Nahum

NAHUM

The Prophet and His Time. We know that Nahum was born in Elkosh, but the exact location of this place remains unknown. The period his book reflects is that of the fall of the great empire that had oppressed the nations—“the lion who got its prey.” That empire was Nineveh, which fell in 612 B.C. and was defeated by the Babylonians and Medians. This is a significant and terrible moment in world history, and Nahum recounts it. Assyria fades away, Babylon rises again, and a new power emerges: the Medes. Describing the fall of the feared and hated empire with fiery passion, Nahum also glorifies the Lord of history, who brings empires to their end.

Style. Nahum is a remarkable minor poet. No one has been able to lyrically depict the attack and conquest of a great city, including the panic, anxiety, and laments. No one has dared to compile such a staggering array of nouns and adjectives. His technique features juxtaposed layers, and his descriptions are impressionistic and poignant; he occasionally interrupts to address the characters directly. The imagery of the lion and the locust is well-developed, showcasing original traits. His selective vocabulary enriches his verse, making it both rich and challenging.

Religious Message. The book’s entire message centers on the fall of the despised empire. It is understandable that the one speaking on behalf of Nineveh’s victims, one of the bloodiest and most tyrannical powers of the era, does so passionately, reflecting resentment and hatred.
In any case, Nahum wants to demonstrate that the Lord of history is not indifferent to tyrants’ oppression. The era of political power rooted in violence and injustice is coming to an end.