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{{Distinguish|Book of Nehemiah}}{{short description|Book of the Bible}}
{{Distinguish|Book of Nehemiah}}{{short description|Book of the Bible}}
{{Tanakh OT|Nevi'im|prophetic}}
{{Tanakh OT|Nevi'im|prophetic}}

The '''Book of Nahum''' is the seventh book of the 12 [[minor prophets]] of the [[Hebrew Bible]]. It is attributed to the prophet [[Nahum]], and was probably written in [[Jerusalem]] in the 7th century BC.<ref>"There is no explicit date in the book of Nahum, but internal evidence suggests a date in the mid-seventh century." {{cite book |last=Baker |first=David W. |date=1988 |title=Nahum, Habakkuk and Zephaniah |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zdu2CwAAQBAJ&q=nahum+date+seventh+century&pg=PA18 |location=Downers Grove, IL |publisher=InterVarsity Press |page=18 |isbn=978-0-8308-9482-6 }}</ref>
The '''Book of Nahum''' is the seventh book of the 12 [[minor prophets]] of the [[Hebrew Bible]]. It is attributed to the prophet [[Nahum]], and was probably written in [[Jerusalem]] in the 7th century BC.<ref>"There is no explicit date in the book of Nahum, but internal evidence suggests a date in the mid-seventh century." {{cite book |last=Baker |first=David W. |date=1988 |title=Nahum, Habakkuk and Zephaniah |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zdu2CwAAQBAJ&q=nahum+date+seventh+century&pg=PA18 |location=Downers Grove, IL |publisher=InterVarsity Press |page=18 |isbn=978-0-8308-9482-6 }}</ref>


==Background==
== Background ==
[[Josephus]]<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/L326JosephusJewishAntiquitiesVIII1213|title=Vol. VI: Jewish Antiquities, Books IX–XI|last=Josephus|first=Flavius|publisher=William Heinemann|year=1958|series=Loeb Classical Library|volume=326|location=London|pages=[https://archive.org/details/L326JosephusJewishAntiquitiesVIII1213/page/n140 125]–129, XI.xi.2–3|translator-last=Marcus|translator-first=William}}</ref> places [[Nahum]] during the reign of [[Jotham]], while others place him in the beginning of the reign of [[Ahaz]], Judah's next king, or even the latter half of the reign of [[Hezekiah]], Ahaz's son;{{citation needed|date=August 2016}} all three accounts date the book to the 8th century&nbsp;BC. The book would then have been written in [[Jerusalem]], where Nahum would have witnessed the invasion of [[Sennacherib]] and his retreat.<ref>[[Books of Kings|2 Kings]] 19:35</ref>
[[Josephus]]<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/L326JosephusJewishAntiquitiesVIII1213|title=Vol. VI: Jewish Antiquities, Books IX–XI|last=Josephus|first=Flavius|publisher=William Heinemann|year=1958|series=Loeb Classical Library|volume=326|location=London|pages=[https://archive.org/details/L326JosephusJewishAntiquitiesVIII1213/page/n140 125]–129, XI.xi.2–3|translator-last=Marcus|translator-first=William}}</ref> places [[Nahum]] during the reign of [[Jotham]], while others place him in the beginning of the reign of [[Ahaz]], Judah's next king, or even the latter half of the reign of [[Hezekiah]], Ahaz's son;{{citation needed|date=August 2016}} all three accounts date the book to the 8th century&nbsp;BC. The book would then have been written in [[Jerusalem]], where Nahum would have witnessed the invasion of [[Sennacherib]] and his retreat.<ref>[[Books of Kings|2 Kings]] 19:35</ref>


The scholarly consensus is that the "book of vision" was written at the time of the fall of [[Nineveh]]<ref name="Kent H. Richards 2006" /> at the hands of the [[Medes]] and [[Babylon]]ians in 612 BC.<ref name="Coogan 2009">Michael D. Coogan, ''A Brief Introduction to the Old Testament'', (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2009) 297–298</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Pinker|first=Aron|date=April–June 2005|title=Nahum – The Prophet and His Message|url=http://www.jbq.jewishbible.org/assets/Uploads/332/332_Nahump_4.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.jbq.jewishbible.org/assets/Uploads/332/332_Nahump_4.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live|journal=Jewish Bible Quarterly|volume=33|issue=2|pages=6}}</ref> This theory is demonstrated by the fact that the oracles must be dated after [[Sack of Thebes|the Assyrian destruction]] of [[Thebes, Egypt]] in 663&nbsp;BC, as this event is mentioned in [[Nahum 3:8]].<ref name="Kent H. Richards 2006">Kent H. Richards, ''Nahum Introduction: The Harper Collins Study Bible'', (New York: Harper Collins, 2006) 1250</ref>
The scholarly consensus is that the "book of vision" was written at the time of the fall of [[Nineveh]]<ref name="Kent H. Richards 2006" /> at the hands of the [[Medes]] and [[Babylon]]ians in 612 BC.<ref name="Coogan 2009">Michael D. Coogan, ''A Brief Introduction to the Old Testament'', (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2009) 297–298</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Pinker|first=Aron|date=April–June 2005|title=Nahum – The Prophet and His Message|url=http://www.jbq.jewishbible.org/assets/Uploads/332/332_Nahump_4.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.jbq.jewishbible.org/assets/Uploads/332/332_Nahump_4.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live|journal=Jewish Bible Quarterly|volume=33|issue=2|pages=6}}</ref> This theory is demonstrated by the fact that the oracles must be dated after [[Sack of Thebes|the Assyrian destruction]] of [[Thebes, Egypt]] in 663&nbsp;BC, as this event is mentioned in [[Nahum 3:8]].<ref name="Kent H. Richards 2006">Kent H. Richards, ''Nahum Introduction: The Harper Collins Study Bible'', (New York: Harper Collins, 2006) 1250</ref>


