In today’s video we’re going to, survey and briefly summarize the Book of Nahum. Then
afterwards, as always, I’ll share some helpful resources, so stick around until the end.
As for the Author: The author of the Book of Nahum identifies himself
as Nahum (in the Hebrew “Consoler” or “Comforter”) the Elkoshite (1:1). There are many theories as to
where that city was though there is no conclusive evidence. One such theory is that it refers to the
city later called Capernaum (which literally means “the village of Nahum”) at the Sea of Galilee.
As for the Date of Writing: Given the limited amount of information that we know about Nahum,
the best we can do is narrow the timeframe in which the Book of Nahum was written to
between 663 and 612 B.C. Two events are mentioned that help us to determine these dates. First,
Nahum mentions Thebes (No Amon) in Egypt falling to the Assyrians (663 B.C.) in the past tense,
so it had already happened. Second, the remainder of Nahum’s prophecies came true in 612 B.C.
Now for the Purpose of Writing: Nahum did not write this book as a warning or
“call to repentance” for the people of Nineveh. God had already sent them the prophet Jonah 150
years earlier with His promise of what would happen if they continued in their evil ways.
The people at that time had repented but now lived just as bad if not worse than they did before.
The Assyrians had become absolutely brutal in their conquests (hanging the bodies of their
victims on poles and putting their skin on the walls of their tents among other atrocities).
Now Nahum was telling the people of Judah to not despair because God had pronounced
judgment and the Assyrians would soon be getting just what they deserved.
Here's some Key Verses:
Nahum 1:7, “The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.”
Nahum 1:14a. “The LORD has given a command concerning you, Nineveh:
‘You will have no descendants to bear your name.'”
Nahum 1:15a, “Look, there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news,
who proclaims peace!” See also Isaiah 52:7 and Romans 10:15.
Nahum 2:13a, “'Behold I am against you,' says the Lord of hosts.”
Nahum 3:19, “Nothing can heal your wound; your injury is fatal. Everyone who hears the
news about you claps his hands at your fall, for who has not felt your endless cruelty?”
Here’s a Brief Summary: Nineveh once had responded to the preaching of Jonah and turned from their
evil ways to serve the Lord God. But 150 years later, Nineveh returned to idolatry, violence,
and arrogance (Nahum 3:1–4). Once again God sends one of His prophets to Nineveh warning of judgment
in the form of the destruction of their city and exhorting them to repentance. Sadly, the
Ninevites did not heed’s Nahum’s warning, and the city was brought under the dominion of Babylon.
As for Foreshadowings: Paul uses shades of the imagery of Nahum 1:15 in Romans 10:15 in regard
to the ministry of the Messiah and the apostles. It may also be understood of any minister of the
Gospel whose business it is to "preach the Gospel of peace." God has made peace with sinners by the
blood of Christ, and has given to His people the peace that “transcends all understanding”
(Philippians 4:7). The preacher’s work is also to "bring glad tidings of good things" (KJV),
such as reconciliation, righteousness, pardon, life, and eternal salvation by a crucified Christ.
The preaching of such a Gospel, and bringing such news, make their feet beautiful. The
imagery here is of one who runs to others, eager and joyful to proclaim the Good News.
Now for some Practical Application: God is patient and slow to anger. He gives
every country time to repent of sin and follow Him as Lord. But He is not mocked.
Any time a country turns away from Him and rejects righteousness, evil results,
and He steps in with judgment. This was true for Assyria, and it will be true for any nation today.
As Christians it is our duty to stand up for biblical principles and proclaim Christ, for it is
only in repentance and the life-changing message of the gospel that any country can find hope.
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