Nahum

Old Testament: minor prophets

Nahum

About this book

In this book, the prophet Nahum said the Lord was going to bring justice and punish Assyria, because it had been so cruel to other nations. Many Old Testament books also talk about the Lord's mercy when they discuss the Lord's justice. But in this book the Lord is merciful and good only to those who turn to him (1.7). Nahum also hinted that one-way God has mercy on his people is to punish enemies like Assyria and give his people freedom from their power (1.13-15). And the Lord can do this because he rules the earth:

The LORD God demands loyalty.

In his anger, he takes revenge

on his enemies.

The LORD is powerful,

yet patient;

he makes sure that the guilty

are always punished.

He can be seen in storms

and in whirlwinds;

clouds are the dust from his feet.

(1.2,3)

A quick look at this book

1. The fierce anger of the Lord (1.1-6)

2. Assyria's doom brings hope for the Lord's people (1.7-15)

3. Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, will be destroyed (2.1—3.19)