===Author===
=== Author ===
{{main|Nahum}}
{{Main|Nahum}}
Little is known about Nahum's personal history. His name means "comforter", and he was from the town of ''Elkosh'' or ''Alqosh'' ([[Nahum 1:1]]), which scholars have attempted to identify with several cities, including the modern [[Alqosh|`Alqush]] of [[Assyria]] and [[Capernaum]] of northern [[Galilee]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10670a.htm|title=CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Nahum|publisher=newadvent.org}}</ref> He was a very nationalistic Hebrew, and lived amongst the Elkoshites in peace. His writings were likely written in about 615 BC, before the downfall of Assyria.<ref name="Heaton, E. W. p. 35">Heaton, E. W., ''A Short Introduction to the Old Testament Prophets'', p. 35, Oneworld Publications, P.O. Box 830, 21 Broadway, Rockport, NA 01966, {{ISBN|1-85168-114-0}}</ref><ref name="abp">{{cite web|url=http://www.aboutbibleprophecy.com/p52.htm|title=Nahum|work=aboutbibleprophecy.com}}</ref>
Little is known about Nahum's personal history. His name means "comforter", and he was from the town of ''Elkosh'' or ''Alqosh'' ([[Nahum 1:1]]), which scholars have attempted to identify with several cities, including the modern [[Alqosh|`Alqush]] of [[Assyria]] and [[Capernaum]] of northern [[Galilee]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10670a.htm|title=CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Nahum|publisher=newadvent.org}}</ref> He was a very nationalistic Hebrew, and lived amongst the Elkoshites in peace. His writings were likely written in about 615 BC, before the downfall of Assyria.<ref name="Heaton, E. W. p. 35">Heaton, E. W., ''A Short Introduction to the Old Testament Prophets'', p. 35, Oneworld Publications, P.O. Box 830, 21 Broadway, Rockport, NA 01966, {{ISBN|1-85168-114-0}}</ref><ref name="abp">{{cite web|url=http://www.aboutbibleprophecy.com/p52.htm|title=Nahum|work=aboutbibleprophecy.com}}</ref>


===Historical context===
=== Historical context ===
[[File:Nineveh map city walls & gates.JPG|thumb|Simplified plan of ancient [[Nineveh]], showing city wall and location of gateways.]]
[[File:Nineveh map city walls & gates.JPG|thumb|Simplified plan of ancient [[Nineveh]], showing city wall and location of gateways.]]
The subject of Nahum's prophecy is the approaching complete and final destruction of [[Nineveh]], the capital of the great and at that time flourishing [[Assyria|Assyrian empire]]. [[Ashurbanipal]] was at the height of his glory. Nineveh was a city of vast extent, and was then the center of the civilization and commerce of the world, according to Nahum a "bloody city all full of lies and robbery",<ref>{{bibleverse|Nahum|3:1|KJV}}</ref> a reference to the Neo-Assyrian Empire's military campaigns and demand of tribute and plunder from conquered cities.
The subject of Nahum's prophecy is the approaching complete and final destruction of [[Nineveh]], the capital of the great and at that time flourishing [[Assyria]]n empire. [[Ashurbanipal]] was at the height of his glory. Nineveh was a city of vast extent, and was then the center of the civilization and commerce of the world, according to Nahum a "bloody city all full of lies and robbery",<ref>{{bibleverse|Nahum|3:1|KJV}}</ref> a reference to the Neo-Assyrian Empire's military campaigns and demand of tribute and plunder from conquered cities.


[[Jonah]] had already uttered his message of warning, and Nahum was followed by [[Zephaniah]], who also predicted<ref>[[Book of Zephaniah|Zephaniah]] {{bibleverse-nb|Zephaniah|2:4–15|NKJV}}</ref> the destruction of the city.
[[Jonah]] had already uttered his message of warning, and Nahum was followed by [[Zephaniah]], who also predicted<ref>[[Book of Zephaniah|Zephaniah]] {{bibleverse-nb|Zephaniah|2:4–15|NKJV}}</ref> the destruction of the city.


