Faith & Reason Nexus

MEANING: “Comfort” or “Consolation.” It is a shortened form of Nehemiah.

AUTHOR: Nahum

TIME WRITTEN: Between 663 and 612 B.C.

POSITION IN THE BIBLE:

• 34th Book in the Bible
• 34th Book in the Old Testament
• 12th of 17 books of Prophecy (Isaiah – Malachi)
• 7th of 12 minor prophets (Hosea – Malachi)
• 32 Books to follow it

CHAPTERS: 3

VERSES: 43

WORDS: 1,285

OBSERVATIONS ABOUT NAHUM:

• Context:
• Nahum’s ministry focuses on the impending fall of Assyria and its capital, Nineveh.
• His prophecies occur about 100 years after Jonah’s preaching in Nineveh, which had led to a temporary repentance and sparing of the city.
• Nineveh was a formidable city, boasting walls 100 feet high, wide enough for three chariots to ride side by side, and surrounded by a moat 150 feet wide and 60 feet deep. It was believed to be able to withstand a 20-year siege.
• Prophecies:
• Nahum predicted that Nineveh would end “with an overflowing flood” (1:8). This prophecy was fulfilled when the Tigris River overflowed, causing significant damage to Nineveh’s walls, allowing the Babylonians to invade in 612 B.C.
• Nineveh would “be hidden” (3:1). After its destruction, the city was lost to history until its rediscovery in A.D. 1842, approximately 2,254 years later.
• The city has never been rebuilt since its fall.
• Historical Significance:
• Nahum’s prophecies were made roughly 50 years before Nineveh’s actual conquest.
• He foretold the downfall of Assyria and the eventual restoration of Judah.
• Key Verse:
• “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knows those who trust in Him.” (Nahum 1:7)