NAHUM

The prophet Nahum announces the downfall of the Assyrians, focusing on their capital city, Nineveh. During this time, Assyria has overthrown and exiled the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Years later, God fulfills this prophecy, as the Babylonians defeat Assyria and Israel is reestablished.

One hundred years prior, the prophet Jonah warned the people of Nineveh to repent, and they responded immediately. In this warning, Nahum addresses the suffering and oppression that Nineveh has brought upon Israel. The city that once repented and turned towards God has fallen back into their rebellious and wicked ways.

Although the message of Nahum is terrifying to God’s enemies, it offers comfort to those who follow Him. God cannot tolerate injustice and fervently defends His people. Those who are being oppressed rejoice in God’s justice and judgment towards their oppressors. What is considered bad news to God’s enemies is good news to those who are faithful.

    • God’s judgment and wrath on Ninevah

    • God’s opposition to oppression

    • Hope for God’s people 

    • Nahum 

    • The people of Ninevah

    • Jonah 

    • The Assyrians 

    • Author: Nahum

    • Date: 663-612 BCE

    • Intended Audience: the people of Judah suffering under the Assyrian Empire


NAHUM 1

GOD’S ANGER AGAINST NINEVEH AND COMPASSION TOWARDS THE REMNANT

The prophet Nahum delivers a message of God’s wrath against Nineveh, the capital city of Assyria. Nahum warns that God will take vengeance on His enemies. Referencing a description of God’s character found in Exodus 34:6-7, Nahum describes God as slow to anger, great in power, and responsive to sin.

Nahum honors God as having powerful control and authority over all of creation–everything works for His glory! Nahum contrasts God’s wrath towards His enemies with His compassion for those who take refuge in Him. God promises that the afflictions of His people will come to an end and the burdens they have been carrying will be removed.

God refuses to allow violent and arrogant empires to endure while His people suffer. Although this chapter is referring to Nineveh's impending destruction, it also serves as a warning to all nations to avoid evil leadership.

NAHUM 2

NINEVEH WILL BE COMPLETELY DESTROYED 

Nahum tells of the destruction of Nineveh, where the city will be overthrown, the people slaughtered, and their belongings plundered. Because the Assyrians have oppressed God’s people, God will have vengeance over Israel’s oppressors.

God previously allowed the Israelites to suffer for their rebellion, but here God will conquer the violent nation persecuting them. Although this chapter reveals a wrathful and vengeful side of God’s character, God remains faithful in working together all things for the good of those who love him. God uses Assyria’s downfall to redeem His chosen people, the Israelites.

NAHUM 3

ASSYRIA’S VIOLENCE AND ARROGANCE RESULT IN THEIR DOWNFALL

Nahum identifies the source of Assyria’s failure as their own violence and arrogance. Nineveh was built on brutal labor, abuse of power, and unrighteous practices. Nahum compares their calamity to stumbling over dead bodies they created.

Assyria’s shame will be exposed to all the nations, and no one will grieve their downfall. Instead of sadness, those who hear of Nineveh’s destruction will clap and cheer with joy.