Summary of the Book of Nahum

Author:
The author of the Book of Nahum identifies himself as Nahum (in Hebrew, “Consoler” or “Comforter”) the Elkoshite (1:1). There are various theories about the location of that city, although there is no definitive evidence. One theory suggests that it may refer to the city later known as Capernaum (which translates to “the village of Nahum”) by the Sea of Galilee.

Date of Writing:
Due to the limited information available about Nahum, the best we can do is narrow down the timeframe for when the Book of Nahum was written to between 663 and 612 B.C. Two events are referenced that assist in determining these dates. Firstly, Nahum mentions Thebes (No Amon) in Egypt falling to the Assyrians (663 B.C.) in the past tense, indicating that it had already occurred. Secondly, the rest of Nahum’s prophecies were fulfilled in 612 B.C.

Purpose of Writing:
Nahum did not compose this book as a warning or a “call to repentance” for the people of Nineveh. God had previously sent them the prophet Jonah 150 years earlier with a warning of the consequences if they persisted in their wicked ways. At that time, the people had repented, but they had returned to their previous evil practices, if not worse. The Assyrians had become exceedingly brutal in their conquests (displaying the bodies of their victims on poles and using their skin to adorn the walls of their tents, among other atrocities). Now, Nahum was reassuring the people of Judah not to lose hope because God had decreed judgment, and the Assyrians would soon face the consequences they deserved.

Key Verses:

Nahum 1:7, “The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.”

Nahum 1:14a. “The LORD has given a command concerning you, Nineveh: ‘You will have no descendants to bear your name.’”

Nahum 1:15a, “Look, there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings glad tidings, who proclaims peace! Celebrate your festivals, Judah, and fulfill your vows. No more will the wicked invade you; they will be completely destroyed.”

Isaiah 52:7 brings good news, proclaiming peace!” See also Romans 10:15.

Nahum 2:13a states, “’Behold, I am against you,’ says the LORD of hosts.”

Nahum 3:19 reads, “Nothing can heal your wound; your injury is fatal. Everyone who hears the news about you claps his hands at your fall, for who has not felt your endless cruelty?”

Brief Summary:
Nineveh once responded to Jonah’s preaching, turning from evil to serve the Lord God. However, 150 years later, Nineveh reverted to idolatry, violence, and arrogance (Nahum 3:1-4). Once again, God sent one of His prophets to warn Nineveh of judgment through the destruction of their city, urging them to repent. Sadly, the Ninevites ignored Nahum’s warning, leading to the city falling under Babylon’s rule.

Foreshadowings:
Paul alludes to Nahum 1:15 in Romans 10:15 concerning the ministry of the Messiah and the apostles. This can also apply to any Gospel minister tasked with “preaching the Gospel of peace.” God has reconciled sinners through Christ’s blood, granting His people a peace that “transcends all understanding” «And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. », (Philippians 4:7). The preacher’s duty is to “bring glad tidings of good things” (KJV), including reconciliation, righteousness, pardon, life, and eternal salvation through a crucified Christ. Sharing such a Gospel and delivering such news beautifies their feet, symbolizing eagerness and joy in spreading the Good News.

Practical Application:
God is patient and slow to anger, allowing every nation time to repent of sin and follow Him as Lord. However, He will not be mocked. Whenever a nation turns away from Him and rejects His ways, consequences follow.

When a nation reje cts righteousness, evil consequences follow, and He intervenes with judgment. This was the case for Assyria, and it remains relevant for any nation in the present day. As Christians, it is our responsibility to uphold biblical principles and declare Christ, as only through repentance and the transformative message of the gospel can any country discover hope.