Nahum 1
(1) Intro
This book contains the prophecy/burden about Nineveh [the capital of Assyria in northern Iraq]. It’s the vision seen by Nahum the Elkoshite. [Nahum means “comfort,” and Elkosh was either a patriarch or place.]
(2) God is Fierce, yet a Shelter
The Existing One is a jealous God looking for vengeance. He’s mad and ready to avenge Himself. He takes vengeance on His opponents and stores up rage for His enemies. He doesn’t get mad easily, but He’s very powerful. He won’t let the guilty go unpunished. His pathway is marked by a whirlwind and a storm while clouds are the dust beneath his feet. He scolds the sea and makes it dry. Bashan and Carmel wither away. [Bashan was a region east of the Jordan known for its fruitfulness while Carmel means “garden land.”] The blossoms throughout Lebanon wither. [Lebanon was a mountain range covered in trees in north Israel.] Mountains quake because of Him, while entire hills melt away. Yes, the entire region is both sustained by and overturned by His presence. In fact, the whole world is, along with all its inhabitants. Who could ever withstand His anger? Who could ever endure the heat of His rage? His anger pours out like lava, and He tears down entire cliffsides. Yet He is good—a refuge in times of distress. And He personally knows the people who run to Him for shelter. But He will use a sweeping flood to bring an end to Nineveh, chasing His enemies off into the darkness.
(9) God Will Bring Assyria to an End
If anyone plots against the Existing One, He will bring those plans to an end. Trouble won’t oppose Him a single time. Those plans will be burned like a bundle of thorns and consumed like a drunk person. Yes, any plans that oppose Him will disappear like fully-dried leaves being burned. Someone came from you [Nineveh] who schemed against the Existing One—a worthless advisor. And here’s what the Existing One tells His people about that:
“While Assyria is currently at full strength and greatly populated, they’ll soon be mowed down and disappear. Even though I’ve brought you down, I won’t bring you down any more. I’ll break Assyria’s harness off you and rip off your shackles.”
The Existing One has issued a command about you, Assyria:
“Your fame will stop growing. I’ll erase the idols and statues from your gods’ households. I’ll prepare your grave, because you are insignificant.”
(15) Judah can Celebrate because Assyria will be Destroyed
Look toward the mountains and you’ll see someone approaching with good news who will announce peace! Celebrate your holiday feasts, Judah! And fulfill your vows, because the destructive one will never pass through you again. He has been completely destroyed.