Nahum

Question 1

Date of Nahum

Answer 1

The book was composed between 664/663 and 612 BC

Question 2

Nahum structure

Answer 2

• 1:1-14 Judgment on Judah’s enemies; salvation for the people of God
• 1:15-2:13 Announcement of the fall of Assyria
• 3 The fall of Nineveh

Question 3

Nahum theme

Answer 3

the world Judge punishes aggression

Question 4

Message of Nahum

Answer 4

A. Judgment and Salvation (Nah 1:1-14)
1. Superscription (1:1)
2. Reminder of YHWH’s character as Judge (2:2-8)
3. The judgment oracle (1:9-11)
4. A divine pronouncement (1:12-14)
B. Announcement of Assyria’s Fall (1:15-2:13)
1. Announcement of Fall of Assyria (1:15-2:2)
2. Development of Announcement (2:3-13)
C. The Fall of Nineveh (Nah 3)
1. Fate of Nineveh (3:1-7)
2. The principle of divine retribution (3:8-10)
3. Prepare for Siege (3:11-17)
4. Consideration of Assyria’s epitaph (3:18-19)

Question 5

Major themes in Nahum

Answer 5

A. The Nature of God.
Nahum uses the divine name Yahweh to refer to God 13 times throughout his book. As the only true “name” of God, it indicates a covenant intimacy, promising aid to God’s people (Nah 1:7; 2:2), but judgment on those who oppose him.
B. The Nations.
In the book, God exercises control over all peoples, not just Judah.