BOOK OF NAHUM - OVERVIEW
Nahum's name means "comfort."
Jonah and Nahum
Jonah had already uttered his message of warning. The city repented and was saved. The people returned to sinning, and 150 years later, Nahum prophesied about the destruction of Nineveh. Zephaniah also predicted the city's destruction, but not as detailed as Nahum.
Jonah told of God's concern for the people of Nineveh, while Nahum's writing testifies to God's justice and how God dealt with those Assyrians in punishment according to "their cruelty."
The book of Jonah deals with the theme of God showing mercy on the Assyrians regardless of their cruelty. The whole entire book of Nahum outlines God's judgment against the Assyrians.
Jonah was upset with the Lord for saving these people from judgment. Nahum denounced the cruel acts that the Assyrians did to God's people when they held them captive. The book of Nahum explains in vivid detail why God had decided to destroy Nineveh.
The story of God's promised judgment against Nineveh really had its roots way back during the time of Jonah. God almost brought judgment against Assyria at that time because of their violent and bloodthirsty nature. God sent Jonah to them, preaching impending doom if they did not repent. The Assyrians did repent, so God held back his hand of judgment against the city.
Assyria eventually inflicted great violence on all the surrounding peoples, which would reach its climax with the last king of Assyria. Therefore, Nineveh was destroyed by fire 150 years after it was spared after Jonah's warning.
Other Prophets
Other prophets talked about Nineveh. In Zephaniah 2:13-15, Zephaniah focuses on Assyria and warns that its main city, Nineveh, would become utterly desolate. In Zephaniah's prophecy, it is Assyria's turn to face destruction and desolation.
About Nineveh
Nineveh was the capital of the great and flourishing Assyrian Empire. It was known for its immense power, wealth, and influence. However, it was also infamous for its brutality and idolatry, which ultimately led to its prophesied downfall.
Nineveh was one of the largest and most powerful cities of the ancient world. The Assyrians were known for their military prowess and their harsh treatment of conquered peoples. The city itself was a symbol of Assyrian dominance.
Why Nineveh was Punished
God's judgment on Nineveh is "all because of the wanton lust of a harlot, alluring, the mistress of sorceries, who enslaved nations by her prostitution and peoples by her witchcraft." Infidelity, according to the prophets, related to spiritual unfaithfulness.
Nahum's Prophecy
The prophet Nahum explained in great detail why the Lord decided to destroy Nineveh. When God allowed the Assyrians to conquer Israel and harass Judah, they did so with great cruelty. They built up their city by shedding blood, enslaving people, performing cruel acts of torture, and having a disregard for human life. They engaged in sorcery and witchcraft, and the Assyrian people of Nineveh treated many groups of conquered people with extreme contempt. God also punished the Assyrians because of their pagan worship of false gods.
Structure of Nahum's Prophecy
The first part of Nahum's prophecy deals with the fact that the Lord was going to bring judgment on the city under eight circumstances.
--- 1. It would happen when they were like drunkards.
--- 2. Nineveh’s valiant warriors would be bathed in blood.
--- 3. Nineveh would seek refuge inside the clay walls and be put under siege.
--- 4. God was going to bring an overflowing flood from the rivers to bring down the great city.
--- 5. Fire would devour the city.
--- 6. The Assyrian generals and commanders would escape and flee the city to another place.
--- 7. Nineveh would be looted of its silver and gold.
--- 8. The city would be laid waste.
Structure of the Book of Nahum
Chapter 1: Destruction of Nineveh Decreed - What God Will Do
Chapter 2: Destruction of Nineveh Described - How God Will Do It
Chapter 3: Destruction of Nineveh Deserved - Why God Did It
Key Verse
"The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble." (Nahum 1:7)
Key Themes
--- divine justice
--- divine power and sovereignty
--- hope and restoration
Literary Style
Nahum’s literary style is marked by its vivid and evocative language, which heightens the emotional impact of its prophecies. Nahum uses similes, metaphors, and alliteration to create a sense of urgency and drama.
These devices convey the intensity of Nahum's message. For instance, the use of similes comparing the destruction of Nineveh to a flood or an overwhelming force of nature amplifies the magnitude of the impending doom.
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