Nahum — Introduction & Outline

Nothing is known about Nahum except that he is called an Elkoshite (1:1) and thus was from Elkosh, wherever that was. Four locations have been suggested: 1) North of Ninevah on the Tigris river; 2) According to Jerome, Elkesi near Ramah in Galilee; 3) Capernaum, which means "City of Nahum;" and 4) A city in southern Judah. The latter seems probable, given the prophet's interest in Judah (1:15).

Though some conservative scholars believe Nahum wrote about 710 B.C. because Assyria was at peak strength and Manasseh's evil reign would merit no words of consolation, a date of about 660 B.C. remains the better choice. The mention of the fall of Thebes in 663 B.C. (3:8) and the destruction of Ninevah in 612 B.C. which Nahum predicts, form the chronological parameters. It should not have been later than Ashurbanipal's reign (669-633 B.C.) because the description of Ninevah (1:12; 3:1,4,16) does not match the decline of the nation under his succeeding sons. Nahum indicates that Judah was under the Assyrian yoke (1:13,15; 2:1,3) which fits better with Manasseh (697-642 B.C.) than Josiah (640-609 B.C.). More importantly, the fact that Thebes was restored ten years after its destruction would make the statement of 3:8 of little force unless it was written before 654 B.C.

The capital of Assyria, Ninevah, probably repented under Jonah about 760 B.C., but the revival didn't last long. They soon returned to the cruel and atrocious behavior they were known for. Sargon II destroyed Samaria and scattered Israel in 722 B.C. Under Sennacherib, the Assyrians almost captured Jerusalem in 701 B.C. during Hezekiah's reign. When Nahum preached, they were at a peak of power under Ashurbanipal, but declined under his sons Ashuretililani (633-629 B.C) and Sinsharishkun (629-612 B.C.). The city was huge and supremely fortified, yet they succumbed to a Babylonian invasion in 612 B.C. and were completely and irrevocably destroyed as Nahum predicted. Nahum's announcement of Ninevah's destruction would be a comforting relief to Judah.

Though the prophecy is addressed primarily to Ninevah to announce their final judgment for their atrocities against the nations, the purpose of the book is to comfort Judah with the demise of their enemy. This would assure them of God's faithfulness to them and His control of their destiny.

Ninevah's fate is first decreed (ch. 1), then described (ch. 2), and finally it is told why it is deserved (ch. 3). The decree of the city's destruction (1:1-15) begins with an explanation of God's principles of just judgment (1:2-8). Ninevah will no longer be able to conspire against God's people (1:9-11) because they will come to a final end (1:12-15).

The destruction of Ninevah is then described (2:1-13). While Ninevah is told to prepare for an attack, Judah is comforted by a promise of restoration (2:1-2). When the attack does come, it is described as violent and furious (2:3-10). The looting and desolation of the city (2:9-10) is a stark contrast to its former strength and glory (2:11-13).

Nahum lastly explains why Ninevah's destruction is deserved (3:1-19). He notes their sins of violence, lies, robbery, murder, and sorcery (3:1-4). The certainty of their judgment (3:5- 11) is seen in the prediction of their total humiliation and in the comparison to the destruction of No Amon (Thebes). It is so certain that efforts to defend the city will be futile (3:12-17). The book then ends with a final assurance of their completed destruction and the consequent rejoicing of their enemies (3:18-19), which would include Judah. Nahum shows that God is just and in sovereign control of the nations. This assurance is a consolation to Judah of God's protection and care for her in the future.

1. Ninevah's Destruction is Decreed. 1:1-15

   1. Introduction 1:1
   2. Principles of divine judgment are explained. 1:2-8

      1. God takes vengeance on His enemies. 1:2-3a
      2. God is powerful in vengeance. 1:3b-6

         1. He is powerful over all creation. 1:3b-5
         2. No one can endure His wrath. 1:6
      3. God is just in dealing with men. 1:7-8

         1. He is a refuge to those who trust Him. 1:7
         2. He punishes His enemies. 1:8
   3. Ninevah's plotting against God will end. 1:9-11

      1. God will end their conspiracy. 1:9
      2. They will be judged instead. 1:10
      3. They have one who is a conspirator against God. 1:11
   4. Ninevah will be removed as Judah's enemy. 1:12-15

      1. God promises Judah relief from Ninevah's danger. 1:12-13
      2. God decrees Ninevah's final end. 1:14
      3. God tells Judah to rejoice at Ninevah's end. 1:15
2. Ninevah's Destruction is Described. 2:1-13

   1. The preparation for the attack 2:1-2

      1. Ninevah is told to prepare for the attack. 2:1
      2. The restoration of Judah is promised. 2:2
   2. The description of the attack 2:3-10

      1. The enemy attacks furiously. 2:3-6

         1. The advance of the army 2:3a
         2. The raging of the chariots 2:3b-4
         3. The defense of the people 2:5
         4. The diversion of the river 2:6
      2. The city is taken captive. 2:7
      3. The defenders flee. 2:8
      4. The city falls. 2:9-10

         1. The looting of treasures 2:9
         2. The report of final desolation 2:10
   3. The contrast of Ninevah's former strength 2:11-13

      1. Ninevah was as a lions' den. 2:11-12

         1. They dwelt there fearlessly. 2:11
         2. They victimized others. 2:12
      2. God has destroyed their former strength. 2:13
3. Ninevah's Destruction is Deserved. 3:1-19

   1. Ninevah's sins 3:1-4

      1. They are full of violence, lies, and robbery. 3:1
      2. The enemy attacks and leaves countless dead. 3:2-3
      3. The punishment is because of Ninevah's seductions. 3:4
   2. Ninevah's certain judgment 3:5-11

      1. God will humiliate Ninevah. 3:5-7

         1. God will expose her to the nations. 3:5
         2. God will cast filth upon her. 3:6
         3. None will lament her distress. 3:7
      2. God will judge Ninevah as He did No Amon. 3:8-11

         1. God infers Ninevah is no different from No Amon. 3:8
         2. No Amon was taken captive in spite of strength. 3:9-10
         3. Likewise Ninevah will be taken captive. 3:11
   3. Ninevah's futile defense 3:12-17

      1. Her defense is ineffective. 3:12-13

         1. Her fortifications are too weak. 3:12
         2. Her people are weak and defenseless. 3:13
      2. She is ironically told to defend herself. 3:14
      3. She will be destroyed. 3:15a
      4. Her troops are compared to locusts. 3:15b-17

         1. She is told to multiply troops like locusts. 3:15b
         2. She had multiplied merchants like locusts. 3:16
         3. Her military leaders will vanish like locusts. 3:17
   4. Ninevah's completed destruction 3:18-19

      1. Her people are scattered. 3:18
      2. Her wound is fatal. 3:19a
      3. Her enemies rejoice at her downfall. 3:19b