Answer
The book of Nahum is part of the Twelve in the Hebrew Bible and is categorized as a Minor Prophet in the Old Testament. Like Obadiah, Nahum did not prophesy against Israel and Judah. Instead, his proclamations of judgment were directed at Nineveh, the same Assyrian city that had repented during Jonah’s time. Between Jonah and Nahum, Nineveh relapsed into their old ways, possibly worsening. Nahum prophesied the collapse of the Assyrian Empire, attributing their defeat to God’s judgment for their oppressive actions. God’s patience is evident in the time taken to act against Assyrian oppression, but His justice is certain.
The prophet Nahum is widely regarded as the author of the book that bears his name, with little controversy among scholars. While some have considered multiple authorship, the traditional view prevails. Little is known of the prophet himself, except what is said in the first verse, “A prophecy concerning Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite” (Nahum 1:1). Elkosh is located in southern Judah, and some scholars identify it as a city that was later named Elcesi.
Nahum likely prophesied during the reign of King Manasseh, when the Assyrian Empire was the dominant force in the Near East. King Manasseh was a wicked king, so Judah also went through dark times. Nahum’s message shows that God is sovereign over all nations and exercises justice at the right time. Yahweh was never just the God of Israel. He is the God of the whole world (see Isaiah 49:6 and Acts 26:22–23.
Nahum presented his prophecy in two parts. Chapter 1 acts as a prelude, while chapters 2 and 3 describe the eventual fall of Nineveh, which finally happened in 612 BC, marking the decline of the Assyrian Empire.
The book of Nahum is less known compared to other biblical texts, but like every other part of Scripture, it is inspired and given for “teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16–17). The themes in Nahum remain vitally pertinent in today’s deteriorating world, leading us to acknowledge God’s sovereignty over nations, the consequences of sin, the universality of God’s justice, and His involvement in all of human history. Like other prophets, Nahum leaves a message of hope for us, “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him” (Nahum 1:7).
