Title and Author: The book of Nahum is named after its author, Nahum, whose name means "comfort" or "consolation." Nahum is identified as an Elkoshite, though the exact location of Elkosh is uncertain. The book is part of the Minor Prophets in the Old Testament, not due to its significance but because of its brevity.

Historical Context: Nahum prophesied during a time when the Assyrian Empire was at its zenith, having already conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel in 722 B.C. The book is generally dated between 663 and 612 B.C., after the fall of Thebes (No-Amon) and before the fall of Nineveh, the Assyrian capital. This period was marked by Assyrian dominance and brutality, which had a significant impact on the surrounding nations, including Judah.

Audience: The primary audience of Nahum's prophecy was the people of Judah. However, the message was also directed towards Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. The prophecy served as a warning to Nineveh and a message of hope and comfort to Judah, assuring them of God's justice and eventual deliverance from their oppressors.

Purpose: The purpose of Nahum is twofold: to pronounce God's impending judgment on Nineveh for its wickedness and to comfort Judah with the assurance that God is just and will avenge His people. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to bring down even the mightiest empires.

Genre and Style: Nahum is a prophetic book, characterized by vivid poetry and imagery. It uses a combination of judgment oracles and a theophany to convey its message.1. Nahum (Nahum 1:1)
- Nahum is the prophet and author of the book. He is identified as Nahum the Elkoshite. His role is to deliver the message of God's judgment against Nineveh.

2. The LORD (Yahweh) (Nahum 1:2)
- The LORD, or Yahweh, is the central divine figure in the book. He is depicted as a jealous and avenging God who is slow to anger but great in power, and who will not leave the guilty unpunished.

3. The People of Nineveh (Nahum 1:1)
- While not individuals, the people of Nineveh are the primary subjects of Nahum's prophecy. They are the inhabitants of the Assyrian capital, known for their wickedness and cruelty, and are the recipients of God's impending judgment.

4. The King of Assyria (Nahum 3:18)
- The King of Assyria is mentioned indirectly as the leader of the Assyrian empire. He is depicted as powerless to save his people from the coming destruction.

The Book of Nahum does not focus on individual characters but rather on the collective entities of Nineveh and Assyria, and their relationship with God. The narrative is more about the divine judgment and the fate of nations rather than personal stories.1. Nineveh (Nahum 1:1)
- Nineveh is the capital city of the Assyrian Empire, known for its great size and power. It is the primary focus of Nahum's prophecy, which foretells its destruction due to its wickedness and cruelty. The book opens with "An oracle concerning Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite."

2. Bashan (Nahum 1:4)
- Bashan is a fertile region east of the Jordan River, known for its rich pastures and strong cattle. In Nahum, it is mentioned in the context of the Lord's power over nature: "He rebukes the sea and dries it up; He makes all the rivers run dry. Bashan and Carmel wither; even the flower of Lebanon withers."

3. Carmel (Nahum 1:4)
- Carmel is a mountain range in northern Israel, known for its lush vegetation and beauty. It is used symbolically to illustrate the desolation that will come as a result of God's judgment.

4. Lebanon (Nahum 1:4)
- Lebanon is a region known for its majestic cedar trees. In Nahum, it is mentioned to emphasize the extent of the devastation that will occur: "even the flower of Lebanon withers."1. Introduction and Vision of Nahum (Nahum 1:1)
- The book begins with an introduction, identifying it as the "oracle concerning Nineveh" and the "book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite."

2. The Lord's Anger Against Nineveh (Nahum 1:2-6)
- Nahum describes God's character as a jealous and avenging God who is slow to anger but great in power. The Lord's wrath is directed against His enemies, and His power is evident in nature.

3. The Lord's Goodness and Protection (Nahum 1:7)
- Amidst the declaration of judgment, Nahum highlights the Lord's goodness, stating, "The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of distress; He cares for those who trust in Him."

