Nahum is writing after Israel has been conquered by Assyria around 722 BC but before Assyria falls to Babylon around 612 BC. As with Jonah, his prophecy is not directed toward Israel or Judah, but to the nation of Assyria and its capital city of Nineveh.

God appears in Nahum 1 to judge the evil of Nineveh, although it is not immediately apparent that it is Nineveh to whom this is addressed. Nahum begins by quoting from Exodus 34:6-7, where God describes His nature to Moses. While often the loving and forgiving nature of God is exalted from that passage, Nahum lifts up the justice and vengeance of God against those who are guilty. Nahum is portraying Nineveh’s fall as an example of how God won’t allow violent empires to endure, similar to Daniel.

Nahum chapter 2 describes in poetic detail the fall of Nineveh. Nahum 3 describes the downfall of Assyria. It describes how no one comes to aid the king of Assyria, but celebrates in his destruction (Nahum 3:19).

Nahum focuses on the calamity of the violent oppression and human suffering in history. He makes it clear that Yahweh is saddened by the death of the innocent. Since God is good and just, He is compelled by His nature to arrange the ruin of tyrannical nations. Judgement on evil is good news. Or at least it is for those who are in the Lord.

Nahum 1:7 says “The LORD is good, a stronghold in a day of distress; he cares for those who take refuge in him.” For those who have not taken refuge in Him, the city of Nineveh and the nation of Assyria demonstrate how utterly awful the destruction will be.

The book of Revelation pulls some language from Nahum to describe the fall of “Babylon.” It is not going to be something to celebrate for them. It will be the beginning of eternal suffering for them. But for those who trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, it will be a day of rejoicing. It will be a new beginning where there will be no more pain or affliction, but rather life enjoying the worship of Yahweh for all of eternity.

So you must choose: will you be part of “Babylon” or will you take refuge in the Lord Jesus?