Bible Commentaries
Nahum

Outline of Nahum

The Doom of Nineveh

I. God Reserves Wrath tor His Adversaries,Nahum 1:1-15; Nahum 1:1-15 ; Nahum 2:1-2

1. The Resistless Power of God’s Judgments , Nahum 1:1-8

2. Warning to Assyria; Comfort for Judah , Nahum 1:9-15 ; Nahum 2:1-2

II. The Capital or Assyria Shall Perish, 2:3-3:19

1. The Siege, Capture, and Sack of the City , Nahum 2:3-12

2. “ Behold, I Am Against Thee ,” Nahum 2:13 ; Nahum 3:1-19

Introduction to Nahum

The theme of the prophecy of Nahum is the complete and final destruction of Nineveh. Jonah had already warned the city of its danger, and a temporary respite had been gained by repentance. But the people soon returned to their evil ways, and Nahum was sent to declare the doom of the city, without promise of relief.

Nineveh was one of the greatest cities of ancient times, the capital of the flourishing Assyrian empire. At the time when Nahum delivered his prophecy, Assurbanipal was at the height of his power. His capital was the center of the trade and commerce of the world. Yet it was a “bloody city, all full of lies and robbery,” having plundered the neighboring nations, and was ripe for destruction. Within a short time the prophet’s words came true; the great city was laid low, scattered ruins still marking the place where it stood.

e-Sword Note: The following material was presented at the end of Nahum in the printed edition

( a ) “What is the theme of this prophecy?

( b ) To what two nations is it addressed?

( c ) By what prophet had Nineveh been warned at an earlier date?

( d ) What was the standing of Nineveh during Nahum’s lifetime?

( e ) What importance has the city now?

Each question applies to the paragraph of corresponding number in the Comments .

1. What two attributes of God does the prophet emphasize?

2. Why were the invaders of Nineveh sure to triumph? Of what were they the instrument?

3. Why would the downfall of Nineveh arouse no pity?