In the book of Nahum, Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian empire, is the subject of Nahum’s prophecy. The news of its coming destruction was a relief for Judah, who was subject to Assyrian domination. No longer would Judah be forced to pay tribute as insurance against invasions. Judah was comforted to know that God was still in control. Nineveh is an example to all rulers and nations in the world today. God is sovereign over even those who are seemingly invincible. We can be confident that God’s power and justice will one day conquer all evil.
Writer of the book of Nahum
The book of Nahum was written by a prophet known as “Nahum the Elkoshite.” This brief identification tells us all we know about this spokesperson for the Lord. Even the location of his home, Elkosh, is uncertain.
Date Written
Sometime during Nahum’s prophetic ministry (probably between 663 and 612 B. C.). The book probably was written about 612 B. C. shortly before Nineveh fell.
Historical Setting of the book of Nahum
For more than 100 years before Nahum’s day, Assyria had been one of the dominant powers of the ancient world. The northern kingdom if Israel fell to Assyrian forces in 722 B. C. Some prophets taught that this pagan nation was used as an instrument of God’s judgment against His wayward people. But now it was Assyria’s turn to feel the forces of God’s wrath. The armies of Nabopolassar of Babylon stormed Nineveh in 612 B. C. The entire Assyrian Empire crumbled three years later under the relentless assault of this aggressive Babylonian ruler.
Theological Contribution of the book of Nahum
The book of Nahum teaches the sure judgment of God against those who oppose His will and abuse His people. Although God sometimes uses a pagan nation as an instrument of His judgment, He will also judge that nation by His standards of righteousness and holiness.
Scripture Study Resources
ESV Study Bible – Study Bibles give you a deeper understanding of God’s Word with tools for life application like commentary, maps, charts, concordance, and study notes. Search our popular translations- NIV, ESV, NKJV, KJV and more!
Believer’s Bible Commentary: Second Edition – A Bible commentary is a written, systematic series of explanations and interpretations of Scripture. Commentaries often analyze or expound on individual books of the Bible, chapter by chapter and verse by verse. Some commentary works provide analysis of the whole of Scripture.
The New Strong’s Expanded Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible – The best concordance for word study! This exclusive new edition of a legendary classic puts generations of biblical research at your fingertips. A valuable tool for pastors, teachers, and students of the Bible.
Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words – This classic word study resource allows you to study the meaning of biblical words in the original languages without spending years learning Greek or Hebrew. A great resource for students, seasoned pastors, and anyone who enjoys biblical word studies–even if they have little to no formal training in Hebrew or Greek.
Halley’s Bible Handbook – The beloved and classic Bible companion has been thoroughly updated, while retaining its time-honored features and Dr. Halley’s highly personal style, to offer even greater clarity, insight, and usefulness.
Click here to print or download the scripture outline on the “Book of Nahum: The Judgment of Nineveh“
