Nahum
maleDivided MonarchyMeaning: “Comfort; consolation”
The prophet who foretold the downfall of Nineveh, the Assyrian capital — a century after Jonah’s preaching had spared it.
Biography
Nahum the Elkoshite prophesied the destruction of Nineveh, the proud capital of the brutal Assyrian Empire. About a century after Jonah's preaching had brought a generation of Ninevites to repentance, the city had returned to its violence and idolatry, and Nahum announced its doom.
A jealous and avenging God
His book opens with a majestic portrait of God's power and patience: "The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power... The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him" (Nahum 1:3, 7) — yet "he will not at all acquit the wicked."
Nineveh's certain fall
Nahum vividly described the siege and overthrow of Nineveh — "Woe to the bloody city!" (Nahum 3:1) — a comfort to Judah, long oppressed by Assyria. The prophecy was fulfilled in 612 BC when Nineveh fell to the Babylonians and Medes, never to rise again.
Life Timeline
Foretells the fall of Nineveh, the Assyrian capital
On the Bible timeline
Nahum belongs to the The Divided Monarchy era (c. 930 – 586 BC).
- c. 930 BCThe Kingdom Divides
- 722 BCThe Fall of Samaria
- 586 BCThe Fall of Jerusalem
Themes & lessons from Nahum
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Nahum appears.
Places in their story
Scripture Appearances
1 verses in 1 bookNahum1 verse
Nahum 1:1
The burden of Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.
Frequently asked about Nahum
Who was Nahum in the Bible?
The prophet who foretold the downfall of Nineveh, the Assyrian capital — a century after Jonah’s preaching had spared it.
What does the name Nahum mean?
The name Nahum means “Comfort; consolation”.
What did Nahum do in the Bible?
Nahum served as prophet.
Where does Nahum appear in the Bible?
Nahum is mentioned 1 time across 1 book: Nahum.
What can we learn from Nahum?
The story of Nahum touches on themes of nahum — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Nahum's life.
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