Author
Nahum
Prophet
Written
c. 663–612 BC
Chapters
3
Audience
The people of Judah and the city of Nineveh
The superscription introduces the book as a burden and vision concerning Nineveh.
Chapter 1Read in Bible
A hymn declares God's jealous, avenging nature and His power over all creation.
Chapter 1 → Chapter 2Read in Bible
God announces that Nineveh's plot against Him will come to nothing and that Judah will be freed.
Chapter 1 → Chapter 9Read in Bible
A vivid description of the attack on Nineveh portrays the city's siege, plunder, and utter devastation.
Chapter 2 → Chapter 1Read in Bible
A taunt asks where Nineveh's lion-like power has gone and declares that God is against her.
Chapter 2 → Chapter 11Read in Bible
A woe oracle condemns Nineveh as a city of blood and harlotry, pronouncing her public shame.
Chapter 3 → Chapter 1Read in Bible
Nineveh is compared to fallen Thebes and warned that her defenses, merchants, and soldiers will all fail.
Chapter 3 → Chapter 8Read in Bible
A funeral dirge closes the book, declaring the fatal wound of Nineveh and the rejoicing of all who heard of her fall.
Chapter 3 → Chapter 18Read in Bible
"The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,"
Nahum 1:7"The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD takes vengeance and is filled with wrath. The LORD takes vengeance on his foes and vents his wrath against his enemies."
Nahum 1:2"The LORD is slow to anger but great in power; the LORD will not leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet."
Nahum 1:3"Look, there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace! Celebrate your festivals, Judah, and fulfill your vows. No more will the wicked invade you; they will be completely destroyed."
Nahum 1:15Nahum contains the oracle of the prophet Nahum of Elkosh, pronouncing God's certain judgment and total destruction upon Nineveh, the capital of the brutal Assyrian Empire. The book serves as a counterpart to Jonah, showing that God's patience with Nineveh had finally reached its end after the city returned to wickedness. Theologically, Nahum affirms that God is slow to anger but will not leave the guilty unpunished, offering comfort and hope to the oppressed people of Judah.