Nahum: The oppressor cannot withstand the LORD

Where Nahum sits

In the story

Act IV, Israel · Divided, c. 930–586 BC

In the Bible

Old Testament · Prophets · book 34 of 66

Before it in the story

Micah

After it in the story

Zephaniah

Nahum announces Nineveh's downfall after the destruction of Thebes and before the Assyrian capital's fall.

Nahum summary

Nahum in context

Written by

Nahum the Elkoshite, named in 1:1; the location of Elkosh is uncertain.

Written to

Judah hears an oracle concerning Nineveh and the defeat of its oppressor.

Setting

Nahum announces Nineveh's downfall after the destruction of Thebes and before the Assyrian capital's fall.

When

Between the fall of Thebes in 663 BC and Nineveh in 612 BC; the exact year is uncertain.

Why

To expose Nineveh's guilt and comfort the oppressed with the LORD's just rule.

Themes of Nahum

• The LORD judges violent power
• Refuge for those who trust Him

Key verses in Nahum

• Nahum 1:7

  The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of distress; He cares for those who trust in Him.

• Nahum 3:19

  There is no healing for your injury; your wound is severe. All who hear the news of you applaud your downfall, for who has not experienced your constant cruelty?

Nahum chapter by chapter

Part 1 · The LORD judges and shelters 1

1. 1
   Nahum 1: The LORD is a refuge and a righteous Judge

   The LORD's patient power brings Nineveh to an end and gives His people good news of deliverance.

Part 2 · Nineveh's defenses fail 2

1. 2
   Nahum 2: The lion's den is emptied

   Nineveh's defenses and treasures fail because the LORD stands against its predatory power.

Part 3 · Cruelty receives its reckoning 3

1. 3
   Nahum 3: The violent city has no refuge

   Nineveh's bloodshed, deceit and exploitation bring a downfall that wealth, alliances and fortifications cannot stop.

See the outline of Nahum