Bible Overview Nahum
Mike Ervin
The Book of Nahum is one of the twelve minor prophets in the Old Testament, focusing on the impending destruction of Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire. This prophetic book offers insights into themes of divine justice and the downfall of oppressive powers.
1. Authorship of the Book of Nahum
Traditional View
• Attribution to Nahum: The book begins with “The oracle concerning Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.” This superscription attributes the prophecy to Nahum, identifying him as an Elkoshite. However, beyond this mention, little is known about Nahum’s personal life or background.
Modern Scholarly View
• Limited Information: Modern scholars concur that information about Nahum is scarce. The exact location of “Elkosh” remains uncertain, with various theories suggesting locations in Judah or Galilee. Despite the limited biographical data, the poetic and vivid nature of the text indicates that Nahum was a skilled poet and prophet.
2. Date of Authorship
Traditional and Modern View
• Historical Markers: The text references the fall of Thebes (No-amon) in Egypt, which occurred in 663 B.C., as a past event. Additionally, it predicts the fall of Nineveh, which historically took place in 612 B.C. Therefore, scholars date the composition of Nahum between 663 and 612 B.C., with many suggesting a timeframe closer to the end of this period, possibly between 660 and 650 B.C., during the reign of King Manasseh of Judah.
3. Main Themes
• Divine Judgment: The central theme is God’s judgment against Nineveh for its cruelty and wickedness, emphasizing that no nation, regardless of its power, is beyond divine retribution.
• God’s Sovereignty: Nahum underscores the absolute sovereignty of God over all nations, highlighting that He controls the rise and fall of empires.
• Comfort for Judah: The prophecy serves as a message of comfort to Judah, assuring them that their oppressor, Assyria, will be judged and that justice will prevail.
4. Chapter Summaries
Chapter 1: God’s Wrath Against Nineveh
• Verses 1-6: Introduction of Nahum’s vision, describing God’s majestic and wrathful nature, emphasizing His power over nature and His capacity for vengeance against His enemies.
• Verses 7-15: Contrasting God’s goodness towards those who trust Him with His wrath towards His foes, and a direct address to Nineveh, foretelling its destruction.
Chapter 2: The Siege and Fall of Nineveh
• Verses 1-10: A vivid depiction of Nineveh’s impending siege, illustrating the chaos and devastation that will ensue.
• Verses 11-13: A taunt against Nineveh, questioning the whereabouts of its once-feared leaders and armies, and declaring God’s opposition to the city.
Chapter 3: Reasons for Nineveh’s Downfall
• Verses 1-7: Condemnation of Nineveh’s sins, including violence, deceit, and idolatry, predicting public shame and scorn as consequences.
• Verses 8-19: Comparison to Thebes, which also faced destruction, emphasizing that Nineveh, despite its fortifications, will similarly fall, and the world will rejoice over its demise.
5. Importance of the Book
• Historical Insight: Provides a prophetic perspective on the fall of one of the ancient world’s most powerful empires, offering a glimpse into the geopolitical dynamics of the time.
• Theological Significance: Highlights themes of divine justice and sovereignty, reinforcing the belief that God holds nations accountable for their actions.
• Literary Value: Recognized for its poetic structure and vivid imagery, Nahum’s prophecy stands out as a masterpiece of Hebrew literature.
In summary, the Book of Nahum serves as a powerful testament to the belief in divine justice, illustrating that oppressive powers will ultimately face retribution, and offering hope and comfort to those who suffer under such regimes.