We minimize Old Testament minor prophets like Nahum compared to the epic stories of warriors like David or biblical patriarchs like Abraham. Even longer, prophetic writings from Isaiah and Jeremiah garner more attention.
However, if we believe the whole Bible has been inspired, we miss the full picture when overlooking minor prophets or obscure figures. It may give a fuller picture of God’s redemptive story or reveal more about God’s character and actions. Whatever the individual story accomplishes, looking at Scripture’s vast and detailed scope teaches us more about God and our world.
The prophet lived thousands of years ago and spoke to his time and generation. However, God’s word still has much to teach us here.
Where Do We Find the Book of Nahum in the Bible?
The Bible provides limited information about Nahum the prophet. Nahum’s name means “comfort” or “consolation,” and the Bible identifies him as an Elkoshite, suggesting he hailed from a place called Elkosh. His prophetic ministry likely occurred between 663 and 612 BCE, marked by Assyrian dominance and its eventual decline.
Nahum belongs to a group known as the Minor Prophets, a designation referring not to their importance but to their writing’s length. The Minor Prophets include Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. These shorter books were compiled on a single scroll in ancient times, differentiating them from the Major Prophets.
The Major Prophets include Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, and Daniel. These longer books contain more detailed prophecies and narratives. For instance, Isaiah and Jeremiah offer extensive oracles about the future of Israel and other nations, while Ezekiel and Daniel contain vivid apocalyptic visions.
The Minor Prophets, including Nahum, address various themes relevant to their times, such as social justice, faithfulness to God, and repentance. They often called Israel and Judah to return to their covenant relationship with God. Despite their brevity, the Minor Prophets’ messages enrich the Bible’s narrative.
In contrast, the Major Prophets offer expansive visions and detailed prophecies that span larger historical and thematic scopes. Isaiah, for example, not only speaks of immediate events in Israel’s history. Het also foretells the Messiah’s coming, offering hope for future salvation. Jeremiah’s prophecies include dire warnings about the impending Babylonian captivity and promises about restoration and a new covenant.
When Did Nahum Serve as a Prophet in the Bible?
Nahum lived during significant strife in the ancient Near East.
Scholars place his prophetic ministry between 663 and 612 BC, based on references like the fall of Thebes (No-Amon) in Egypt, which occurred in 663 BC. Nahum mentions this event in the past tense, indicating that it had already occurred when he wrote his prophecies. This sets the earliest possible date for Nahum’s ministry.
On the other end of the timeline, Nahum’s prophecy mentioned the impending destruction of Nineveh, the Assyrian Empire’s capital. Historical records confirm that Nineveh fell to a coalition of Babylonian and Median forces in 612 BC. Since Nahum’s prophecy predicts this event, his ministry must have occurred before Nineveh’s fall.
Nahum would have ministered during the Judean reigns of King Manasseh (reigned 696–642 BC), King Amon (reigned 642–640 BC), and King Josiah (reigned 640–609 BC). Idolatry and oppression marked Manasseh’s reign, but he made some reforms near his life’s end. Reform continued under King Josiah, whose workers rediscovered the Book of the Law while restoring the Temple. He restored worship to Yahweh.
Nahum’s ministry also coincided with the Assyrian reigns of Ashurbanipal (reigned 669–627 BC) and his successors, including Ashur-etil-ilani and Sinsharishkun. Ashurbanipal’s reign was Assyria’s last period of imperial strength and flourishing. After his death, internal strife and outside enemies weakened Assyria, setting the stage for the eventual fall of Nineveh.
What Message Does Nahum Give as Prophet?
Nahum emphasizes how God’s justice wouldn’t allow wickedness to go unpunished. He opens his book by declaring God’s character, portraying him as a jealous, avenging god who is slow to anger but great in power. Nahum asserts that God won’t leave the guilty unpunished and that his wrath is poured out like fire, shattering his enemies.
This leads to the central focus of Nahum’s prophecy: Ninevah’s impending destruction. Nahum graphically describes the city’s siege and fall—chariots racing through the streets, walls being breached, and soldiers fleeing in panic. He condemns the Assyrian Empire for oppressing other nations. He recounts their many atrocities—merciless battle tactics, plunder, and enslaving others. Nineveh is a city of blood, full of lies and robbery. His condemnation highlights how Ninevah’s moral decline has brought its downfall.
While Nahum’s prophecy spells doom for Nineveh, it also brings hope to Judah. Ninevah’s fall means the end of Assyrian domination. Nahum assures Judah that their suffering will end.
Throughout his prophecy, Nahum underscores God’s sovereignty over all nations. He depicts God as the ultimate ruler who controls the fate of empires and kingdoms. Nahum’s depiction of God’s power over creation, including the seas, mountains, and skies, reminds his audience that no earthly power can withstand God’s almighty will. God is in control and his plans will come to pass, regardless of human opposition.
