About This Book
Nahum prophesies Nineveh's destruction approximately a century after Jonah's preaching led to their repentance, demonstrating that temporary repentance without lasting change ultimately brings judgment. The book opens with a powerful description of God's character: He is jealous for His people, avenging their oppressors, slow to anger yet great in power, and He will not leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in whirlwind and storm, clouds are the dust of His feet. Though the Lord is good and a refuge in times of trouble, He will pursue His enemies into darkness.
Nineveh had returned to wickedness and oppression, particularly brutalizing other nations including Judah. God declares that though Assyria has been strong and numerous, they will be cut down and pass away. The affliction He brought upon Judah through Assyria will not come again. God will break Assyria's yoke from Judah's neck and tear off the shackles.
Nahum vividly describes Nineveh's coming destruction: attacking armies with scarlet uniforms and flashing chariots, defenders stumbling as they rush to the walls, the river gates opening and the palace collapsing. Nineveh, once a den for lions who filled their lairs with prey, will be utterly destroyed. God opposes them, declaring He will burn their chariots and cut off their prey from the earth. The final chapter intensifies the description of Nineveh's fall—charging cavalry, flashing swords, glittering spears, and countless casualties piled high.
This judgment comes because of Nineveh's prostitution, selling nations through her harlotries and witchcraft. God will expose her shame to the nations. The book concludes with rhetorical questions about Nineveh's wound—it is incurable. Everyone who hears news of Nineveh's fall will clap their hands, for who has not felt Assyria's endless cruelty?
Nahum demonstrates that God judges oppressive nations, vindicates the oppressed, and evil ultimately faces consequences despite temporary prosperity.