Nahum

First Description (2:1-13). This section comprises a vision of Nineveh's fall. It is introduced by an ironic call to arms with a parenthetical explanation and concluded by a taunt song. The prophet has been transported in a vision to Nineveh's watchtower, where he witnesses the armies of the Babylonians (who wore red; see v. 3; Ezek. 23:14) and Medes attacking, invading, and sacking the city of Nineveh. In a very real sense, however, the "attacker" (or "scatterer") is the Lord.

Nahum vividly portrays the confusion and panic of a city under attack. According to an ancient Greek historical account, Nineveh fell when the Tigris river overflowed and tore down the city walls, flooding the city, an event that may be reflected in verse 6 (also 1:8).

The concluding taunt compares Assyria to a ravenous lion and Nineveh to its lair, both of which have been destroyed. Assyrian kings often compared themselves to lions and so deco-rated their palaces. The image of the ravaging lion appears elsewhere in the prophets for the nations whom God used to punish Israel (see Isa. 5:26-29; Jer. 2:15; 4:7; 5:6; 50:17; 51:38; Joel 1:6; Amos 3:12). The section ends with the ultimate condemnation from God: "I am against you" (also 3:5; see Jer. 21:13; 50:31; 51:25).

Second Description (3:1-19). Like the previous section, this one includes a description of Nineveh's fall followed by a taunt. It begins as a funerary lament for a much-deserved death. Several wordplays add to the effectiveness of this visionary portrayal of judgment. What was before an "endless" supply of "wealth" (2:9) has been replaced by "piles" of corpses "without number." Because of her "many harlotries" (NIV, "wanton lust" in 3:4) Nineveh has "many casualties."

The Lord promises utter humiliation to a once proud city that trusted in her fortifications. Like Thebes, she is now desolate. Nineveh's fortifications will provide no refuge from the fire of God's wrath. She is as helpless as crops before a locust plague. Also, like a hoard of locusts Assyria will soon disappear. The chapter ends as it began with a lament that turns to celebration because of their "endless cruelty."

Theological and Ethical Significance. The world often displays a disturbing lack of justice. But such lack is largely due to an eroded or illusive standard of morality, which is applauded by many. Regardless of the wishes of the contemporary culture, Nahum teaches that there is an eternal God with an unbending standard of righteousness. He is not only Father and Shepherd; He is also King, Judge, and Warrior, a God of jealousy, vengeance, and wrath (see Ps. 94:1; Isa. 63:1-6; Jer. 50:28-29; Mic. 5:15). He will exercise punitive retribution to vindicate His glorious name and to deliver those who have fled humbly to Him for refuge (Deut. 32:43; Isa. 34:8; 35:4; 59:18; 61:2). Without God's vengeance there will be no justice and no deliverance. His vengeance is in part a result of His jealousy, which is best defined as the zeal with which He maintains His relationship with His people.

Baker, D. W. Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah: An Introduction and Commentary. Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries. Downers Grove: InterVarsity, 1988.

McComiskey, T. E. "Micah." Expositor's Bible Commentary. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1985.

Maier, W. A. The Book of Nahum: A Commentary. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1980.

Patterson, R. D. Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah. Chicago: Moody, 1991.

Robertson, O. P. The Books of Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah. The New International Commentary on the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1990.