10 Interesting Facts About the Book of Nahum

The Book of Nahum is a short prophetic book in the Old Testament, yet it carries a powerful message of God’s justice and sovereignty. Written centuries ago, its themes still speak to us today about the certainty of God’s judgment and the hope He gives to His people.

1. Nahum Means “Comfort” or “Consolation”

The prophet’s name, Nahum, means “comfort” or “consolation.” While the book speaks of judgment against Nineveh, it also brings comfort to Judah, showing that God will deliver His people.

Nahum 1:7 – "The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him."

2. Nahum Was Written About Nineveh

Nahum’s prophecy is directed against Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire. This is the same city where Jonah preached earlier, and the people repented for a time (Jonah 3). Sadly, the city returned to its wickedness.

Nahum 3:1 – "Woe to the bloody city, all full of lies and plunder—no end to the prey!"

3. It’s Considered a Prophetic Poem

Unlike many other prophetic books, Nahum is written in a poetic style. Its vivid imagery, strong rhythm, and powerful descriptions make it more like a poem of judgment than a simple narrative.

4. The Fall of Nineveh Was Prophesied 100 Years After Jonah

Jonah’s mission to Nineveh happened about a century before Nahum. While Jonah’s preaching led to repentance, Nahum shows that their repentance did not last. God’s patience is long, but His judgment is sure.

Nahum 1:3 – "The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and the Lord will by no means clear the guilty."

5. Nahum Focuses on God’s Justice

The central theme of Nahum is God’s justice. The book reminds us that evil and oppression will not go unpunished. God’s judgment on Nineveh is a picture of His righteousness.

Nahum 1:2 – "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."

6. Nahum Speaks of God’s Power Over Nature

Nahum describes God’s majesty by pointing to His control over creation. His judgment is compared to storms, floods, and earthquakes, showing His absolute authority.

Nahum 1:5 – "The mountains quake before him; the hills melt; the earth heaves before him, the world and all who dwell in it."

7. Nahum Gives Hope to God’s People

Though it is a book of judgment, Nahum gives encouragement to Judah that God will break the power of Assyria and set them free from oppression.

Nahum 1:13 – "And now I will break his yoke from off you and will burst your bonds apart."

8. Nineveh’s Destruction Happened Exactly as Prophesied

History records that Nineveh fell in 612 B.C. to the combined forces of the Babylonians and Medes. Archaeological evidence shows that the city was destroyed by fire and flood, just as Nahum described.

Nahum 2:6 – "The river gates are opened; the palace melts away."

9. Nahum Highlights the Consequences of Cruelty

The Assyrians were known for their violence and cruelty in war. Nahum makes clear that God will not allow such oppression to last forever. His judgment was both just and final.

Nahum 3:19 – "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?"

10. Nahum Points Us to God’s Unchanging Character

Even though the book focuses on judgment, it reveals God’s nature—slow to anger, powerful, and good to those who trust Him. Nahum shows that God is both just and merciful.

Nahum 1:15 – "Behold, upon the mountains, the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace! Keep your feasts, O Judah; fulfill your vows, for never again shall the worthless pass through you; he is utterly cut off."

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