About the Author

Nahum prophesied sometime between 663 and 612 BC, most likely closer to the fall of Nineveh in 612 BC. This period falls within the reign of the Assyrian Empire’s final decades, before its capital city, Nineveh, was destroyed by the combined forces of the Babylonians and Medes. Nahum’s ministry took place during the latter part of the seventh century BC, likely under the reign of King Manasseh or Josiah in Judah.

Nahum is identified in Scripture only as “Nahum the Elkoshite” (Nahum 1:1), with Elkosh believed to be his hometown, though its exact location remains uncertain and debated among scholars. Some propose it was located in Judah, while others suggest a site in Galilee or even Assyria itself, though no definitive conclusion has been reached. Beyond this brief identification, no information is given about his family, occupation, or personal life.

His name means “comfort” or “consolation,” which stands in striking contrast to the book’s harsh message of judgment against Nineveh, though the comfort ultimately points to Judah’s relief from Assyrian oppression.

Assyria had long oppressed the region, having destroyed the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 BC and repeatedly threatened Judah itself, including the siege of Jerusalem under King Hezekiah. By Nahum’s time, Assyria’s brutality was well known throughout the ancient Near East, and Nineveh had a fearsome reputation for violence, exemplified by its history of extreme cruelty toward conquered peoples.

Nahum’s prophecy served as both a declaration of judgment against Assyria and a message of comfort for Judah, assuring the covenant people that their oppressor would not go unpunished. The book was likely written shortly before Nineveh’s actual fall in 612 BC, confirming the certainty of God’s coming judgment.

Introduction

Nahum chapter 1 opens the book with a powerful declaration of God’s judgment against Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, known for its cruelty and oppression of other nations, including Israel. The prophet Nahum begins by describing God’s nature as both jealous and avenging toward His enemies, yet slow to anger and good to those who trust in Him. This chapter emphasizes the overwhelming power of God displayed through nature, symbolizing His authority over all creation and nations. While the message is one of impending destruction for Nineveh, it also offers comfort and reassurance to God’s people, affirming that He is a refuge for those who seek Him in times of trouble.

Chapter 1 (BBE)

Important Verses

• Verse 2 to 3 God is described as jealous and avenging, yet slow to anger, showing both His justice and His patience.
• Verse 3 The prophet emphasizes that the Lord will not let the guilty go unpunished, highlighting divine justice against wickedness.
• Verse 7 God is described as good and a strong refuge for those who trust in Him during times of trouble.
• Verse 8 Nahum declares that God will bring an overwhelming and complete end to Nineveh, symbolizing the certainty of coming judgment.
• Verse 15 The chapter closes with a message of good news for Judah, celebrating the fall of a common enemy and encouraging renewed faithfulness to God.