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About this book: Nahum

Nahum is a short, vivid prophecy against Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. About a century earlier, Jonah's preaching had led the city to repent, but by Nahum's day Assyria had become a ruthless empire that crushed nations, deported peoples and terrorized Judah. The book opens with a hymn to the Lord who is slow to anger yet never leaves evil unanswered, a God who is both a refuge for those who trust him and a judge of the violent. Nahum then paints the fall of the city in rapid scenes of chariots, siege and flooding rivers, and closes with a taunt over a once-proud power that no one will mourn. For the oppressed, this was a message of comfort: tyranny does not have the last word. Readers have long wrestled with the book's intensity. Many see it as the other side of God's compassion, since mercy for the victims requires justice against their oppressors, while others stress that its message belongs to its original setting.

Author
The prophet Nahum of Elkosh, about whom little else is known.
Date
Most likely between about 663 BC, when Thebes fell, and 612 BC, when Nineveh fell.
Audience
The people of Judah living under Assyrian pressure, and any reader who longs for justice.

Themes

God's justice against oppressionGod as refuge for those who trust himThe fall of proud empiresComfort for the afflicted

Outline

  1. 1:1–1:15The Lord, a refuge and a judge
  2. 2:1–2:13The attack on Nineveh
  3. 3:1–3:19Why Nineveh falls

Key verses

About this chapterNahum announces a vision about Nineveh, the Assyrian capital, by first describing who God is: a jealous and avenging God, slow to anger but great in power, who does not leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in whirlwind and storm, the mountains quake before him, and who can withstand his indignation? Yet the Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble, who cares for those who trust in him. He will make an end of Nineveh, the one who plots evil against the Lord, and bring good news to Judah: the wicked will not invade again, so celebrate your festivals and fulfill your vows.

Nahum announces a vision about Nineveh, the Assyrian capital, by first describing who God is: a jealous and avenging God, slow to anger but great in power, who does not leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in whirlwind and storm, the mountains quake before him, and who can withstand his indignation? Yet the Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble, who cares for those who trust in him. He will make an end of Nineveh, the one who plots evil against the Lord, and bring good news to Judah: the wicked will not invade again, so celebrate your festivals and fulfill your vows.

Themes

  • God's power and justice
  • A refuge for those who trust
  • Good news for Judah

Key verses

Audio Bible · Nahum 1

Listen while you go about your day.

Nahum 1

Berean Standard Bible15 verses · 2 min read

1This is the burden against Nineveh, the book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite: 2The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD is avenging and full of wrath. The LORD takes vengeance on His foes and reserves wrath for His enemies. 3The LORD is slow to anger and great in power; the LORD will by no means leave the guilty unpunished. His path is in the whirlwind and storm, and clouds are the dust beneath His feet. 4He rebukes the sea and dries it up; He makes all the rivers run dry. Bashan and Carmel wither, and the flower of Lebanon wilts. 5The mountains quake before Him, and the hills melt away; the earth trembles at His presence— the world and all its dwellers. 6Who can withstand His indignation? Who can endure His burning anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; even rocks are shattered before Him. 7The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of distress; He cares for those who trust in Him. 8But with an overwhelming flood He will make an end of Nineveh and pursue His enemies into darkness. 9Whatever you plot against the LORD, He will bring to an end. Affliction will not rise up a second time. 10For they will be entangled as with thorns and consumed like the drink of a drunkard— like stubble that is fully dry. 11From you, O Nineveh, comes forth a plotter of evil against the LORD, a counselor of wickedness. 12This is what the LORD says: “Though they are allied and numerous, yet they will be cut down and pass away. Though I have afflicted you, O Judah, I will afflict you no longer. 13For I will now break their yoke from your neck and tear away your shackles.” 14The LORD has issued a command concerning you, O Nineveh: “There will be no descendants to carry on your name. I will cut off the carved image and cast idol from the house of your gods; I will prepare your grave, for you are contemptible.” 15Look to the mountains— the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace! Celebrate your feasts, O Judah; fulfill your vows. For the wicked will never again march through you; they will be utterly cut off.

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Verses in Nahum 1

Chapters of Nahum

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