Nahum

Nahum

Nahum was one of the most eloquent orators in the Bible. He would have surpassed Isaiah as the poet laureate of the Hebrew Bible if he would have produced more written work. His theology is focused upon one consuming topic, which is that God doesn’t tolerate injustice forever, but he strikes down on those who don’t show justice. Nahum also draws upon the vocabulary of the “Holy War.”

Key Themes and Why It Is Important

Yahweh is the avenger but he is also merciful, a citadel in the day of distress. It is important to know this because it shows us that if you follow the ways of the Lord you will not be hurt, but if you don’t justice will come upon you and you will deserve everything you will get.

Another key theme is that God doesn’t tolerate injustice forever because even though God is our savior he will not tolerate injustice because these people would be breaking the commandments and further more throwing away everything Jesus died for. Jesus died to save us from sin and injustice is the violation of another's strict right against his reasonable will.

About the Prophet

Nahum was one of the most eloquent orators in the Bible; he shouts, sings, and celebrates when Nineveh was destroyed. Nahum is said to live in Elkosh, which was very near to Nineveh and he was believed to live from 700-612 c.B.C. His name only occurs in this book and doesn’t occur anywhere else in the Bible. This book was important in Salvation History because it shows us that God rewards those who are good and his enemies he pursues with darkness. This has been the case throughout most of the Old Testament, but God started to change after Amnon raped his sister and he let David forgive him. God shows his power with the destruction of Nineveh and with this her empire is about to crumble, and its fall will be hailed by the triumphant applause by the whole universe.

Outline of the Book

1. Introduction

2. Hymn to Yahweh

3. Fall of Nineveh

4. Assyria is Destroyed! Clap the Hands!

Favorite Quote From Nahum

“The Lord is good,

A refuge on the day of distress;

He takes care of those who have recourse to him,

When the flood rages;

He makes an end of his opponents,

And his enemies he pursues with darkness.”