The Book of Nahum

The Book of Nahum is a short book in the Old Testament. It comes after the Book of Micah and before the Book of Habakkuk. Nahum is one of the twelve minor prophets. His message focuses on the fall of Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire.

Nahum lived during a time when the Assyrians were powerful. They had conquered Israel and treated many people harshly. The Assyrians were known for their cruelty. Nahum’s message brought hope to those who had suffered under their rule. He said that God had seen what the Assyrians had done and would bring them down.

This book is a reminder that power does not last forever. Even strong nations can fall when they act with injustice. Nahum shows that God cares about what happens to people. He does not ignore violence or pride. In the end, evil will not win.

Though the book is only three chapters long, it carries a strong message. Nahum uses poetry and images to describe what will happen to Nineveh. His words may seem harsh, but they were meant to comfort people who had been hurt. The message is not just about punishment, but also about justice.

Nahum lived in a time when the Assyrian Empire was strong. Assyria had already taken over the northern kingdom of Israel. Its capital city, Nineveh, was feared by many. The people of Judah, the southern kingdom, were nervous. They had seen what Assyria did to their neighbors.

Nahum was likely from the town of Elkosh. We don’t know much about him outside of this book. Some think Elkosh was in Judah. Others believe it was farther north. Wherever he lived, Nahum clearly cared about his people. He spoke to bring them hope.

The book was written sometime before Nineveh fell in 612 BC. That means Nahum probably wrote it between 660 and 630 BC. This was a time of great change. The Assyrians were beginning to lose power. Nahum’s message gave people a reason to trust that justice was coming.

His name means “comfort.” That fits his message. Even though he spoke about destruction, he gave comfort to those who had been hurt by Assyria. He reminded them that things would not stay the same forever. God had seen what was happening and would act.

Nahum’s words are written like poetry. His style is strong and full of pictures. He uses short lines and clear images to get his point across. He talks about storms, floods, fire, and war. These pictures help people feel the danger coming to Nineveh.

Even though it is poetry, Nahum’s writing is not soft. It is bold and direct. He uses strong words to describe what will happen to the city. He shows that the fall of Nineveh will be loud, quick, and full of fear. The people who hear his words can almost see it happening.

Nahum also uses a few word plays and patterns. In the first chapter, there might be a hidden alphabet poem. If so, it would show care and structure in his writing. Even if the full pattern is not clear, the words are still sharp and powerful.

This book is not a quiet message. It reads like a song of warning. Nahum wanted people to feel the strength behind his words. His poetry was meant to speak to the heart and the mind. It told the people, “Yes, trouble is real—but so is justice.”

The Book of Nahum has several themes that connect with Catholic teaching. Even though the book is short, it speaks clearly about who God is and how He acts.

• God is just.
  Nahum shows that God does not ignore evil. The Assyrians had caused much pain. God saw their actions and promised to bring them down. In the Catholic faith, we believe God is just. He defends the weak and corrects the proud.
• God is powerful.
  Nahum uses images of storms, fire, and floods to show God’s strength. Catholics trust in God’s power to act in the world, even when things seem unfair. He is stronger than any king or army.
• God cares for the suffering.
  While the message seems harsh, it was good news for people who had been hurt. Nahum reminded them that God did not forget them. This fits with Catholic teaching that God hears the cry of the poor and stands with the oppressed.
• Evil does not last.
  Nineveh was a great city, but it fell. This reminds us that human power is not forever. The Church teaches that all people and nations must answer to God. Pride leads to downfall.

Nahum helps us see that God is not far away. He sees what is happening and acts with truth and care. His justice is real, and so is His love for those who wait for Him.

The Book of Nahum has three chapters. Each chapter has a different focus. Together, they tell the story of Nineveh’s fall. The message builds from start to finish. Here is a simple way to understand the structure:

• God’s Power and Judgment (Nahum 1:1–1:15)
  This part speaks about God’s strength. It says He is slow to anger but will not ignore evil. Nahum reminds people that God cares for those who trust Him. The chapter ends with a message of peace for Judah.
• The Attack on Nineveh (Nahum 2:1–2:13)
  This section describes the battle. Nahum gives a picture of soldiers, chariots, and rushing rivers. He shows how the city will fall. The words are fast and full of action. It sounds like watching the city crumble in real time.
• The End of Nineveh (Nahum 3:1–3:19)
  The last chapter tells why Nineveh is being judged. The city is called a place of lies and cruelty. Nahum says other nations will see its fall and not feel sorry. The book ends with the image of a wounded city that cannot be healed.

