Nahum - Authorized King James Version (KJV)

Introduction

Nahum is a prophetic book in the Old Testament that communicates divine messages of warning, judgment, and hope to God's people. The prophecies combine historical relevance to their original audience with enduring theological significance and, in some cases, messianic predictions.

Like other biblical prophetic literature, Nahum addresses covenant violations, calls for repentance, and proclaims both divine judgment and promised restoration. The prophecies demonstrate God's righteousness, sovereignty over history, and faithful commitment to His covenant purposes.

Throughout Nahum, readers encounter powerful imagery, poetic language, and symbolic actions that reinforce the prophetic message. The book reveals God's perspective on historical events and human affairs, often challenging conventional wisdom and cultural assumptions.

Historical Context

Nahum prophesied shortly before Nineveh's fall to the Babylonian-Median coalition (612 BCE). The prophecy celebrates the end of Assyrian oppression that had dominated the Near East for over a century.

Assyrian Decline

Assyria's rapid collapse after Ashurbanipal's death (627 BCE) surprised the ancient world. Internal strife, Babylonian rebellion, and Median pressure combined to destroy what had seemed an invincible empire.

Major Themes

The book develops several significant theological themes:

Divine Judgment

God's righteous response to persistent sin demonstrates His holiness and justice. This judgment particularly addresses covenant violations, idolatry, social injustice, and religious hypocrisy.

Repentance and Restoration

God's judgment aims at restoration, with calls to return to covenant faithfulness. The book presents God's willingness to forgive and restore those who genuinely repent.

The Day of the LORD

The prophetic anticipation of divine intervention brings both judgment for the wicked and vindication for the faithful. This eschatological focus places present circumstances in the context of God's ultimate purposes.

Messianic Hope

Promises of a coming deliverer point toward God's ultimate solution to human sin and suffering. These messianic prophecies maintain hope even in the darkest circumstances.

Key Passages

Read Complete Nahum Commentary

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
2 Timothy 2:15