Minor Prophets · Old Testament
The Book of Nahum
God is a refuge for those who trust him and a judge of cruel empires.
- Author
- The prophet Nahum
- Date
- c. 663–612 BC
- Chapters
- 3
- Genre
- Minor Prophets
Summary
Nahum announces the fall of Nineveh, the capital of the cruel Assyrian empire, about a century after Jonah's preaching had led to its repentance.
The book portrays God as slow to anger but great in power, who will not leave the guilty unpunished. For Judah, long oppressed by Assyria, this is good news: "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble." Nineveh fell in 612 BC, as Nahum had foretold.
Outline
- Chapter 1 — God's judgment on Nineveh declared
- Chapter 2 — Nineveh's fall described
- Chapter 3 — Why Nineveh will fall
Key Themes
God's justiceGod's powerRefuge in GodJudgment on crueltyComfort
Key Verses
Start reading NahumThe Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble.He cares for those who trust in him