Nahum. At a Glance.

…Prepare yourself, Nineveh. This Time, No More Mercy.

Some eight centuries B.C., a great revival took place in Nineveh under the preaching of Jonah. But 150 years had gone by, and the city’s terrible sin was now terminal. It was thus Nahum’s mission to pronounce divine judgment. Nahum who was an Old Testament prophet predicted the total destruction of Nineveh (Nahum 3:1-19) the destruction of the second greatest pagan city in the Old Testament with Babylon being the first.

Not much is known about Nahum, but it is interesting to note that outside of Nahum 1:1, the proper name, Nahum, appears only in Luke 3:25 in the Bible. Luke lists the name Nahum within the genealogy of Jesus. The word “Nahum” is derived from the same root as the word for “comfort.” Think about it, recall that Isaiah 40 begins an oracle of “comfort” announcing the end of the Babylonian exile.

The oracle of Nahum is addressed against Nineveh (the capital of Assyria). Nineveh, as the subject, is clearly identified in the title phrase (Nah. 1:1). Nineveh is again mentioned at 2:8, and the King of Assyria is addressed at 3:18. Historically, Nineveh fell to Babylon (with the help of the Medes) in 612 B.C.E. Nahum’s prophecy was likely recorded shortly before the fall of Nineveh. The book of Nahum is a graphic “blow by blow” account of the city’s terrible destruction. Nahum not only predicted the fall of Nineveh, but they very manner in which it would fall.

According to history, Nabopolassar, leader of the Babylonian invasion forces, besieged the city for three years, leading three massive attacks against it, and failing each time. Because of this, the Assyrians inside Nineveh celebrated, rejoiced and began holding drunken parties. But suddenly the Tigris River overflowed its banks and sent its wildly churning waters against the walls of the city. Soon it had washed out a hole, into which gap rushed the Babylonians, and the proud city was destroyed.

Nahum opens with a proclamation of God’s wrath against wickedness (1:2-12a). Following a general description of God’s anger against His enemies, the text appears to address Nineveh from whom a wicked counselor has gone forth. In the midst of this judgment against Assyria, there appear insertions of assurance of safety for those who are faithful to the Lord. The prophecy then shifts to a focus on hope and restoration for Judah (1:12-2:2).

The book of Nahum concludes with a “woe” oracle pronounced over Nineveh (3:1-19). This oracle begins with further description of battle and a statement identifying the reason for judgment against Nineveh, a listing of the sins leading to the destruction of Nineveh namely, idolatry and sorcery. The humiliation and devastation of Nineveh are highlighted. Nahum 3:7 suggests a play on words related to the prophet’s name:

Nahum 3:7 Nineveh is devastated! Who will grieve for her?’ Where will I seek comforters for you?”

In this verse the word “comforters” derives from the same root as the proper name Nahum. It is as if the Lord asks, “Where will I find Nahums for you?” Assyria’s destruction is compared to that of Egypt earlier. Just as the power and allies of Egypt could not save her from the destruction which Assyria brought upon Egypt, even so Assyria will not be saved.

For further reference we know that Nahum predicted the destruction of Nineveh.
Obadiah predicted the destruction of Edom.
Zephaniah predicted the destruction of Judah.
Jeremiah predicted the destruction of Babylon.
Ezekiel predicted the destruction of Egypt and Russia.
Daniel predicted the destruction of Persia.

Nahum and Obadiah were the only Old Testament prophets who pronounced doom on a pagan nation without also mentioning the sins of Israel.

Nahum is one of my favorite Old Testament Prophets and the one who gives us a graphic description of Nineveh’s destruction. I hope that you have enjoyed this introduction to this Hebrew Prophet and will continue to dig deeper into the writings of Nahum. This is just the beginning …Prepare yourself, Nineveh. This Time, No More Mercy.

Blessings,
Pastor Jonathan Pannell