Nahum

Nahum prophesied, according to some, in the beginning of the reign of Ahaz (740s BC). Others, however, think that his prophecies are to be referred to the latter half of the reign of Hezekiah (700s BC). Probably the book was written in Jerusalem; it may have been a response to the destruction of Sennacherib’s army (2 Kings 19:35). Others support the idea that Nahum was written shortly before the fall of Nineveh at the hands of the Medes and Babylonians (612 BC). This theory is evidenced by the fact that the destruction of Thebes, mentioned in 3:8, happened in 603.

1

The burden against Nineveh. God is jealous, angry and vengeful. The Lord has His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet. He knows those who trust in Him, the mountains quake before Him, and the hills melt. A wicked counselor amongst you plots evil against the Lord. Though the enemy seem safe and many, yet the Lord will afflict them. The Lord will cut off idols, and dig your grave, for you are vile. O Judah, keep your appointed feasts.


2

An ironic call to battle is made. The Lord will restore the excellence of Jacob. Chariots rage in the streets, but ultimately, the Assyrians are led away captive. Assyria drains away like a pool of water. Where is the dwelling of the lions? The Lord will burn the Assyrians’ chariots in smoke.


3

Woe to the bloody city! There is a further description, as in chapter 2, of the chaotic bustle of battle. Nineveh is punished because of its harlotries and sorceries. Nineveh’s nakedness will be shown to the nations. As the Assyrians destroyed No Amon (Thebes) in Egypt, so Assyria itself will be destroyed and humiliated. As ripe figs fall from a shaken tree, so will the strongholds of Nineveh fall before the judgment of God. The inhabitants of Nineveh are as numerous as locusts, but destruction shall still ensue, and all who hear of Nineveh’s defeat shall clap their hands.