Intro
The Book of Nahum is an Oracle of Judgement against Nineveh. The Prophet’s job is to relate what God tells them concerning events that will or sometimes have happened. Most of the time, when the Prophet delivers a message, the addressee is directly named. In Nahum, the very first words give the addressee “An oracle concerning Nineveh” (Na 1:1, ESV). This opening sets the tone for understanding the whole Book. The Prophet is addressing Nineveh, and the judgments given are for them.
Understanding Nahum
In many ways, “Nahum provides a sequel to the prophecy of Jonah.”[1] As we know, Jonah prophesied that Nineveh would be destroyed; however, God allowed Nineveh grace because they repented. Nahum’s Book clarifies that Nineveh did not continue in repentance and, therefore, would ultimately be destroyed. Historically speaking, even after Jonah’s call to repentance, the Assyrian inhabitants of Nineveh continued their barbaric attacks on Israel and Judah. As Baker put it, “[t]he prophecy concerns the destruction of the Assyrian oppressor and the resulting relief for the oppressed Judah.”[2] God had used Assyria to punish Israel and Judah for their wicked ways, but Assyria, of which Nineveh was the capital, saw themselves as conquerors. Instead of being content to be God’s tool for punishment, Assyria sought to annihilate Judah. God’s plan for Judah’s destruction was not for years to come. So, in exceeding God’s will for them, Assyria sinned and brought this judgment on themselves.
Theology of Nahum
R.C. Sproul put it very aptly, saying, in Nahum, we see that “God’s patience must never be misunderstood as weakness.”[3] God showing mercy on the Ninevites when they repented at Jonah’s preaching was not licensed for wickedness. If we learn nothing else from the Book of Nahum, we should understand that God will justly judge the wicked. There is no cause for arrogance with God. Moreover, God does not excuse himself; he is the sovereign God that has the right to use one nation to punish another and then punish that nation for acting arrogantly in carrying out God’s edict.
Date/Maps
Date
The date of Nahum is generally understood to be between 650 and 612 BC.
Maps
Understanding Old Testament Prophets: What is an Oracle?
A brief comment about Oracles
Oracles are a high-level genre/categorization for the OT prophetic texts. There are many sub-genre/categorizations for each type of oracle. There are several kinds of Oracles. For example, there can be oracles of Judgement, oracles of Redemption, oracles of Woe and many other types. Most Old Testament (OT) prophetic books are separated into these oracles. Oracles are parts of the Book directly addressed to a specific group. For example, the Book of Nahum has only one oracle that is addressed to the Ninevites. Understanding what sort of oracle the prophet is speaking, helps in interpreting the text. Nahum, for example, is an oracle of Judgement. Judgment oracles are God pronouncing Judgement on a people and usually specifically reference God’s reasons for judgment. More information about Oracles can be found in the book “Invitation to Biblical Interpretation: Exploring the Hermeneutical Triad” (more book info in the footnote)[4]
References
Baker, David W. Nahum, Habakkuk and Zephaniah: An Introduction and Commentary. Vol. 27. Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1988.
Sproul, R. C., ed. The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version (2015 Edition). Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust, 2015.
Citations
[1] R. C. Sproul, ed., The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version (2015 Edition) (Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust, 2015), 1588.
[2] David W. Baker, Nahum, Habakkuk and Zephaniah: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 27, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1988), 20.
[3] R. C. Sproul, ed., The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version (2015 Edition) (Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust, 2015), 1587.
[4] Invitation to Biblical Interpretation: Exploring the Hermeneutical Triad of History, Literature, and Theology (Invitation to Theological Studies Series) ISBN-13 : 978-0825430473