The name “Nahum” means comfort, compassion, or consolation. No doubt, the ancient Ninevites would find that ironic. Nahum has been called “The Single Minded Prophet” because his one topic was the destruction of the Assyrian capital, Nineveh. No comfort or consolation for them could be found in that message.
Nahum wrote just before the destruction of Nineveh at the hand of the Medes and Persians in 612 BC. He was a contemporary with Jeremiah, Zephaniah, and Habakkuk. Ironically, Nahum was who Jonah wished he could have been. While Jonah was commanded, against his wishes, to preach a message of repentance to Nineveh, Nahum’s burden was one of doom and destruction. Nahum 1 is “Doom Declared.” Nahum 2 is “Doom Described.” And Nahum 3 is “Doom deserved.” Note 1:3, 1:7, 2:13, and 3:19 as key verses of the book.
While the Ninevites would find no comfort in Nahum’s prophecy, Israel certainly could. Tucked away in Nahum’s pronouncement of doom is a message of hope (Nah. 2:11-15). You and I can still find comfort in that message. Consider four reasons why that is the case.
First, when God decides it’s over, it’s over. Assyria was a mighty nation, known for its violent domination and subjugation of other nations in the ancient world. But no amount of wealth or military might could stand against Almighty God and His determination to execute justice. Nineveh would learn that “the Lord hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm” (Nah. 1:3). Jehovah would “make an utter end of them” (Nah. 1:8). Nineveh would be “cut down” (Nah. 1:12), have their yoke broken (Nah. 1:13), their military, idols, and national identity destroyed (Nah. 2:1-7), and left “empty, void, and waste” (Nah. 2:9). No nation or people can stand when the Lord decides “Behold, I am against thee” (Nah. 2:13).
Second, God rules over the kingdoms of men. This truth is proclaimed clearly and loudly throughout scripture. Daniel 4:17 proclaims, “That the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, gives it to whomever He will, And sets over it the lowest of men.” Asaph sang, “For exaltation comes neither from the east, nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the Judge: He puts down one, And exalts another” (Ps. 75:6-7). Jehovah “removes kings and raises up kings” (Dan. 2:21), appoints authorities (Rom. 13:1), and “reigns over the nations” (Ps. 47:8). Nahum’s burden against Nineveh is but one more potent reminder of this great truth. The Assyrians did not recognize or acknowledge Jehovah in any way, but that did not exempt them from His rule. No nation, even in the 21st Century World, is outside of the realm of God’s dominion.
Third, one cannot abuse God’s people and get away with it. Assyria had abused Israel just as they had other peoples of the ancient world. But their inhumanity did not go unnoticed and would not go unpunished. The Lord was against them (Nah. 2:13) because of their wickedness (Nah. 3:19), and He would bring them to ruin (Nah. 2:8-13). The enemies of God’s people should take note and remember the words of Paul in 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10. Jehovah is a “man of war” (Ex. 15:3). In His strength (Rev. 18:8) and justice (2 Thess. 1:6-10) He will right the wrongs executed against His people (Rom. 12:19-20).
Fourth, God relieves the pain of His people. Assyria had been God’s tool to punish Israel for their wickedness, but that punishment would not last forever. “…Though I have afflicted thee, I will afflict thee no more” (Nah. 1:12). This was good news! “Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace” (Nah. 2:15)! In Revelation 6:9-11 John hears the cry of martyred saints saying “How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood…?” That question is answered in the following chapters of the book in a most powerful way. God’s people will be victorious. They will overcome (Rev. 12:11) because the Lord fights for them and will give them victory!