INTRODUCTION TO NAHUM
This book contains the vision of Nahum (1:1). It was probably written between 663 and 612 B.C. since it prophesizes the fall of Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian empire, which occurred in 612 B.C.E. The central point of the book is the Lord's judgment on Nineveh for her oppression, cruelty, idolatry, and wickedness. The book ends with the prophecy of the destruction of the city by the Babylonians and Medes.
God is pictured here as not only kind but also stern. In Nahum, God is not only "slow to anger" (1:3) and "a refuge… for those who trust in him" (1:7), but also one who "will not leave the guilty unpunished" (1:3). God's righteous and just kingdom will ultimately triumph, for kingdoms built on wickedness and tyranny must eventually fall, as Assyria did.
The book of Nahum declares the universal sovereignty of God. God is Lord of history and of all nations. He is the one who controls their destinies.

Nahum's prophecy begins with a description of God's character. He is slow to anger. He wants everyone to repent and come to him and be saved. He is good, and he is our refuge when in times of trouble. But he is also a wrathful judge. His judgement is like an overwhelming flood and a whirlwind. He takes vengeance on his foes. The whole earth trembles in his presence.

This is the kind of wrath he was about to bring on Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrians. They had defeated Israel and dragged her into captivity. They were cruel oppressors. But the Lord would completely destroy them for their wickedness and cruelty. Nothing would be able to save them from the Lord's judgment.

In punishing Nineveh, the Lord would break the yoke off Israel's back. He would deliver Israel. More than that, Nahum's prophecy looks forward to a time when the good news of the gospel would announce the good news of God's peace to his people. Deliverance from the power of sin through Jesus Christ would be preached!


Application: Father, you are good, and you are our refuge in times of trouble. But you are also like an overwhelming flood when you are confronted with sin. Help us to repent and hold on to your good news.
One Word: The Lord is our refuge, but also our Judge