Bible Dictionary
Nahum, Book of
The Book of Nahum is a prophetic book announcing the downfall of Nineveh and judgment upon Assyria for its violence and wickedness. It also declares the Lord’s justice and power over oppressive nations.
Definition
The Book of Nahum is a prophetic book centered on the approaching destruction of Nineveh, capital of the Assyrian empire. It portrays Nineveh as a violent and oppressive city and announces its punishment. The book is attributed to Nahum the Elkoshite.
Biblical Usage
The book declares the judgment of God against Nineveh and Assyria for their wickedness and plundering of neighboring nations. It presents the city’s destruction as a fulfillment of prophetic warning.
Historical Background
The date and place of composition are uncertain, though a setting in Jerusalem during the latter part of Hezekiah’s reign is considered probable. Nineveh was destroyed about 625 B.C., and the Assyrian empire came to an end.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Nahum prophesied, according to some, in the beginning of the reign of Ahaz (B.C. 743). Others, however, think that his prophecies are to be referred to the latter half of the reign of Hezekiah (about B.C. 709). This is the more probable opinion, internal evidences leading to that conclusion. Probably the book was written in Jerusalem (soon after B.C. 709), where he witnessed the invasion of Sennacherib and the destruction of his host (2 Kings 19:35). The subject of this prophecy is the approaching complete and final destruction of Nineveh, the capital of the great and at that time flourishing Assyrian empire. Assur-bani-pal was at the height of his glory. Nineveh was a city of vast extent, and was then the centre of the civilzation and commerce of the world, a “bloody city all full of lies and robbery” (Nah. 3:1), for it had robbed and plundered all the neighbouring nations. It was strongly fortified on every side, bidding defiance to every enemy; yet it was to be utterly destroyed as a punishment for the great wickedness of its inhabitants. Jonah had already uttered his message of warning, and Nahum was followed by Zephaniah, who also predicted (Zeph. 2:4-15) the destruction of the city, predictions which were remarkably fulfilled (B.C. 625) when Nineveh was destroyed apparently by fire, and the Assyrian empire came to an end, an event which changed the face of Asia. (See NINEVEH.)