Nahum
Who, When, Where
Written by Nahum.
Towards the end of the divided kingdom, about 620BC, 30 years or so before Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonians and everyone was dragged off into exile.
The book of Nahum comes a bit less than 150 years after the book of Jonah.
Nahum most likely lived around Galilee, but this prophecy is mostly about Nineveh, the ancient capital of Assyria, (in what is now northern Iraq). Nineveh was across the river from the modern city of Mosul.
Summary
150 years before this Jonah came with a warning that the judgement of Yahweh was against them, and they repented.
But clearly they went back to their old ways and now Nahum has been sent with a final message … you are about to be completely destroyed and wiped from the face of the earth.
Repenting doesn’t seem to be an option this time, it’s too late for that.
Before You Read
How far do you think you can push God?
It seems that God gave Israel way more chances than he gave Nineveh. Why do you think that was?
After Jonah, but before Nahum, Sennacherib king of Assyria invaded Israel just after 700BC.
How patient is God?
Key Verses
Nahum 1:3
Yahweh is slow to anger, and great in power, and will by no means leave the guilty unpunished.
Nahum goes on to describe Yahweh as being in charge of storms, tornadoes, clouds, the sea, the rivers, the mountains… and they’re all afraid of him.
Scared?
Nahum 1:7
Yahweh is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knows those who take refuge in him.
Is this the same guy?
It is.
This is the one you want fighting to defend you.
It’s like you’re a little kid who’s been bullied at school and you suddenly turn up with “The Rock” as your best friend.
Still scared? No need.
Nahum 1:15
Behold, on the mountains the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace! Keep your feasts, Judah! Perform your vows, for the wicked one will no more pass through you. He is utterly cut off.
How does that relate to Isaiah 52? Is this a prophecy for Nahum’s time or for us now? The wicked one is utterly cut off? Satan?
Nahum 3:7
It will happen that all those who look at you will flee from you, and say, ‘Nineveh is laid waste! Who will mourn for her?’
Where is Nineveh now? Gone.
This prophecy came true.
We know where it used to be, but it was destroyed and abandoned.
After You Read
What verses really stood out to you?
How would you summarize this book in a sentence or two? What is it about? What is God trying to say to us?
Nineveh was actually destroyed in 612BC, about 10 years after this prophecy. And was pretty much unoccupied. A bit over a thousand years later, in about 600AD, the city of Mosul was established on the opposite side of the river.
Do you think that was the fulfillment of the prophecy or is there still something more to it?
How does the message of Nahum compare to the message of Revelation 18?
