This book is directed almost exclusively to the subject of the
destruction of Assyria and, specifically, the capital city of Nineveh.
We have seen in the book of Jonah how, after the people of Nineveh
repented and turned to God, then the impending judgment passed. At the
time of Nahum, that generation had died and the people of Nineveh
reverted to the sins of their fathers.
The prophecies of Jonah and Nahum should be compared. God’s love is
holy love but, although longsuffering and patient toward sinners, cannot
justify the guilty. When God’s love is rejected, judgment is ultimately
inevitable.
The Assyrian nation had conquered the known world of that day. As a
people, they were arrogant, despising other peoples, proud of their
brutal, inhuman cruelty as they ruled the world with their military
might. Wherever its rule extended, the Assyrians, believing their power
lay in the superiority of their idols over all others, introduced their
gods and religion.
In the light of the conquest achieved by the Assyrians, it might be said
to the Israelites: “Where is your God who claims to be so great? If
your God exists at all, what kind of a God is He to let such brutality
dominate the world? If I trust what I see and hear, the gods of Assyria
are far superior to your God! He stands helpless as the gods of Assyria
crush the world underfoot.” Nahum is the triumphant answer of faith to
questions like these.
Long before Nahum, God had stated His sovereignty over all nations and,
specifically, how He was using even brutal Assyria in His purposes.
(Read Isaiah 10 which deals with this.)
The question is still asked, “Why didn’t God destroy Assyria?” Again,
feel the horror that Jonah felt when told to warn these human beasts of
coming judgment. How could God love people like this? Why extend mercy
to them? Why act in longsuffering?
It is because God is love and did extend His grace to them; but finally,
judgment just come and Nahum is the one to announce it. He was more
popular than Jonah! No one could understand why God could love Assyria;
everyone applauded His judgment.
As you read this prophecy, understand it as a statement of God’s
sovereign rule over the world of men. These people did not believe in
Him, were not people of the covenant; but He was still their ruler and,
as such, their judge. It is a statement to the covenant people, assuring
them that God is good and just. Even though He may seem to be slow in
showing Himself, His will moves toward its overwhelming end—evil does
not triumph.
THERE IS NO DATE GIVEN TO THE PROPHECY, BUT WE HAVE SOME CLUES:
- In 3:8, the Assyrian destruction of No-amon, or Thebes, was
- Also, the prophecy makes it plain that the destruction of Nineveh is
- In 1:15, Judah is seen as recently observing religious feasts and
- Some have felt that Nahum was an arrogant Hebrew, despising his
We who live on this side of the Cross have seen God punish sin in the
death of Jesus. We have seen the final defeat of evil demonstrated in
His resurrection. Because of this, we can confidently look at evil and
know that it is defeated and its ultimate doom is sealed. Nahum did not
have the finished work of Christ on which to focus. Nahum exhibited
great faith in God’s goodness and justice; he saw into God’s heart and
spoke what he saw.
As you read this brief book, look beyond Assyria and Nineveh and see
ultimate evil that frustrates and seeks to crush the people of God. When
read like that, this book announces the final downfall of evil, its
eternal defeat. We have seen that defeat in the resurrection of
Jesus–the ultimate Assyria has fallen (Ephesians 1:20,21; Colossians
2:15; Hebrews 2:14,15; I John 3:8).
In the light of Nahum’s message, understand the modern Assyrian: the
cruel dictators that have terrorized the world. Sometimes it seems that
God doesn’t care; but read Nahum and know that His love is
longsuffering, His judgment sure.
OUTLINE OF NAHUM
I. GOD’S PURPOSE OF JUDGING THE OPPRESSORS OF HIS PEOPLE, CHAPTER 1
PSALM OF PRAISE TO YAHWEH, 1:2-8
He is a jealous God, 1:2-3a
He is the God of Creation, 1:3b-5
He is a God of love and judgment, 1:6-8
PROPHETIC RESPONSE, 1:9-14
Judgment against Assyria, 1:9-11
Salvation for Judah, 1:12-13
Against the King of Assyria, 1:14
II. JOYFUL NEWS OF THE DESTRUCTION OF NINEVEH, CHAPTER 2
MOCKING JUDGMENT IN THE BATTLE FOR NINEVEH, 2:1-10
TAUNTING SONG AGAINST NINEVEH, 2:11-13
III. NINEVEH’S GUILT AND INEVITABLE RUIN, CHAPTER 3
JUDGMENT AGAINST NINEVEH, 3:1-7
REMEMBER NO-AMON, 3:8-13
WARNINGS FOR NINEVEH, 3:14-17
REJOICING OVER ULTIMATE DEFEAT, 3:18-19