Nahum – Important Events, Characters, and Doctrines

Writer:

The Book of Nahum is attributed to the prophet Nahum, whose name means “comfort” or “consolation.” Nahum is identified as “the Elkoshite,” likely referring to his place of origin, though the exact location of Elkosh is uncertain. Little is known about Nahum’s personal life, but his prophetic ministry focused on the judgment of Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire.

Date of Writing:

The Book of Nahum is generally dated between 663 and 612 B.C. This dating is based on two key historical references:

• The Fall of Thebes (663 B.C.): Nahum references the fall of Thebes (No-Amon) in Egypt, which occurred in 663 B.C. under the Assyrians (Nahum 3:8).
• The Fall of Nineveh (612 B.C.): The prophecy foretells the destruction of Nineveh, which was fulfilled in 612 B.C.

Thus, the book was likely written during this period, possibly around 650-620 B.C., during the height of Assyrian power but before its fall.

Important Events:

1. Prophecy Against Nineveh (Nahum 1:1-15):

   • The Lord’s Anger Against Nineveh (Nahum 1:1-6): Nahum begins with a powerful description of God’s wrath, emphasizing His power and justice. The opening verses depict God as a jealous and avenging God who will not leave the guilty unpunished.
   • Comfort for Judah (Nahum 1:7-15): Despite the coming judgment on Nineveh, Nahum offers words of comfort to Judah, assuring them that God is good, a refuge in times of trouble, and that Nineveh’s oppression will come to an end. The prophecy declares that Nineveh will be destroyed, and Judah will be freed from its burden.

2. The Siege and Fall of Nineveh (Nahum 2:1-13):

   • The Assault on Nineveh (Nahum 2:1-7): Nahum vividly describes the siege of Nineveh, with its walls breached, chariots rushing through the streets, and the palace collapsing. The imagery is graphic, portraying the chaos and devastation that will accompany the city’s fall.
   • Nineveh’s Destruction (Nahum 2:8-13): The prophecy continues with a description of Nineveh’s complete destruction. The once-proud city is likened to a lion’s den that is now empty, and its wealth is plundered. God declares that He is against Nineveh, ensuring its utter ruin.

3. The Woe and Shame of Nineveh (Nahum 3:1-19):

   • The Woe of Nineveh (Nahum 3:1-7): Nahum pronounces woe upon Nineveh for its violence, lies, and plundering. The city is depicted as full of bloodshed, and its destruction is inevitable. The nations will witness Nineveh’s downfall and mock its once-great power.
   • The Shame of Nineveh (Nahum 3:8-19): Nahum compares Nineveh to Thebes, a once-great city that was also destroyed by the Assyrians. He prophesies that Nineveh will meet a similar fate, with its defenses failing and its people scattered. The book concludes with a lament over Nineveh’s destruction, stating that there is no remedy for its wound, and all who hear of its fate will clap their hands in triumph.

Key Characters:

1. Nahum:

   • The prophet who delivers God’s message of judgment against Nineveh. Nahum’s role is to pronounce the impending doom of the Assyrian Empire, offering comfort to Judah by assuring them of God’s justice.

2. God:

   • God is portrayed as a powerful, just, and avenging deity who will not tolerate the wickedness of Nineveh. He is also shown as a refuge for those who trust in Him, offering protection to the faithful while executing judgment on the guilty.

3. The People of Nineveh:

   • The inhabitants of Nineveh, who are the recipients of Nahum’s prophecy. Their violence, idolatry, and arrogance have provoked God’s wrath, leading to their eventual destruction.

4. The People of Judah:

   • While not directly involved in the events, the people of Judah are the audience to whom Nahum’s prophecy offers comfort. They are assured that God will bring an end to the Assyrian oppression.

Key Doctrines and Themes:

1. God’s Justice and Judgment:

   • The central theme of Nahum is God’s justice. The book emphasizes that God will not allow wickedness to go unpunished. Nineveh, once a tool of God’s judgment against Israel, is now the object of divine wrath due to its own sins.

2. God’s Sovereignty:

   • Nahum highlights God’s sovereignty over the nations. The downfall of Nineveh, the mighty Assyrian capital, is portrayed as part of God’s plan. No earthly power can stand against God’s will, and even the strongest empires are subject to His judgment.

3. The Temporary Nature of Human Power:

   • Nineveh’s fall serves as a reminder that human power and wealth are fleeting. Despite its grandeur and strength, Nineveh is brought low by God’s judgment. This theme underscores the futility of trusting in earthly power rather than in God.

4. Comfort for God’s People:

   • While the book focuses on the destruction of Nineveh, it also offers comfort to Judah. Nahum reassures them that God is aware of their suffering and will deliver them from their oppressors. This dual message of judgment and comfort reflects God’s care for His people.

5. God’s Wrath Against Sin:

   • Nahum vividly portrays the wrath of God against sin, especially the sins of violence, oppression, and idolatry. The book serves as a warning that persistent sin will inevitably lead to judgment.

6. The Inevitable Consequences of Sin:

   • The fate of Nineveh illustrates the inevitable consequences of continued rebellion against God. The city’s destruction is a direct result of its sins, particularly its cruelty and arrogance. This serves as a broader warning to all nations and individuals about the seriousness of sin.

The Book of Nahum is a powerful expression of God’s justice, demonstrating that no nation or empire, no matter how powerful, is beyond the reach of divine judgment. It also provides a message of hope for the oppressed, reminding them that God is a refuge and that He will ultimately bring justice.