By the time of Nahum, the Assyrian army had dominated Judah for over 100 years and showed little sign of weakening. Now, God promised deliverance.
About the Author: Described as Nahum the Elkoshite, the prophet’s name means “compassion,” and he showed God’s compassion through the destruction of Nineveh.
Background: Nahum ministered after the fall of Thebes in 663 B.C. and before the fall of Nineveh in 612 B.C. The Assyrian army had taken over the entirety of the Ancient Near East, including Israel. However, in 652 B.C., it was weakened by civil war and the city of Nineveh fell to Media and Babylon in 612 B.C.
Message: Nahum’s message has two main sections, the first of which is a hymn to the Divine Warrior. The second concerns the fall of Nineveh. As the Divine Warrior, Yahweh’s goal is to establish his kingdom on earth in Israel, saving his people and judging those who oppress them. As the warrior-king figure, he will triumph over his adversaries, destroying the kingdoms of evil and bringing about his own kingdom of righteousness. As the Assyrian kingdom was the greatest world power of the age, Nahum consoled God’s people, reminding them that God is the sovereign king who controls human destiny and that he will judge Assyria, and encouraging all who persevered in waiting for his coming. As Nahum reminded the people, as great as the Lord’s judgment is on his enemies, greater is his refuge and love for all who find their escape in him.
Application: Many people think that as Christians, our struggles will be lessened in life, which is true to an extent. However, God will still allow some ongoing difficulties in our lives. Even so, we should be encouraged by his promises of future healing and restoration. We should trust in God’s sovereignty and be encouraged by his promises; after all, he is in control when the world changes. He may allow evil but will eventually make things right. As it reads in chapter 1:3, “The Lord is slow to anger and great in power; The Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished.”
Inside the Minor Prophets 