God's Justice

The book of Nahum opens with God's words from Exodus 34. God is slow to anger and great in power, but He must punish evil.

People of Sin vs. Faith

Referencing Isaiah, Nahum reminds the people that when God brings down the arrogant empires He will provide refuge for those who humble themselves before Him.

The Fall of Nineveh

Babylonian soldiers and chariots will attack Nineveh. Chaos reigns as the soldiers breach the city walls, slaughter the people and plunder and destroy the city.

Assyria's Downfall

Nineveh's downfall causes the Assyrian empire to fall. While injustice built the system that made Assyria successful, its violence will also bring about its destruction.

Assyrian King Taunted

Stricken with a fatal wound, the perpetually cruel king of Assyria is taunted and his death is celebrated by the people whom he once oppressed.

THE BOOK OF NAHUM

OT/NT: Old Testament

SECTION: Minor Prophets (7 of 12)

TRADITIONAL AUTHOR: Nahum

KEY PEOPLE: People in the Assyrian empire.

SUMMARY: Canonically, Nahum is the thirty-fourth book of the Holy Bible (1), the thirty-fourth book of the Old Testament (2) and the seventh of twelve Minor Prophets (3) books. Nahum is a collection of poems announcing the downfall of one of Israel's worst oppressors, the ancient empire of Assyria, and its capital city of Nineveh. Referencing Daniel (4), Exodus (5), Isaiah (6), and Babylon, Nahum shows us that the destruction of Nineveh and Assyria are examples of how God works in history in every age.

He is committed to Justice (7) and will not allow any arrogant, violent or evil nation to endure forever. However, while He defeats evil, He is also good and cares for the innocent. He will provide a refuge on the day of distress for anyone who humbles (8) himself before God, believes in God's justice and trusts that in His time He will bring down oppressors in every time and place.

Like Jonah (9) before him, Nahum was raised up as a Prophet for God to preach judgment to the people of Nineveh. After hearing Jonah's prophecies, the Ninevites repented but later backslid to their wicked ways. Hence, Nahum is sent by God to sound the warning to all of the Assyrian empire. His message was ignored and, within a few generations, the flourishing city of Nineveh was completely sacked and destroyed.

The final verse of this book (Nahum 3:19) says it all.  "Nothing can heal you; your wound is fatal. All who hear the news about you clap their hands at your fall, for who has not felt your endless cruelty?"

COMING UP: Next up is the book of Habakkuk (7). Click HERE to explore!

FOOTNOTES:

(1) http://www.downriverdisciples.com/the-good-news

(2) http://www.downriverdisciples.com/old-testament

(3) http://www.downriverdisciples.com/ot-minor-prophets

(4) http://downriverdisciples.com/daniel

(5) http://downriverdisciples.com/exodus

(6) http://downriverdisciples.com/isaiah

(7) http://www.downriverdisciples.com/justice

(8) http://downriverdisciples.com/humility

(9) http://downriverdisciples.com/jonah

(10) http://downriverdisciples.com/habakkuk

PAGE SOURCE:

(a) https://thebibleproject.com/explore/nahum/