The Book of Nahum
in a Nutshell
The Book of Nahum
in a Nutshell
Embedded Files
in a Nutshell
The Book of Nahum is a prophetic message announcing the coming judgment of Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire. While the earlier prophet Jonah had seen Nineveh repent, Nahum speaks over a century later, when Assyria had returned to violence, cruelty, and arrogance. Jehovah now declares that the time for mercy has passed, and destruction is certain.
Nahum begins with a vivid description of Jehovah's character: He is slow to anger, but great in power, and will not leave the guilty unpunished. Though He is a refuge for those who trust in Him, He is also a fierce opponent of evil. The poetic language paints Jehovah as a divine warrior who confronts arrogant nations and brings them low.
The prophecy specifically targets Nineveh’s brutality and pride. Assyria had crushed nations without mercy and mocked Jehovah. Nahum announces that Jehovah Himself is against Nineveh, and the city will fall with no one to help it. Its destruction will be swift, total, and deserved. The once-powerful empire that had terrorized others would be shamed and silenced forever.
Nahum's message would have brought comfort to the people of Judah, who had suffered under Assyrian oppression. The fall of Nineveh was a sign that no empire, no matter how powerful, can stand against Jehovah’s justice. He defends the oppressed and brings down tyrants in His appointed time.
Though Nahum focuses on judgment, it reveals an important truth: Jehovah sees injustice and will act. His patience has limits, and those who persist in evil will face consequences. At the same time, those who trust in Him will find safety. The book affirms that Jehovah is both just and good, and that His justice will one day bring peace to His people.
JJ Bowks, ©CDMI
The Bible in a Nutshell Series
The Bible in a Nutshell Series
Hebrew Scriptures
Hebrew Scriptures
(Old Testament Books)
Outline of the Book of Nahum
Outline of the Book of Nahum
I. Jehovah’s Vengeance and Mercy Declared (1:1–1:15)A. Superscription – 1:1
An oracle concerning Nineveh – 1:1a
The vision of Nahum the Elkoshite – 1:1b
B. Jehovah’s Character and Power – 1:2–6
A jealous, avenging, wrathful God – 1:2
Slow to anger, great in power – 1:3a
Nature obeys Him: whirlwind, storm, drought – 1:3b–5
None can stand before His indignation – 1:6
C. Jehovah’s Protection and Judgment – 1:7–11
A refuge in times of trouble – 1:7
An overwhelming flood against His enemies – 1:8
Plots against Jehovah will be destroyed – 1:9–11
D. Judgment on Assyria and Promise to Judah – 1:12–15
Though strong, Assyria will be cut off – 1:12
Judah’s bondage will be broken – 1:13
Jehovah’s decree against Assyria – 1:14
Good news for Judah: peace and restoration – 1:15
II. The Siege and Overthrow of Nineveh (2:1–2:13)
A. The Alarm of Battle – 2:1
Nineveh told to guard itself – 2:1
B. Jehovah’s Restoration of Israel – 2:2
Jacob’s splendor to be restored – 2:2
C. The Siege Begins – 2:3–7
Warriors and chariots rush with fury – 2:3–4
Assyria’s defenses collapse – 2:5–6
The palace and queen are disgraced – 2:7
D. Nineveh’s Panic and Desolation – 2:8–10
People flee; the city is emptied – 2:8
Treasures are plundered – 2:9
Devastation and terror prevail – 2:10
E. The End of the Lion’s Den – 2:11–13
Nineveh’s past strength like a lion’s den – 2:11–12
Jehovah is against her – 2:13
III. Woe to the Bloody City (3:1–3:19)
A. Indictment of Nineveh’s Violence and Deceit – 3:1–3
Full of lies and bloodshed – 3:1
Chaos of battle – 3:2–3
B. Reason for Judgment: Harlotry and Sorcery – 3:4–7
Nineveh’s seductive harlotry – 3:4
Jehovah will shame and expose her – 3:5–6
All who see her will recoil – 3:7
C. Nineveh No Better than Thebes – 3:8–11
Thebes fell despite its defenses – 3:8–10
Nineveh will share the same fate – 3:11
D. Total Collapse of Nineveh – 3:12–17
Fortresses like ripe figs – 3:12
Gates open; defenses burn – 3:13–15a
Merchants, nobles, and scribes disappear – 3:15b–17
E. Final Lament and Mockery – 3:18–19
No shepherds remain; people scattered – 3:18
All rejoice at Nineveh’s fall – 3:19
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