4. The Overthrow of Nineveh (Nahum 1:8-14)
- God declares that Nineveh will be overwhelmed by an "overwhelming flood" and that He will "pursue His foes into darkness." The text emphasizes the futility of Nineveh's plans against the Lord.

5. The Announcement of Peace for Judah (Nahum 1:15)
- A message of hope is given to Judah, proclaiming peace and the end of Assyrian oppression: "Look to the mountains—the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace!"

6. The Siege and Fall of Nineveh (Nahum 2:1-10)
- Nahum vividly describes the siege and eventual fall of Nineveh, with images of chariots, shields, and the chaos of battle. The city is plundered, and its people are left in dismay.

7. The Lion's Den Metaphor (Nahum 2:11-13)
- Nineveh is compared to a lion's den, once a place of strength and power, now desolate. The Lord declares, "I am against you," signaling the end of Nineveh's dominance.

8. The Woe to the City of Blood (Nahum 3:1-4)
- Nahum pronounces woe upon Nineveh, calling it the "city of blood," full of lies and plunder. The city's violence and deceit are highlighted as reasons for its downfall.

9. The Inevitable Destruction (Nahum 3:5-7)
- God declares that He will expose Nineveh's shame and make it a spectacle. The city will be scorned and left desolate, with no one to mourn its destruction.

10. Comparison to Thebes (Nahum 3:8-10)
- Nineveh is compared to the Egyptian city of Thebes, which was also strong yet fell. This serves as a warning that Nineveh's strength will not save it from a similar fate.

11. The Futility of Nineveh's Defenses (Nahum 3:11-15)
- Nahum describes the futility of Nineveh's defenses and preparations for battle. Despite their efforts, the city will be consumed by fire and sword.

12. The Complete Desolation of Nineveh (Nahum 3:16-19)
- The book concludes with a depiction of Nineveh's complete desolation. The once-great city is left in ruin, and the nations rejoice at its downfall, as its cruelty will trouble them no more.1. Divine Judgment (Nahum 1:2)
- Nahum opens with a declaration of God's wrath against Nineveh. The theme of divine judgment is central, emphasizing that God is a just judge who will not leave the guilty unpunished. "The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD is avenging and full of wrath."

2. God’s Sovereignty (Nahum 1:3)
- The book underscores God's control over the natural world and nations. His power is evident in the way He orchestrates events according to His will. "The LORD is slow to anger and great in power; the LORD will by no means leave the guilty unpunished."

3. The Destruction of Nineveh (Nahum 1:8)
- A significant portion of Nahum is dedicated to the vivid description of Nineveh's destruction, symbolizing the fall of a great power due to its wickedness. "But with an overwhelming flood He will make an end of Nineveh; He will pursue His foes into darkness."

4. The Deliverance of Judah (Nahum 1:15)
- Amidst the pronouncement of judgment on Nineveh, there is a message of hope and deliverance for Judah. The fall of Nineveh is seen as a relief for those oppressed by Assyria. "Look to the mountains—the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace!"

5. The Futility of Nineveh’s Defense (Nahum 2:1)
- Nahum describes the futility of Nineveh's attempts to defend itself against God's judgment. Despite its preparations and strength, Nineveh cannot withstand the divine decree. "The scatterer has come up against you. Guard the ramparts; watch the road; brace yourselves; marshal all your strength."

6. The Inevitable Downfall of the Wicked (Nahum 3:5)
- The book highlights the inevitable downfall of those who persist in wickedness. Nineveh's sins, including cruelty and deceit, lead to its ultimate ruin. "Behold, I am against you, declares the LORD of Hosts; I will lift your skirts over your face; I will show the nations your nakedness and the kingdoms your shame."

7. God’s Justice and Mercy (Nahum 1:7)
- While Nahum emphasizes God's justice, it also reflects His mercy towards those who trust in Him. "The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of distress; He cares for those who trust in Him."1. Jealous and Avenging God (Nahum 1:2)
- Description: This title reflects God's passionate commitment to justice and righteousness. In Christian theology, Jesus embodies this divine justice, as He is seen as the one who will ultimately judge the world and avenge wrongdoing.
- Verse: "The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD is avenging and full of wrath."

