OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF NAHUM

By Gene McCarty

    We know very little of the prophet Nahum, except that he was an Elkoshite and we do not know where that place was located. We see at the beginning of the book that this is a vision from God. The work is probably to be dated shortly before the fall of Nineveh which occurred in 612 B.C. The words of the book are very strong as the prophet describes this sinful people. We cannot help but remember the words of Jonah and the repentance of this people, yet this book speaks only of destruction. We are certainly reminded that sinners must pay a great price. 

1. The 1st chapter gives us a lesson in the anger and power of the Lord. The prophet explains that it is the Lord who is in charge in all things on the earth. He states that the Lord is a refuge in time of trouble, yet that will not save Nineveh. The city is vile and there is a grave prepared for this people.
    

2. Chapter 2 speaks of the army that the Lord has prepared to overrun Nineveh and the great struggle that is about to take place. The army is described in the most colorful terms, and the destruction of the city is pictured in simple detail. The greatest statement of this chapter is "I am against you," declares the Lord Almighty. If we can only hear this message clearly as the word is spoken to other nations, we will find one of the great motives of repentance.
    

3. The 3rd chapter shows us a people who have worshiped the idols and forsaken Jehovah. This people is to be destroyed like other nations who have done such things. Nineveh cannot be protected, the people have chosen to sin with no true repentance, and now the price must be paid. The people are challenged to look at the weakness of their army and realize they are like locust, and can provide no true defense against God. Man often takes on God, but God never loses!