The Book of Nahum is the thirty-fourth book of the Bible and one of the Minor Prophets.

It is a prophetic book that delivers a powerful message of God’s judgment on Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, one of the most brutal empires in ancient history.

Unlike the Book of Jonah—which shows Nineveh’s repentance—Nahum declares that this time, judgment is final.

Nahum reminds us that God is both patient and just, and while He delays judgment, He will not ignore evil forever.

God’s Character and Coming Judgment (Nahum 1)

Nahum begins by describing God’s majestic power and righteous anger.

While He is slow to anger, He will not leave the guilty unpunished.

Key Highlights:

• “The Lord is slow to anger but great in power… the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished.” (Nahum 1:3)
• God is a refuge for those who trust in Him (v. 7) but a threat to His enemies.
• The chapter sets the tone for what follows: Assyria’s end is certain.

Lesson: God is a safe haven for the faithful but a consuming fire to the unrepentant.

The Destruction of Nineveh Foretold (Nahum 2)

Nahum vividly describes the siege and destruction of Nineveh, using powerful imagery to show how God’s justice is unfolding.

Key Highlights:

• “The shields of the soldiers are red… the chariots storm through the streets.” (Nahum 2:3–4)
• Nineveh is likened to a lion’s den, once mighty but now being brought low.
• The chapter reflects a dramatic reversal—the oppressor is now overthrown.

Lesson: No power, no matter how strong, can stand against the justice of God.

The Reason for Judgment (Nahum 3)

Chapter 3 details the reasons for Nineveh’s fall: violence, deceit, idolatry, and pride.

God exposes her sins and declares her humiliation and downfall.

Key Highlights:

• “Woe to the city of blood, full of lies, full of plunder…” (Nahum 3:1)
• God compares Nineveh to Thebes, a powerful city that was also conquered.
• No one mourns Nineveh’s fall—its destruction is deserved and irreversible.

Lesson: God does not overlook cruelty and corruption—He will bring justice in His perfect time.

Themes of Nahum

• God’s Justice: God’s judgment is righteous, not random.
• Delayed Judgment Is Not Denied: God gave Nineveh a chance in Jonah’s time—now, judgment has come.
• God Is a Refuge: He protects those who trust Him even while He confronts the wicked.
• Fall of the Proud: Assyria’s downfall reminds us that no nation or leader is above God.

Lesson: Justice may seem delayed, but God never forgets the cries of the oppressed.

Final Thoughts

The Book of Nahum is a sobering reminder that God is not indifferent to evil.

It assures the faithful that justice will come, and that God sees the suffering of the innocent.

While brief, Nahum speaks volumes about the power of God to bring down oppressors and offer refuge to the righteous.