Verse-by-Verse Commentary
The Book of Nahum
Nahum announces the fall of Nineveh, the brutal capital of Assyria, as comfort to its many victims. It holds together what we often tear apart: God's fierce justice against evil and His tender goodness as a refuge for all who trust Him. This commentary walks through it verse by verse.
About This Commentary
The Book of Nahum, written by Nahum the Elkoshite in the seventh century BC, announces God's judgment on Nineveh, the cruel capital of the Assyrian empire that had crushed the nations, including the northern kingdom of Israel. A century after Jonah saw Nineveh repent, Nahum declares its final downfall for returning to violence and oppression. His name means 'comfort,' and his message of the tyrant's fall was genuine comfort to all who had suffered under Assyria.
This commentary covers Nahum verse by verse, with the Hebrew words that sharpen the meaning, verified background, and an Apostolic reading. Nahum holds together God's justice and His goodness, and its announcement of the enemy's fall as 'good tidings of peace' points to the gospel of Christ, who defeats the great oppressor and proclaims peace to His people. References are given at the foot of each chapter.
All 3 chapters of Nahum are complete, from the revelation of the LORD who is slow to anger yet great in power, through the vivid fall of cruel Nineveh, to the incurable wound of a bloody empire that had crushed the nations.
Author
Nahum the Elkoshite; his name means 'comfort.'
Setting
A prophecy against Nineveh, capital of Assyria, seventh century BC.
Key Themes
God's justice, His goodness, and refuge for those who trust Him.
Fulfillment
Nineveh fell in 612 BC, as Nahum foretold.
Translation
King James Version (KJV) throughout.
The Chapters
Nahum Commentary
The chapters below are available now. The rest are being written and will open here as they are finished and verified.
Nahum 1:1-15
The LORD Is Good, a Stronghold
Nahum announces the fall of cruel Nineveh, holding together God's fierce justice against evil and His tender goodness: 'The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble.'
Read Chapter 1 →Nahum 2:1-13
Behold, I Am Against Thee
The vivid siege and fall of Nineveh, scarlet warriors and flaming chariots, 'the gates of the rivers shall be opened, and the palace shall be dissolved,' the plunderer of nations plundered, the lion's den laid waste, and God's terrible word, 'Behold, I am against thee, saith the LORD of hosts.'
Read Chapter 2 →Nahum 3:1-19
There Is No Healing of Thy Bruise
The woe on 'the bloody city' full of lies and plunder, the seductive 'harlot' exposed before the nations, the warning drawn from fallen Thebes ('Art thou better than populous No?'), every defense melting like locusts, and the incurable end, 'there is no healing of thy bruise; thy wound is grievous.'
Read Chapter 3 →