📖 Biblical Definition
The seventh of the twelve Minor Prophets, a sustained poetic prophecy of the destruction of Nineveh, capital of the Assyrian Empire, written about 660-630 BC. Nineveh had repented under Jonah's preaching a century earlier (Jonah 3), but by Nahum's time had returned to and exceeded her former cruelty. The book's three chapters unfold as a triptych: (1) the LORD's character — slow to anger but great in power, the avenger of His enemies and refuge of those who trust Him; (2) the siege of Nineveh, described in vivid detail; (3) the city's certain fall and the rejoicing of nations long oppressed. The prophecy was fulfilled in 612 BC when the Medes, Babylonians, and Scythians sacked Nineveh so thoroughly that within centuries its location was forgotten. Nahum demonstrates that God's patience is real but not infinite; the same grace that spared Jonah's Nineveh judged Nahum's.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
NAHUM, n. The seventh of the minor prophets; the canonical book of his prophecy.
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NAHUM, n. A Hebrew prophet, native of Elkosh, whose canonical book consists of three chapters of magnificent poetry foretelling the overthrow of Nineveh, capital of Assyria, by an irresistible flood and conflagration — a prophecy fulfilled in 612 BC when the Medes and Babylonians sacked the city.
📖 Key Scripture
Nahum 1:3 — "The LORD is slow to anger and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked."
Nahum 1:7 — "The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him."
Nahum 2:1 — "He who scatters has come up before your face. Man the fort!"
Nahum 3:1 — "Woe to the bloody city! It is all full of lies and robbery."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Skipped because the modern church wants only the comforting Nahum (1:7) and not the avenging Nahum (1:2).
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Nahum begins with God as jealous, avenging, furious — and finishes the same chapter calling Him good. Modern theology cannot hold both at once and so picks the half it likes. But the goodness of God includes the destruction of evil; a God who shrugs at Nineveh's cruelty is not good but indifferent.
Nineveh once repented under Jonah and forgot. A second repentance was not granted. The hardened heart eventually exhausts the long patience that once spared it. Mercy declined becomes judgment delivered.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Key terms: nachum (comfort), naqam (avenge), tov (good).
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Usage
"Nahum's name means comfort — comfort sometimes wears Nineveh's ashes."
"God is good and God avenges; both clauses sit in chapter one."
"A second chance squandered is not promised a third."