Nahum speaks with confidence and certainty about the impending judgment on Nineveh, leaving no doubt that it will happen. This assuredness strengthens Judah's faith in God's promises and His ability to bring justice. Nahum’s unwavering confidence in fulfilling his prophecy underscores how God’s word is reliable and his plan sure.
How Would Judah Have Viewed Nahum’s Message?
Assyria had a particularly fearsome reputation with Judah and Israel. As Assyria grew into an empire and conquered throughout Mesopotamia, they raided and went to war with both nations. People despised Assyria due to their intense violence and oppression. Jonah famously ran from God when the Lord sent him to preach to the Assyrian capital, ultimately being placed in the belly of a great fish. After declaring Nineveh’s destruction, Jonah grew angry with God when Nineveh repented, and God relented from destroying them.
Later, God allowed Assyria to destroy and exile Israel since that northern kingdom wouldn’t give up its idolatry. From 2 Kings 17:6: “In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria and deported the Israelites to Assyria. He settled them in Halah, in Gozan on the Habor River, and the towns of the Medes.” For Judah, King Hezekiah dealt with Assyria, who brought Jerusalem under siege (2 Kings 18-19). Hezekiah called upon God to help Jerusalem, and God protected Judah by drawing the Assyrians away. Hezekiah’s son and grandson, Manasseh and Josiah, would have viewed Assyria as a present and fearsome threat.
Therefore, Nahum’s message, focused on the impending doom of Nineveh, would have resonated strongly during Josiah’s reign. Josiah's reforms and the return to the worship of Yahweh would have aligned with Nahum’s condemnation of Assyrian wickedness and his call for trust in God’s justice.
What Can We Learn from Nahum’s Story Today?
As Christians, we can learn several important lessons from Nahum. It may focus on an ancient city, but his message contains timeless principles that still resonate today.
- The Certainty of Divine Justice. Nahum’s prophecy reveals God’s justice is certain. God will eventually judge evil, even if we don’t see it happen in this life. We can trust that God sees injustice and that his perfect timing will one day bring justice. This encourages us to maintain faith in God’s righteousness, even when evil seems to prevail.
- God’s Sovereignty. Nahum declares God’s sovereignty over all nations and events. He portrays God as the ultimate authority who controls how empires rise and fall. This reminds us that God is in control; nothing happens outside his sovereign will. This understanding helps us trust God’s plan both for our lives and the world, knowing he works all things for good for those who love him and are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). We must surrender our fears and anxieties to him, confident that he holds the future in his hands.
- Importance of Repentance. Nahum’s prophecy shows the stark consequences of unrepentant sin. Nineveh had during Jonah’s time. By Nahum’s generation, it had reverted to its wicked ways, and destruction resulted. We can debate whether God judges nations in the same way today; the fact that Assyria was oppressing His people meant that His covenant from Mount Sinai affected Assyria and Babylon in ways that may or may not apply today. Still, we aren’t immune to the consequences of our actions today. So, whatever we think about God judging nations today, Nahum teaches us the importance of genuine, sustained repentance. We are called to turn from sin and seek the Father’s forgiveness continually. We must examine our lives regularly, confess our sins, and strive to live by God’s will.
- Hope and Deliverance. While Nahum’s message is primarily about Ninevah’s fate, it also offers Judah hope and deliverance. This duality reminds Christians that even when there’s judgment involved, God’s mercy and deliverance remain for those faithful to him. Even in dark times, God plans our redemption and restoration. This hope gives us strength to persevere, waiting for his promises to be fulfilled.
- God’s Sure Promises. Nahum’s prophecy demonstrates God’s faithfulness to his promises. He had warned that Nineveh would face judgment if it kept sinning. Nahum’s message fulfilled that promise. We can take comfort in knowing God keeps his promises—not just about destruction, but about rescuing and blessing faithful people. We can rely upon his word and commitments for protection and an abundant future.
- Call to Justice and Compassion. Nahum’s condemnation of Nineveh’s cruelty challenges us to humbly reflect on our actions and attitudes towards justice and compassion. It calls us to stand against oppression, violence, and injustice in our lives and communities. As Jesus' followers, God empowers us to embody the values of God’s kingdom by seeking justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with our God. This lesson inspires us to be agents of change, working to alleviate suffering and promote righteousness.
- Power of Prophetic Witness. Nahum’s bold proclamation of God’s message highlights the power of prophetic witness. God instructs and strengthens us to speak truth and proclaim God’s word with courage and conviction, whether to individuals or governments. Nahum’s example encourages us to be bold in our faith, to stand firm in our beliefs, and to share the gospel message with others.
These lessons inspire us to grow deeper in our faith, trust God’s plan, and live out kingdom values in a world desperate for hope, truth, and the Father’s love.
Photo Credit: public domain Francesco Rosselli print based on Baccio Baldini illustration. Via Wikimedia Commons.
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