NAHUM BOOK OVERVIEW
OLD TESTAMENT PROPHECY: NAHUM’S WARNING TO NINEVEH
The prophet Nahum announced the downfall of the Assyrians, focusing on their capital city of Nineveh. At this time, Assyria had overthrown and exiled the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Years later, God fulfilled this prophecy as the Babylonians defeated Assyria, and Israel was reestablished.
One hundred years prior, the prophet Jonah had warned the people of Nineveh to repent, and they responded immediately. In this warning, Nahum addressed the suffering and oppression that Nineveh had brought upon Israel. The city that had once repented and turned towards God had fallen back into their rebellious and wicked ways.
Although the message of Nahum was terrifying to God’s enemies, it offers comfort to those who follow Him. God cannot tolerate injustice, and He fervently defends His people. Those who are oppressed can 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.
MAIN IDEAS: NAHUM PROCLAIMS GOD’S JUSTICE + JUDGMENT
Nahum announced God’s wrath against Nineveh for her violence towards the Israelites. (Nahum 1:1-3)
God planned to completely destroy Nineveh, the capital city of the Assyrian Empire. (Nahum 2:13)
Nineveh’s downfall was a result of their arrogance, brutality, and unrighteous practices. (Nahum 3:1-4)
God’s judgment brought comfort to the faithful people, promising future deliverance. (Nahum 1:7-8)
EXAMPLE OF GOD’S CHARACTER: SLOW TO ANGER
God gave the Ninevites many opportunities to repent, most notably during the time of Jonah. God specifically sent Jonah to deliver a message of warning to the people of Nineveh, demonstrating His pursuit of them and His desire for their repentance. At that time, the people of Nineveh humbled themselves, turning from their sinful ways, and God spared them.
Nahum 1:3 states, “The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and the Lord will by no means clear the guilty.” This verse highlights God’s incredible patience and authority. Even when Nineveh returned to arrogant and violent ways, God did not rush to bring judgment upon them.
However, God’s patience does not mean that He overlooks sin. While He is slow to anger, He is also just. Nahum reminds us that God’s patience is a gift, giving us time to turn to Him and experience His grace. His kindness is also a call to follow Him faithfully and to live in a way that honors His goodness.
JESUS IN NAHUM: JESUS AS OUR REFUGE
Nahum 1:7 says, “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows those who take refuge in Him.” In the midst of persecution, God provides deliverance and salvation for His people. God’s protection of Israel points to Jesus as the ultimate refuge and Savior for humanity.
In Nahum, God offered comfort and hope to the faithful. Hundreds of years later, Jesus invited anyone who is weary and burdened to find rest and salvation in Him. God’s character is unchanging; through the time of Nahum, the time of Jesus, and still today, He has always been a refuge for those who seek Him.
