Bible Book of Nahum | Doom of Nineveh

A prophecy of the final and complete destruction of Nineveh, the cruel capital of the Assyrian empire. Nahum chapters with summary and commentary.

Genre: Minor Prophet. Theme: Doom of Nineveh

Author: Nahum
Date: c. 612 BC
Read Time: 10 mins
Purpose: To announce the destruction of Nineveh.
Key Verse: Nah 1:7 - The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.
Christ: The Stronghold in trouble.
Audience: The people of Judah who were being terrorized by the Assyrian empire
Contrast: Sequel to Jonah showing Nineveh's return to evil.
Vengeance Of God: A focused oracle on the holy wrath of God against a cruel and unrepentant superpower.
Vivid Warfare: Some of the most descriptive and violent poetry in the Bible, detailing the fall of Nineveh.

Nahum serves as a sequel to Jonah, showing that Nineveh’s repentance was temporary and God’s judgment is now final.

The book begins with a powerful acrostic describing the nature of God's power before focusing on the city's destruction.

Jesus is the Good News (1:15) of peace for those who have been oppressed by the powers of darkness.

Nahum 1 - God's Wrath Against Nineveh

Against Nineveh: The LORD takes vengeance on his enemies. The LORD says, "I will break his yoke from you." Hold your feasts, O Judah!

The LORD is restoring Jacob. Chariots race through the streets. Nineveh is like a draining pool. "I am against you," declares the LORD.

Woe to the bloody city! "The nations will look at your shame." Draw water for the siege. Your shepherds are asleep, O king of Assyria.