Nahum prophesied against Nineveh to declare God’s judgment upon the Assyrian empire for its cruelty, idolatry, and unrepentant wickedness. Although Nineveh had repented under Jonah’s preaching a century earlier, the repentance was short-lived. By Nahum’s time, the city had returned to violence and arrogance.
The book opens with a declaration of God’s justice:
“God is jealous, and the Lord avenges; the Lord avenges and is furious. The Lord will take vengeance on His adversaries.” (Nahum 1:2)
Assyria had brutally oppressed nations, including Israel and Judah. They were known for extreme cruelty in warfare, desecration of life, and blasphemous pride. God’s patience had run its course, and Nahum announced Nineveh’s fall:
“Behold, I am against you,” says the Lord of hosts, “I will burn your chariots in smoke, and the sword shall devour your young lions.” (Nahum 2:13)
Unlike Jonah’s message which called for repentance, Nahum’s prophecy offered no invitation to turn, judgment was final. The city that once humbled itself had now hardened itself, and destruction was certain.
“Your injury has no healing, your wound is severe. All who hear news of you will clap their hands over you.” (Nahum 3:19)
Nahum’s message served to comfort God’s people by assuring them that their oppressors would not go unpunished. It revealed God’s power to both judge the wicked and protect the faithful:
“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him.” (Nahum 1:7)
The fall of Nineveh, fulfilled in 612 BC, validated Nahum’s prophecy. His book reminds us that God is slow to anger, but not blind to evil. He will judge nations that defy His righteousness and oppress His people.
