An obscure small book of prophecy in the Old Testament is the book of Nahum. What is God hoping this book will teach us?
Historical background
“An oracle concerning Nineveh” is how the book of Nahum is presented (Nahum 1:1). Assyria, a powerful empire that had destroyed northern Israel and driven its people into exile, with Nineveh as its capital. Therefore, Israel’s greatest enemy was the extremely ferocious Assyrians. The Israelites were eager for God to overthrow this terrible country.
The larger picture
Nineveh was mentioned in the opening to Nahum’s prophesies, but no specific city or inhabitants are identified in the first chapter. First, Nahum gives a more comprehensive account of God and [his dealings with wickedness]. Nahum portrays [God’s nature] in a lyrical way:
“The LORD is vindictive and furious; He exacts revenge on His enemies and harbors hatred for them. The LORD is a powerful and patient being who will never pardon those who have done wrong (Nahum 1:2-3).
Moreover, he describes in vivid imagery how powerful God is:
“The earth heaves before Him, the world and all who dwell in it; the mountains quake before Him, the hills melt” (Nahum 1:5).
For the people of God, this is wonderful news. Those who seek sanctuary in the Lord will see their enemies go (Nahum 1:7-8).
God will save his people
God declares their deliverance even though things appeared quite dismal in Judah, the southern kingdom of Israel.”I will release you from his yoke and sever your bonds,” (Nahum 1:13).”The worthless will never be able to pass through you again; he is completely severed” (Nahum 1:15).
God would restore Israel after using foreign monarchs to judge them. “Even though I have caused you pain, I will stop causing you pain” (Nahum 1:12). Because, according to Nahum 2:2, “the LORD is restoring the majesty of Jacob as the majesty of Israel.”
God will destroy Nineveh
Nahum uses vivid pictures to explain how the mightily mighty city of Nineveh will be totally destroyed. The city will become a “desolation and ruin,” and its residents will escape (Nahum 2:10). Additionally, the following is stated as to why Nineveh was destroyed: “Woe to the bloody city, all full of lies and plunder – no end to the prey!” (Nahum 3:1). The Assyrians were brutal, cunning, and tyrannical. Other countries have been duped into idolatry and betrayed by them (Nahum 3:4).
It’s now time for [God to exact] retribution on Nineveh and the entire Assyrian empire: “Everyone who learns of you claps their hands over you.” For who has not experienced your ceaseless evil? (Nahum 3:19). Indeed, the Babylonians destroyed Nineveh in 612 BC.
Lessons for us
- The fall of Nineveh is an illustration of a broader theme that is evident in the first chapter of Nahum’s book: God is at work in history and He will not allow the aggressive and idolatrous civilizations to remain forever. Even if it’s not always evident to us, God is directing the course of human history.
- God is concerned about innocent people’s deaths. He is not going to tolerate injustice. “The LORD knows those who take refuge in Him; He is good and a stronghold in the day of trouble” (Nahum 1:7).
Want to learn more?
The best course of action, of course, is to study the book of Nahum yourself if you’re interested in knowing more about it. Additionally, you could view The Bible Project’s introduction video:
Each of the five Bible books has an introduction available in our Read Scripture courses. You will receive a certificate upon completion of a course, and the courses are completely free. Please register so you may give it a try!
