of Assyria

Nahum announces that the powerful Lord God will destroy his enemies (1.8), including Assyria (1.11-14). Then the Lord’s people in Judah will be free from Assyria’s evil plans and cruel chains (1.11-13), so they can live in peace and celebrate their religious festivals once again (1.15).

Nahum’s Strong Words of Judgment for Nineveh

Nineveh is doomed! Nahum proclaims that Assyria’s capital city Nineveh will be destroyed, because the Lord All-Powerful is against it. Nothing can stop Assyria’s enemies from capturing Nineveh: not the walls of the city, nor the surrounding river system, nor Assyria’s armies. When Nineveh’s destruction is complete, those who have been treated cruelly by Assyria will clap for joy.

Questions about Nahum

1. Most of Nahum speaks about God’s judgment. In which verses does Nahum speak about God’s kindness and mercy? What is the message of these verses, and who are they directed toward?

2. In the years before and during the time of Nahum, why was Assyria hated and feared by other nations in the ancient Near East? According to the prophet, why will Assyria and its capital city Nineveh fall? (1.11,14; 2.12,13; 3.1-4, 10) Describe the city’s destruction.

3. According to Nahum, what does God expect (“demand,” 1.2) of people? What can people expect from God? (1.3,7) Do you find these expectations to be challenging, comforting, frightening, or something else? Why?