A Summary of the Book of Nahum | GotQuestions.org

Nahum’s Authorship, Date, and Historical Setting

In today's video we're going to survey and briefly summarize the book of Nahum. Then afterwards, as always, I'll share some helpful resources, so stick around until the.

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As for the author, the author of the book of Nahum identifies himself as Nahum, in the Hebrew, counselor or comforter, the El-keshei, chapter 1, verse 1. There are many theories as to where that city was, though there is no conclusive evidence.

One such theory is that it refers to the city later called Capernaum, which literally means the village of Nahum, at the Sea of Galilee. As for the date of writing, given the limited amount of information that we know about Nahum, the best we can do is narrow the time frame in which the book of Nahum was written to between 663 and 612 BC.

Two events are mentioned that help us to determine these dates. First, Nahum mentions the Ebes, No-Ammon, in Egypt falling to the Assyrians, 663 BC, in the past tense, so it already happened. Second, the remainder of Nahum's prophecies came true in 612 BC.

Nahum’s Purpose: Judgment on Nineveh and Comfort for Judah

Now for the purpose of writing. Nahum did not write this book as a warning or call to repentance for the people of Nineveh. God had already sent them the prophet Jonah 150 years earlier with His promise of what would happen if they continued in their evil ways.

The people at that time had repented but now lived just as bad, if not worse, than they did before. The Assyrians had become absolutely brutal in their conquest, hanging the bodies of their victims on poles and putting their skin on the walls of their tents, among other atrocities.

Now Nahum was telling the people of Judah to not despair because God had pronounced judgment and the Assyrians would soon be getting just what they deserved. Here are some key verses. Nahum 1, verse 7,.

The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him. Nahum 1, verse 14a,. The LORD has given a command concerning you, Nineveh. You will have no descendants to bear your name.

Nahum 1, verse 15a,. Look, there on the mountains, the feet of the one who brings good news, who proclaims peace. See also Isaiah 52, verse 7 and Romans 10, verse 15. Nahum 2, verse 13a,. Behold, I am against you, says the LORD of hosts.

Nahum 3, verse 19,. Nothing can heal your wound. Your injury is fatal. Everyone who hears the news about you claps his hands at your fall, for who has not felt your endless cruelty? Here's a brief summary.

Nineveh’s Fall After Repentance and Relapse

Nineveh once had responded to the preaching of Jonah and turned from their evil ways to serve the Lord God. But 150 years later, Nineveh returned to idolatry, violence, and arrogance Named chapter 3 verses 1 -4.

Once again, God sends one of His prophets to Nineveh, warning of judgment in the form of the destruction of their city and exhorting them to repentance. Sadly, Nineveh did not heed Nahum's warning, and the city was brought under the dominion of Babylon.

Nahum’s Foreshadowing of the Gospel and Practical Application

As for foreshadowings, Paul uses shades of the imagery of Nahum 1, verse 15 in Romans 10, verse 15 in regard to the ministry of the Messiah and the apostles. It may also be understood of any minister of the gospel whose business it is to preach the gospel of peace.

God has made peace with sinners by the blood of Christ and has given His people the peace that transcends all understanding. Philippians 4, verse 7. The preacher's work is also to bring glad tidings of good things, KJV, such as reconciliation, righteousness, pardon, life, and eternal salvation by a crucified Christ.

The preaching of such a gospel and bringing such news make their feet beautiful. The imagery here is of one who runs to others, eager and joyful to proclaim the good news. Now for some practical application.

God is patient and slow to anger. He gives every country time to repent of sin and follow Him as Lord. But He is not mocked. Any time a country turns away from Him and rejects righteousness, evil results, and He steps in with judgment.

This was true for Assyria, and it will be true for any nation today. As Christians, it is our duty to stand up for biblical principles and proclaim Christ, for it is only in repentance and in the life-changing message of the gospel that any country can find hope.

Closing Resources and Subscription Call

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