Who Was Nahum in the Bible?

Who Was Nahum in the Bible?

Nahum was a minor prophet in the Hebrew Bible whose book focuses on God’s judgment against the Assyrian city of Nineveh.

His message follows the earlier story of Jonah, where Nineveh briefly repented (Jonah 3). Nahum announces their eventual destruction (Nahum 1:1; 3:19), reflecting historical events around 612 BC when Nineveh fell. His work underscores God’s faithfulness to punish evil while affirming His sovereignty over nations.

Nahum’s Prophecy Against Nineveh

Nahum’s prophecy announces God’s determined judgment on Nineveh for its violence and oppression, emphasizing divine justice and the inevitability of divine wrath.

God sent Nahum to Nineveh to warn of the city’s impending destruction, as seen in Nahum 1:1, which declares, 'The Lord is jealous and wrathful; the Lord takes vengeance on the earth.' Nahum 3:19 underscores Nineveh’s moral decay, calling its leaders 'barren and howling' for their cruelty. This message followed Jonah’s earlier mission, where Nineveh briefly repented, but Nahum’s prophecy reflects God’s resolve to punish their persistent wickedness.

Nahum’s warnings highlight God’s sovereignty over nations and His faithfulness to uphold justice, even as they reveal His patience and mercy when repentance occurs. These themes prepare readers for the historical fall of Nineveh in 612 BC, affirming Scripture’s alignment with God’s eternal purposes.

Nahum 1:2-3: God’s Wrath and Power

Nahum 1:2-3 reveals God’s consuming jealousy, His unrelenting justice, and His sovereign power over creation, anchoring the book’s central message of divine judgment.

The verse declares, 'The Lord is jealous and wrathful; the Lord takes vengeance on the earth' (Nahum 1:2), emphasizing His holy commitment to righteousness and His intolerance for evil. God’s jealousy here is not petty but reflects His covenant faithfulness, demanding loyalty from His people and accountability from oppressors like Assyria. His wrath is portrayed as both righteous and unstoppable, with mountains trembling before Him (Nahum 1:3), underscoring His supremacy over all creation.

This theological foundation frames the rest of the book, positioning God’s judgment on Nineveh as an expression of His justice rather than caprice. By highlighting His control over nature and nations, Nahum affirms that no human empire is beyond the reach of divine authority.

What We Can Learn From Nahum

Nahum’s message challenges believers to confront the reality of God’s holiness and the inevitability of divine justice.

Nahum 1:2-3 underscores God’s righteous wrath against sin, declaring, 'The Lord is jealous and wrathful; the Lord takes vengeance on the earth,' a call for modern believers to recognize that God will not tolerate persistent evil. The prophet’s warnings against Nineveh (Nahum 3:19) highlight the consequences of moral decay and oppression, urging individuals and societies to repent before judgment falls. Yet, Nahum’s prophecy also offers comfort: God’s justice is not arbitrary but rooted in His sovereign control over creation and history, as seen in His power to 'tremble the mountains' (Nahum 1:3). This balance of judgment and justice reassures believers that God remains faithful to His covenant, upholding righteousness while providing a path to redemption for those who turn to Him.