Nahum
📜 Old Testament
🗺️ Overview
Nahum delivers a prophetic message of judgment against Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. While Jonah once preached repentance to Nineveh and saw revival, Nahum now declares its final destruction due to its cruelty, pride, and violence. The book emphasizes God’s justice, power, and care for those who trust in Him.
💡 Nahum reminds us that God is both just and good. He judges the proud and violent but is a refuge to those who seek Him. The fall of Nineveh reassures the oppressed that God will act — no injustice escapes His notice forever.
🏛️ Historical & Cultural Notes
Insights into the cultural, historical, or geographical background of the book.
Nineveh’s Fall
Nineveh fell to a coalition of Babylonians and Medes in 612 BC, fulfilling Nahum’s prophecy.
📚 Source: ESV Study Bible
Assyria’s Brutality
Assyria was infamous for its cruelty, public executions, and harsh treatment of conquered peoples.
📚 Source: The Bible Project
Parallel with Jonah
Jonah preached mercy to Nineveh; Nahum preached judgment. Together, they show God’s patience and His justice.
📚 Source: Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary
📊 Book at a Glance
- 📝 Author
- Nahum of Elkosh
- 📅 Date
- c. 660–630 BC
- 📖 Chapters
- 3
- 🏷️ Genre
- Prophecy
- 📍 Location
- Assyria’s dominance in the Near East, before the fall of Nineveh in 612 BC
- 🧵 Main Themes
- God’s judgment against oppressive empires, The downfall of Nineveh and Assyria, Divine justice and wrath, God as a refuge for the righteous, The limits of human power
📚 Outline
- God’s Wrath and Comfort for Judah (Ch. 1)
- Prophecy of Nineveh’s Fall (Ch. 2)
- Reasons for Judgment and the End of Nineveh (Ch. 3)
📖 Key Stories
The Lord Is a Stronghold (Nahum 1)
Nahum begins with a poetic description of God’s power and goodness — a refuge in trouble but terrifying in judgment.
Woe to Nineveh (Nahum 2)
Nineveh, once strong and feared, is doomed to destruction. God promises to restore His people from oppression.
The City of Blood (Nahum 3)
Nahum exposes Nineveh’s violence, deceit, and pride. Its fall is inevitable, and no one will mourn.
👤 Key Figures
🔍 Christ Connections
How this book anticipates or reflects the person and work of Christ.
- ThemeNahum 1:15, Romans 10:15
Nahum 1:15 echoes the gospel message — the good news of peace, ultimately fulfilled in Christ.
- ThemeNahum 1:2–6, Romans 3:25–26
God’s justice against sin is fulfilled at the cross, where Christ bore wrath to bring mercy.
🧠 Key Verses
“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.” — Nahum 1:7
“I am against you, declares the Lord Almighty.” — Nahum 3:5
“Behold, upon the mountains, the feet of him who brings good news…” — Nahum 1:15
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