Each section of Nahum shows that God is in charge. Evil may rise for a time, but it will not last. Justice will come.

Even though Nahum was written long ago, its message still speaks to us today. We live in a world where people often feel helpless in the face of injustice. Nahum reminds us that God sees what is happening. He does not turn away from suffering. He brings justice in His time.

Nahum also warns against pride and cruelty. When people or nations hurt others, they do not stay on top forever. This reminds us to stay humble and to treat others with care. God watches how we live and how we treat one another.

For Catholics, Nahum reminds us to trust in God’s justice. We are called to wait with hope, even when things seem unfair. Evil may rise, but it will fall. God is stronger.

This short book can help us see the bigger picture. It invites us to trust in God’s plan. In a noisy and hurting world, Nahum tells us that justice is real and that mercy will come.

The Book of Nahum is not read often at Mass. It only shows up once in the Roman Catholic lectionary. That means we do not hear much of it during the Church year. This makes Nahum easy to miss.

Even though Nahum is short and not read often, it still has a place. When it is used, it reminds us that God’s justice is real. It also shows us that God’s people have always waited and hoped for peace.

Nahum may be a small book with only a little space in the lectionary, but its message fits with the larger story of the Bible. It connects with what we believe about God’s care, strength, and justice.

It is only used once at a weekday Mass:

• Friday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time II – Nahum 2:1, 3; 3:1-3, 6-7: The Fall of Nineveh

God Cares About the Innocent

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on Nahum chapters 1 and 2. He explains that Nahum speaks about the fall of Nineveh and the coming judgment on Assyria. The message shows that God sees the evil done by powerful nations and does not ignore it.

Fr. Mike says that Assyria was cruel and violent. But Nahum reminds us that even great empires fall. Their strength will not save them from God’s justice. The pain of the innocent matters to God.

Fr. Mike also talks about the cycle of violence in history. One empire replaces another—Assyria, then Babylon, then Persia, and so on. Each one rises by force. But Nahum says that God will judge those who use violence to dominate others.

He closes by saying that God’s justice is not random. It has a purpose. God brings justice to protect the weak. Fr. Mike encourages us to pray for justice in our world today.

The Fall of Nineveh

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz reads Nahum chapter 3. He does not give any specific commentary on Nahum during the reflection.

The Bible

Want to learn more about the Bible? Whether you are just starting or have read it many times, there is always more to discover. The Bible is full of stories, prayers, and lessons that help us follow Jesus.

Visit our page about Knowing the Bible to explore more. It has helpful tips and easy explanations. It’s a great place for teens, parents, and leaders who want to grow in faith.

Who was Nahum?

Nahum was a prophet who lived during the time of the Assyrian Empire. He spoke about the fall of Nineveh, the capital city of Assyria. We don’t know much about his life, but his message is found in the Bible.

What is the main message of Nahum?

The main message is that God sees injustice and will bring it to an end. Nahum shows that even strong nations can fall when they are cruel. His words gave hope to people who had been hurt by Assyria.

Why is Nineveh important in this book?

Nineveh was a large and powerful city. It had taken over many lands and hurt many people. Nahum’s message was that God would bring down this city because of its evil actions.

Does the Church use Nahum in the readings at Mass?

Yes, but only once. A short reading from Nahum is found in the lectionary. It reminds us that God cares and will bring justice.

Why should Catholics read Nahum?

Nahum reminds us that God is just and strong. It helps us trust that evil will not win forever. It also teaches us to stay humble and not use power to harm others.

Is Nahum connected to other books of the Bible?

Yes. It connects with other prophets like Jonah, who also spoke about Nineveh. Nahum shows a later time, when the city’s pride had led to its fall. It fits into the bigger story of God’s care for His people.

The Book of Nahum is short but strong. It speaks about the fall of Nineveh, a city known for its power and pride. Nahum’s words gave hope to people who had suffered under Assyria. He reminded them that God saw their pain and would bring justice.

Nahum used bold images like floods, fire, and war. His words described a city that seemed untouchable, but would soon fall. The message was not just about punishment. It was a way to say that evil does not last forever.

For Catholics, this book reminds us that God is not blind to suffering. Even when the world seems unfair, God is still working. Nahum tells us that we can trust in God’s justice. He also reminds us to be careful with power and to treat others with kindness.

Though the book is old, its message still matters. It speaks to anyone waiting for justice and peace.

Take a few minutes to read the Book of Nahum. It’s only three chapters, but it has a clear message. It reminds us that God sees the pain in the world and that He will act.

After reading, share your thoughts in the comments. What stood out to you? How does this message speak to what we see in the world today?