2. Refuge in Times of Trouble (Nahum 1:7)
- Description: This title highlights God's role as a protector and source of safety for those who trust in Him. Jesus is often seen as a refuge for believers, offering peace and salvation amidst life's challenges.
- Verse: "The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of distress; He cares for those who trust in Him."

3. Righteous Judge (Nahum 1:3)
- Description: God is portrayed as a just judge who will not leave the guilty unpunished. In Christian belief, Jesus is the righteous judge who will execute justice at the end of times.
- Verse: "The LORD is slow to anger and great in power; the LORD will by no means leave the guilty unpunished."

4. Sovereign Over Nature (Nahum 1:4-5)
- Description: God's control over the natural world is emphasized, demonstrating His supreme power. Jesus, in the New Testament, is shown to have authority over nature, calming storms and performing miracles.
- Verse: "He rebukes the sea and dries it up; He makes all the rivers run dry. Bashan and Carmel wither; even the flower of Lebanon withers."

5. Bringer of Good News (Nahum 1:15)
- Description: The prophecy speaks of a messenger bringing good news of peace. Christians see Jesus as the ultimate bearer of good news, proclaiming the gospel of salvation and peace.
- Verse: "Look, on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace!"1. Prophecy of Destruction of Nineveh (Nahum 1:8-9, 2:6, 3:7)
- Prophecy: Nahum prophesies that Nineveh will be destroyed with an overwhelming flood and that its end will come swiftly. "But with an overwhelming flood He will make an end of Nineveh; He will pursue His foes into darkness." (Nahum 1:8)
- Fulfillment: Historically, Nineveh was destroyed in 612 BC by a coalition of Babylonians, Medes, and Scythians. The city was indeed devastated, and its ruins were not rediscovered until the 19th century.

2. Prophecy of Complete Desolation (Nahum 3:19)
- Prophecy: Nahum predicts that Nineveh will be left in such a state that no one will mourn its downfall. "There is no healing for your injury; your wound is grievous. All who hear the news about you clap their hands at your fall, for who has not felt your endless cruelty?" (Nahum 3:19)
- Fulfillment: After its destruction, Nineveh was left in ruins and was not rebuilt. The site remained largely uninhabited, and its fall was celebrated by those who had suffered under Assyrian oppression.

3. Prophecy of Fire and Sword (Nahum 3:13, 3:15)
- Prophecy: The prophecy includes imagery of fire and sword as instruments of Nineveh's destruction. "There the fire will consume you; the sword will cut you down and devour you like a swarm of locusts." (Nahum 3:15)
- Fulfillment: The historical accounts of Nineveh's fall describe a siege and subsequent destruction by fire, consistent with Nahum's prophecy.

4. Prophecy of Plundering of Wealth (Nahum 2:9)
- Prophecy: Nahum foretells that Nineveh's wealth will be plundered. "Plunder the silver! Plunder the gold! There is no end to the treasure, an abundance of every precious thing." (Nahum 2:9)
- Fulfillment: The conquering forces looted Nineveh, taking its wealth and treasures, as was common in ancient conquests.

1. The Burden against Nineveh  ( 1:1⁠–⁠15 )

a. The LORD Appears  ( 1:1⁠–⁠8 )

b. The Fate of the Nations  ( 1:9⁠–⁠15 )

2. The Overthrow of Nineveh  ( 2:1⁠–⁠13 )

a. The Fall of the City  ( 2:1⁠–⁠10 )

b. Reputation of Nineveh Destroyed  ( 2:11⁠–⁠13 )

3. Fall of Assyria  ( 3:1⁠–⁠19 )

a. Woe to the City of Blood  ( 3:1⁠–⁠4 )

b. Judgment of Assyria  ( 3:5⁠–⁠19 )