We start today to consider the book of Nahum which is a prophecy against the city of Nineveh, the capital city of Assyria. This is the same city that earlier Jonah had preached in and it had repented of its sin.

Nineveh Timeline

786-746BC           Period when Jonah prophesied against Nineveh

722 BC                   Samaria falls to Assyria

661BC                    Egypt defeated by Assyria

652-626BC           Likely period when Nahum prophesied

630BC                    Assyria’s power begins to weaken

612 BC                   Assyria falls to the Babylonians

587 BC                   Jerusalem falls to the Babylonians

Nahum’s name means ‘comfort’. Where Nahum came from we do not know, although possibly it was Capernaum (means city of Nahum).

An oracle was a ‘burdened’ message (v1). Nahum’s message is not a light or easy one, but rather one primarily about judgment. His message though begins about God.

The wrath of God (v2) is Nahum’s first focus. Avenging or its derivative vengeance is used three times in this verse. God does not take Himself being wronged lightly and there will be a day of accountability.

The righteousness of God (v3a) comes into focus next as Nahum says God will not clear the guilty. This means our greatest need is therefore not to be found guilty before God. This is possible only in Jesus.

God is next portrayed as majestic and the One whom no-one can stand against (v3b-6). He is the Sovereign King whom no one can stand against.

The goodness of God is the final focus on God here (v7). This God who is good is the One we need to find refuge in, even from His wrath.