
Prophet
Nahum
Prophet of Nineveh's Fall
c. 663-612 BC
The Prophet Nahum, San Giovanni in Laterano — Unknown
Biography
Nahum wrote between the fall of Egyptian Thebes (663 BCE, referenced in 3:8) and Nineveh's destruction (612 BCE). His prophecy is the dark twin of Jonah's: where Jonah narrated Nineveh's repentance, Nahum narrates its subsequent unrepentant return to violence and its coming judgment. The poetry is vivid and martial: "The chariots race madly through the streets; they rush to and fro through the squares; they gleam like torches; they dart like lightning" (2:4). The theology frames the judgment as YHWH's: "The LORD is a jealous and avenging God" (1:2). But comfort for the oppressed accompanies judgment on oppressors: "Behold, upon the mountains, the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace!" (Nah 1:15 — cited by Paul at Romans 10:15).
The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble
More key verses
“Behold, upon the mountains, the feet of him who brings good news”
“There is no easing your hurt; your wound is grievous”
What they got right, and what they got wrong
Strengths
Poetic force; moral clarity; comfort within judgment.
Weaknesses
None recorded.
Lessons
Imperial violence does not have the last word. God hears the cry of the oppressed.
Spiritual significance
Nahum balances the Jonah narrative: divine patience is not infinite; persistent violence finally meets divine justice.
How Nahum points to Jesus
Nahum 1:15's "feet of him who brings good news" is cited by Paul (Rom 10:15) of gospel proclamation.
Nahum in Scripture
2 verses use this name, in 2 books. Open a book to read its mentions here. Text: Berean Standard Bible. Names repeat in Scripture, some of these verses may speak of another person called Nahum.
Old TestamentNew Testamentsegment width = share of mentions
Old Testament1 book · 1 mention
New Testament1 book · 1 mention
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