Nahum -- An Introduction

Nahum Little is known of the prophet Nahum. He stands at the end of an era. For one hundred fifty (150) years, the Assyrian Empire had oppressed the Near Eastern world. But now, in 612 BC, the capital Nineveh has fallen to the Babylonians. Nahum reports that the Babylonian victory over the Assyrians belongs to the LORD, who moves the earth and all its inhabitants. Nahum emphasizes two matters: 1) Nineveh has received what it deserves; and (2) Judah can now return to its normal life. Nahum is one of the more gifted poets of ancient Israel and has written some of the most vivid and memorable images in the entire Old Testament.

Nahum can be outlined as follows:

·         Nahum 1:1-11             Turbulence, oppression and revenge are rampant

·         Nahum 1:12-15           No more shall Israel and Judah be overrun

·         Nahum 2:1-3:19          Destruction of Nineveh

Key learning: God moves governments and leaders to accomplish his purposes.