A Basic Introduction to the Book of Nahum

Author: Nahum, from Elkosh (difficult place to track down)

Date: Between 663 B.C and 612 B.C

Background: 

• During Rehoboam's (Solomon's son) reign the nation of Israel is divided into the northern kingdom (Israel, 10 tribes) and the southern kingdom (Judah, 2 tribes). (~975 B.C)
• Jonah preached in Nineveh, the capital of Assyria (north of Israel), and the people of Nineveh repented. (~ between 780 B.C and 740 B.C)
• In 727 B.C Assyria brutally invaded and destroyed Israel.
• About 150 years after Jonah's time and in the face of Assyrian torment of Judah, Nahum prophecies the destruction of Nineveh and comfort for Judah.

Main Themes:

1. The nature of God: 
1. God is jealous and avenging (1:1)
2. God is slow to anger, powerful and just (1:2), 
3. God's wrath is unbearable (1:6)
2. The pride and destruction of Nineveh (Chapter 2 & 3)

Pointers toward deeper study:

1. The juxtaposition of God's mercy in Jonah and judgement in Nahum on the same place (Nineveh)