Nahum

Nahum

Finding the Context:

Nahum was written by the prophet Nahum. It is said that he lived in Elkosh (1:1).  It was written to the people of Judah to show them that God cared about bringing justice to them and would punish their enemies, the Assyrians (1:15; 2:2). The Assyrians had formally led Israel into captivity along with some of the people from Judah (2 Kings 17).  Nahum was written to show the destruction that God was going to bring on the Assyrians and reveal to Judah that God is a God of justice. Destruction is a major theme from the book of Nahum. Chapters 2 and 3 discuss in detail the judgment that God is going to bring on Assyria. “Destroy” and “enemy” are repeated words (1:12,15; 2:1,13; 3:5,7). Yet, there is also a theme of restoration because God is telling Judah that He is going to restore what they had formally lost (1:15; 2:2).

Theme Tracing:

       What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

God is portrayed as a God of justice in the book of Nahum. He is working to bring justice to His people by bringing punishment to Assyria because they have turned away from Him. God even calls Himself Assyria’s enemy (1:12,13, 15; 2:13; 3:5-7).

God also declares Himself as powerful. He is able to conquer his enemies and subdue them (1:2-10).

      What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

God’s redemption is seen in the fact that He is fighting to restore what was lost to Judah (2:2). It is also seen in the fact that God punishes Assyria for her sins. Just as God punishes Israel by leading them into captivity in hopes that they will turn back to Him, God is punishing Assyria so that ultimately they will return to Him as well. As seen in the book of Jonah, God loves the Assyrian people. The destruction that He brings against Assyria is meant to restore His relationship with these people and draw them back to Himself.