The Book of Nahum is one of the minor prophets in the Old Testament. It was written around 615 BC by the prophet Nahum, and contains prophecies concerning the destruction of the city of Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire. Here are some common questions people have about the Book of Nahum:
Who was Nahum and where was he from?
The Book of Nahum introduces the prophet as an Elkoshite (Nahum 1:1). There is some debate about where exactly Elkosh was located, but it was likely a village in Galilee or Judah. Beyond this, we don’t know much about Nahum’s personal life or background.
When was the Book of Nahum written?
Most scholars believe Nahum prophesied sometime between 663 BC and 612 BC. The prophecies focus on the coming destruction of Nineveh, which happened at the hands of the Babylonians and Medes in 612 BC. So the book was likely written sometime in the 7th century BC, shortly before this event.
What is the key message of Nahum?
The main message is that God will judge and destroy the wicked city of Nineveh for her oppression, cruelty, idolatry, and unrepentant ways. Much of the book vividly describes God’s wrath and the total ruin that will come on Assyria and its capital Nineveh.
How is God described in Nahum?
Some key descriptions of God in Nahum include:
- A jealous and avenging God – Nahum 1:2
- Slow to anger but great in power – Nahum 1:3
- A consuming fire, mighty in judgment – Nahum 1:6
- Good, a stronghold in trouble – Nahum 1:7
- All-powerful, able to make an utter end – Nahum 1:9
- Indignant, full of wrath – Nahum 1:6
Overall, Nahum emphasizes God’s justice and power in destroying evil nations. But it also shows God’s lovingkindness to the repentant.
What sins was Nineveh condemned for?
Nahum condemned Nineveh for:
- Idolatry and occult practices – Nahum 1:14
- Trusting in her wealth and might – Nahum 2:9, 3:16-17
- Cruelty and violence against others – Nahum 2:11-12, 3:1, 3:19
- Greed, theft, and dishonest gain – Nahum 2:9, 3:1, 3:16
- Prostitution and immorality – Nahum 3:4-7
Basically, Nineveh was condemned for unrepentant sin, oppression of others, and arrogant pride in her own power.
How is the prophecy against Nineveh fulfilled?
The prophecy against Nineveh was ultimately fulfilled when a coalition of Babylonians and Medes sacked and destroyed the city in 612 BC, just as Nahum had predicted. The fall of Nineveh marked the demise of the once mighty Assyrian Empire. Excavations show Nineveh was violently destroyed, just as Nahum said it would be.
What is the significance of Nahum’s prophecy against Nineveh?
Nahum’s prophecy was significant because:
- It demonstrated God’s righteousness in judging evil nations.
- It offered hope to Judah who had suffered under Assyrian oppression.
- Its fulfillment proved God’s word through His prophets could be trusted.
- It highlighted that earthly power and wealth cannot prevent nations from God’s judgment.
What lessons can we learn from Nahum today?
Key lessons from Nahum include:
- God hates sin and will judge unrighteousness, both in individuals and nations.
- True security is found by trusting in God rather than wealth or military might.
- God is patient, but His judgment will come if there is no repentance.
- God protects and cares for those who trust in Him.
- Prophecies remind us that God is sovereign over the nations.
How did Nineveh previously repent at the preaching of Jonah?
Around 150 years before Nahum, Jonah was sent to preach to Nineveh and call for their repentance. Amazingly, the people of Nineveh including the king repented, fasted, and turned from their evil ways (Jonah 3:5-10). As a result, God relented from destroying the city at that time. However, a century later Nineveh returned to evil, thus Nahum was sent to pronounce coming judgment.
Is there any hope or mercy offered in Nahum?
Unlike some other prophets, the Book of Nahum mainly focuses on judgment and doom for Nineveh. However, there are a couple verses that offer some hope:
- Nahum 1:7 says God is good to those who take refuge in Him, even in trouble.
- Nahum 1:15 promises good news and peace for Judah.
So while the focus is judgment, God’s mercy is available to those who repent and trust in Him.
What is the plot structure and outline of Nahum?
Nahum can be outlined as follows:
- Chapter 1 – God’s judgment and salvation
- Chapter 2 – The fall of Nineveh foretold
- Chapter 3 – The woes and judgment against Nineveh
It begins by affirming God’s power and righteousness, then gives vivid poetic descriptions of the coming destruction of Nineveh for her wickedness, and ends by pronouncing woe upon the city.
What major themes emerge in the Book of Nahum?
Major themes in Nahum include:
- The justice and wrath of God against unrepentant sin.
- The futility of trusting in wealth and military power rather than God.
- God as righteous judge over the nations.
- The eventual triumph of God’s kingdom over evil world powers.
How does Nahum differ from other prophetic books?
Some ways Nahum is distinct from other prophetic books:
- It focuses on just one city, Nineveh, rather than addressing many nations.
- It is more poetic, vivid, and imaginative in describing God’s judgment.
- It is dominated by the theme of God’s wrath, with limited mercy.
- It celebrates the just fate of Israel’s enemy unlike prophets focused on Israel’s own sin.
What poetic imagery is used to describe Nineveh’s fall?
Nahum uses vivid poetic imagery and metaphors to portray Nineveh’s end including:
- A flooding river breaking down the city’s gates and walls – Nahum 2:6
- Plundering of all her wealth and treasure – Nahum 2:9
- Ravening lions who devoured prey and strangled prey for cubs – Nahum 2:11-13
- Locusts stripping the land and flying away – Nahum 3:15-17
- Exposed shame like a prostitute, naked and disgraced – Nahum 3:5
This graphic word-painting emphasized the total destruction coming on arrogant Nineveh.
How does Nahum point forward to Christ?
Nahum ultimately points ahead to Jesus in the following ways:
- Its judgment reminds all people of our need to repent before the perfect Judge.
- God’s wrath poured out on Nineveh foreshadows Christ bearing God’s wrath for sinners.
- Its new covenant promise of peace points to the peace Christ brings (Nahum 1:15).
- Christ fulfilled Nahum’s prophecies, proving He is the promised Messiah who reigns over all.
What is the core message people should take away from Nahum?
Key takeaways from Nahum include:
- God is perfectly just and will judge unrepentant sin in all nations.
- No one can escape God’s judgment apart from His mercy and grace.
- True security and peace are found only in God, not earthly powers.
- God is sovereign over all human kingdoms and events.
- Prophecies remind us God knows and controls the future.
