Like a good detective, let's examine this book.

🔥 Overview

The book of Nahum is a prophetic message announcing God’s judgment against Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire. Written to comfort Judah, Nahum proclaims that God is not indifferent to violence, cruelty, or oppression, and that even the most powerful empires are accountable to Him. The book emphasizes God’s justice, sovereignty, and faithfulness to His people by assuring them that evil will not have the final word.

🔍 Things to Notice

Nahum is entirely focused on Nineveh, unlike Jonah, which highlights God’s mercy toward it
The tone is poetic, vivid, and courtroom-like in its imagery
God is presented as both patient and powerful, slow to anger yet unstoppable in justice
The downfall of Assyria is described with remarkable historical accuracy
The book emphasizes comfort for God’s people more than warning for Nineveh

🙏 Jesus in this Book

(Every book reveals the glory of God, displayed in Christ Jesus)

Bearer of Good News – Nahum 1:15 anticipates the gospel proclamation fulfilled in Christ (cf. Romans 10:15)
Divine Warrior – God’s role as defender and judge foreshadows Christ’s ultimate victory over evil
Refuge and Stronghold – Nahum 1:7 points forward to Jesus as the safe refuge for those who trust Him
Righteous Judge – The justice of God revealed in Nahum anticipates Christ’s role in final judgment

👀 Themes

God’s justice against evil
God’s sovereignty over nations
Comfort for God’s oppressed people
The certainty of divine judgment
The danger of pride and unchecked power

😀 Who?

Who wrote it?

Author: Nahum, identified as “Nahum of Elkosh,” a prophet sent by God to deliver a message concerning Nineveh.

🪧 Where/When?

Where are we?

Nahum was written between 663 and 612 BC, after the fall of Thebes (Nahum 3:8) and before the destruction of Nineveh in 612 BC.
Nahum prophesied to Judah about Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. While the exact location of Elkosh is debated, it was likely in Judah or nearby, meaning Nahum delivered his message from within the Southern Kingdom rather than Assyria itself.

🤔 What?

What is the big idea? Nahum proclaims that God will bring decisive judgment against Nineveh for its cruelty and arrogance. Though Assyria appeared invincible, God assures His people that no empire stands above His authority. The book exists to comfort the faithful by affirming that justice will ultimately prevail.

🧐 Why?

Why is this book important? The book of Nahum is important because it reminds God’s people that injustice and cruelty do not go unnoticed by the Lord. It assures believers that no nation, system, or power is beyond God’s authority or immune to His judgment. Nahum also offers comfort to the oppressed by affirming that God actively works to defend His people and uphold righteousness. Ultimately, the book deepens our trust in God’s justice while pointing us toward the hope of final restoration under His righteous rule.