A. Overview and Summary.
- The author of Nahum is the prophet himself as identified in verse 1: “An oracle (prophecy) concerning Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum of Elkosh.” It is not known for certain where Elkosh was located. One theory is that the village later took on the name of Capernaum in Gallie that was the center of Jesus’s ministry. The time of the writing is believed to be between 663 and 612 BC. Nahum mentions Thebes of Egypt being conquered in the past tense in verse 3:8, which happened in 663 BC. Nahum’s prophecies against Nineveh came true in 612 BC when the Medio-Persian empire conquered the Assyrians. The book is one of the 12 minor prophets consisting of 3 chapters.
- The theme of the book is judgement upon Nineveh. Jonah had been directed to go to Nineveh 150 years earlier to pronounce that God was going to destroy the city. The entire city and its king repented, and the city was spared. But in Nahum’s time, the city and the Assyrians had become even more evil and corrupt than they were in Jonah’s time. They were very brutal, impaling their victims on poles, skinning them, and wrapping trees with the skins around the cities they conquered. They worship other gods. Nahum was writing to tell of God’s impending judgement. Here are some key verses.
- “The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD is avenging and wrathful; the LORD takes vengeance on his adversaries and keeps wrath for his enemies. The LORD is slow to anger and great in power, and the LORD will by no means clear the guilty” (Vs. 1:2-3a). The Ten Commandments tells us that God is a jealous God in that He will have no others before Him (Exodus 20:5). God desires that He receive all the worship and glory. The Ninevites worshiped other gods. God is slow to anger, but when that anger is manifested, it will exhibit God’s great power.
- “The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows those who take refuge in Him. But with an overflowing flood He will make a complete end of the adversaries and will pursue his enemies into darkness” (Vs. 1:7-8).
- The prophet also gives a promise from God for the coming Messiah: “Behold, upon the mountains, the feet of Him who brings good news, who publishes peace!” (Vs. 1:15a). Compare this with Isaiah 52:7: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, ‘“Your God reigns.”’ Also, consider Romans 10:15b: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
- God’s judgement upon Nineveh was final; the book concludes with these words: “There is no easing your hurt; your wound is grievous. All who hear the news about you clap their hands over you. For upon whom has not come your unceasing evil?” (Vs. 3:19).
B. Discussion, Application and Passing it on. The gospel proclaims God’s salvation to sinners. It brings peace with God. The gospel brings reconciliation with God, the righteousness of Christ, pardon from sins, and eternal life with God and Christ. Those who bring such a message of peace, truly have “beautiful feet”. Have you received such a message? Are you able to share the message of a crucified Christ to the world?