The name

Beginning today, we will study the Book of Nahum. (1) The name Nahum means “full of comfort.” Nahum shares the same root as the name Noah (Noah comes from a word meaning “rest”). (2) In contrast to the meaning “full of comfort,” the Book of Nahum prophesies severe judgment against Assyria and its capital, Nineveh. The word translated “pronouncement” also carries the meaning of “burden.” Nahum’s prophecy is a “burden,” a “declaration from the Lord,” against Nineveh. (3) Nahum is called “the Elkoshite.” However, nothing definite is known about his hometown. It is certain that he was a prophet who ministered in the southern kingdom of Judah. Since Nineveh fell in 612 BC, he must have prophesied before that time (most likely during the reign of King Manasseh). (4) This book is called “the book of the vision of Nahum.” In other words, Nahum spoke the prophecies written in this book by revelation from God.

Comfort

Nahum proclaimed severe judgment against Assyria, but for Israel, who was suffering under that great empire, his message became a great comfort. In the passage we will read next time, verse 7 says: “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knows those who take refuge in Him.” Our God is a God who becomes a stronghold in the day of trouble. However, that blessing is given only to those who take refuge in the Lord. Psalm 46 (a psalm of the sons of Korah) also sings of the same truth: “God is our refuge and strength, A very ready help in trouble” (Ps. 46:1). “The Lord of armies is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold” (Ps. 46:11). Let us learn to trust in the Lord alone at all times. The one who walks daily with the Lord is the one who knows how to run into His hands when the day of trouble comes.