Title: Nahum
Contents
[Old Testament Prophets] - Nahum
Nahum - Proclaimer of Judgment on Nineveh
1. Personal information
① Nahum means ‘comforter’ or ‘comforter’. ② From Relkos, the land of the tribe of Simeon, south of Judah (Na 1:1).
③ A prophet who was active at the same time as Jeremiah and Zephaniah. ④ Presumed to be a prophet of the southern kingdom of Judah (Na 1:15).
2. Historical background
Nahum was active mainly around 663-612 BC. 605) was the time when the Neo-Babylonian Empire, which was founded, gradually emerged as a power in the Near East. And as predicted by the prophet Nahum, Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, was attacked by the New Babylonian Empire and the combined forces of Medes B.C. Shortly before the fall in 612, it was in a state of great political and social corruption and chaos as a result of its last phase. During this time, Nahum proclaimed the destruction of Nineveh, reminding the chosen Israel that the world history is under God's absolute sovereignty and implicitly instructing them to trust in this God more.
3. Major Life
before the ministry
birth
Growing up in Elgos
I 1:1
after work
Announcing the destruction of Nineveh
B.C. 663-612 c.
B 1-3
written in Nahum
〃
I 1:1
death
4. character
① A person who is very upright and full of righteousness because he repeatedly proclaimed God's absolute justice while declaring God's judgment on Nineveh (Na 1:2, 3, 11).
② The possessor of bold faith as he boldly proclaimed the destruction of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, which has no sign of collapse and still reigns as the most powerful country in the Near East (Na 1:7-9).
③ Compared to other prophetic books, he has excellent literary talent as it depicts the fall of Nineveh in a more sophisticated poetic style and pictorial style (Na 1:2-10).
5. Redemption Historical Status
① The prophet ( I 1:3).
② He is a prophet of hatred and anger who proclaimed utter destruction against Nineveh, who had become rebellious again despite repenting 70 years ago due to Jonah's warning of judgment.
6. Evaluation and Lessons Learned
① The fact that the wealthy Nineveh, located in an impregnable natural fortress, with no signs of collapse yet, would be destroyed would have been a mere void to the people of that time. But Nahum boldly declared that Nineveh would be destroyed based on the righteous character of God who never forgives but judges (Nahum 1:3). Such Nahum can be compared to Noah, who did not doubt God's word even 120 years before the flood judgment and warned of the flood judgment (Genesis 6:3). In this way, it is said that it is absolutely required for all of us believers to have an attitude of absolute trust and obedience to the Lord's Word, no matter what the circumstances before us.