The songs and poems of the Bible are beautiful. However, there is perhaps none so potent as the prophecy of Nahum. The superiority of the writing is not so much in the expression of emotion, as in the heated language, the vivid descriptions, and absolute confidence in the power and righteousness of God. In eight strophes or stanzas similar in length, Nahum begins with a description of the avenging God and ends with the thought that resistance will be in vain.
The Prophet
Little is known of this prophet other than his name, which fittingly means "consolation" or "consoler." He is said to be "Nahum the Elkoshite," which is probably a reference to his birthplace. While there are many theories about Elkosh, its location is unknown. The name Nahum is mentioned only one other time in the Bible. It is included in the lineage of Joseph, the husband of Mary, the mother of Jesus (Luke 3:25).
The City
Nahum wrote sometime during the reign of the last of the Assyrian rulers, between 663 - 612 B.C. To say these rulers were cruel would be an understatement. Space will not permit lengthy descriptions of how they impaled many, burned cities, and generally tormented the people, while they feasted in their gardens. Not only so, but Nineveh was a city which was held together by wealth and trade with little else to bring about solidarity. Somewhere between 120 and 170 years before Nahum's writing, the preaching of Jonah (780 B.C) brought the city to repentance. However, for the city in Nahum's time, there was no turning back. The fate of the city at last was set.
The Message
Nahum has been called "God's Other Side" - the severe side. As Paul said, "Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness" (Romans 11:22). In reality, the severe side of God is but an extension of the goodness and love of God. The overall message is suggested in 1:7-9. "The Lord is good." He is good in that He is "a stronghold in the day of trouble." He is good in that "He knows those who trust in Him." He is also and equally good when "with an overflowing flood He will make an utter end of its place, and darkness will pursue His enemies."
Chapter 1 - The Judgment of God on Nineveh
The goodness of God is not mitigated by His judgment. The fact is: God is "slow to anger" (1:3). However, His longsuffering is designed to bring about repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Nineveh forgot the lesson of Jonah. They no longer would turn to God from their wickedness. It was time for God in His wrath to avenge His adversaries. He would "not at all acquit the wicked" (1:2-3). With every resource at His disposal - the wind, the dust, the drought, the earthquake, "His fury is poured out like fire" (1:6). When this happens, "Who can stand before His indignation" (verse 6).
While men attempt to "conspire against the Lord, He will make an utter end of it" (1:9). The affliction of others, the drunkenness of the people, their feelings of security, and irreligion would not protect them. God would bury them because of their vile nature (1:9-14). However, for those who keep God's appointments, this is certainly good news (verse 15). This concept is more fully stated by Isaiah (52:7), and applied by Paul to the preaching of the gospel (Romans 10:15). While some may think Nahum unjustly happy, believers rejoice when the enemy is put down, and God's people are freed from oppression.
Chapter 2 - The Destruction of Nineveh Decreed by Jehovah
Neither is God's goodness lessened by the destruction He brings on His enemies. The opposition has their weapons. They "watch," "strengthen," and "fortify" (2:1). They have "shields," "spears," and "chariots" (2:3-4). However, in reality, they are "empty, desolate, and waste" (2:10). "'I am against you,' says the Lord of hosts" (2:13). Paul asked the question, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31). Nahum's question might well be, "If God is against you, who can be for you?"
Chapter 3 - Nineveh's Guilt and Ultimate Fall
"The bloody city" was "all full of lies and robbery" (3:1). She was "the seductive harlot" (see Revelation 17:1, 15-16; 19:2), the "mistress of sorceries" (3:4). Is it any wonder the Lord repeats, "I am against you" (3:5)? With all of her resources, nothing would save the city (3:12-19).
We must learn the lesson of Nahum. When a nation is judged by "The Lord of hosts" to be shedding innocent blood - cp. abortion, honor killings; full of deceit - politics, business; taking others' possessions - theft, the "entitlement" mentality; and prostitution - actual sexual impurity, figurative unfaithfulness and lawlessness; He will be against it. All its resources will not protect it. And those who serve God will "clap their hands" (3:19) and shout "The Lord Is Good!!!"
- Biblical Insights, August 2012