Nineveh was destroyed apparently by fire around 625 BC, and the Assyrian empire came to an end, an event which changed the face of Asia. Archaeological digs have uncovered the splendor of Nineveh in its zenith under [[Sennacherib]] (705–681 BC), [[Esarhaddon]] (681–669 BC), and [[Ashurbanipal]] (669–633 BC). Massive walls were eight miles in circumference.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://members.bib-arch.org/publication.asp?PubID=BSBA&Volume=10&Issue=2&ArticleID=7|title=Destruction of Judean Fortress Portrayed in Dramatic Eighth-Century B.C. Pictures - The BAS Library|first=The Biblical Archaeology|last=Society|date=24 August 2015 }}</ref> It had a water [[aqueduct (watercourse)|aqueduct]], palaces and a library with 20,000 clay tablets, including accounts of a creation in [[Enuma Elish]] and a flood in the [[Epic of Gilgamesh]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.saudiaramcoworld.com/issue/196202/nineveh.htm|title=Saudi Aramco World : Nineveh|publisher=saudiaramcoworld.com|access-date=2011-11-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708132641/http://www.saudiaramcoworld.com/issue/196202/nineveh.htm#|archive-date=2011-07-08|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~dfalk/courses/bible/creation%20myths.htm|title=CREATION MYTHS IN THE ANCIENT NEAR EAST|publisher=uoregon.edu|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111127035404/http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~dfalk/courses/bible/creation%20myths.htm|archive-date=2011-11-27}}</ref>
Nineveh was destroyed apparently by fire around 625 BC, and the Assyrian empire came to an end, an event which changed the face of Asia. Archaeological digs have uncovered the splendor of Nineveh in its zenith under [[Sennacherib]] (705–681 BC), [[Esarhaddon]] (681–669 BC), and [[Ashurbanipal]] (669–633 BC). Massive walls were eight miles in circumference.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://members.bib-arch.org/publication.asp?PubID=BSBA&Volume=10&Issue=2&ArticleID=7|title=Destruction of Judean Fortress Portrayed in Dramatic Eighth-Century B.C. Pictures – The BAS Library|first=The Biblical Archaeology|last=Society|date=24 August 2015 }}</ref> It had a water [[aqueduct (watercourse)|aqueduct]], palaces and a library with 20,000 clay tablets, including accounts of a creation in [[Enuma Elish]] and a flood in the [[Epic of Gilgamesh]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.saudiaramcoworld.com/issue/196202/nineveh.htm|title=Saudi Aramco World : Nineveh|publisher=saudiaramcoworld.com|access-date=2011-11-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708132641/http://www.saudiaramcoworld.com/issue/196202/nineveh.htm#|archive-date=2011-07-08|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~dfalk/courses/bible/creation%20myths.htm|title=CREATION MYTHS IN THE ANCIENT NEAR EAST|publisher=uoregon.edu|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111127035404/http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~dfalk/courses/bible/creation%20myths.htm|archive-date=2011-11-27}}</ref>


The Babylonian chronicle of the fall of Nineveh tells the story of the end of Nineveh. [[Nabopolassar|Nabopolassar of Babylon]] joined forces with [[Cyaxares]], king of the Medes, and laid siege for three months.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.livius.org/ne-nn/nineveh/nineveh02.html|title=The fall of Nineveh Chronicle (ABC 3)|publisher=livius.org}}</ref>
The Babylonian chronicle of the fall of Nineveh tells the story of the end of Nineveh. [[Nabopolassar]] of Babylon joined forces with [[Cyaxares]], king of the Medes, and laid siege for three months.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.livius.org/ne-nn/nineveh/nineveh02.html|title=The fall of Nineveh Chronicle (ABC 3)|publisher=livius.org}}</ref>


Assyria lasted a few more years after the loss of its fortress, but attempts by [[Ancient Egypt|Egyptian]] [[Pharaoh]] [[Necho II]] to rally the Assyrians failed due to opposition from king [[Josiah]] of [[kingdom of Judah|Judah]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theology.edu/lec21.htm|title=ANE History: The End of Judah|publisher=theology.edu}}</ref> and it seemed to be all over by 609 BC.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/assy/hd_assy.htm|title=Assyria, 1365609 B.C.|publisher=metmuseum.org}}</ref>
Assyria lasted a few more years after the loss of its fortress, but attempts by [[Ancient Egypt|Egyptian]] [[Pharaoh]] [[Necho II]] to rally the Assyrians failed due to opposition from king [[Josiah]] of [[kingdom of Judah|Judah]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theology.edu/lec21.htm|title=ANE History: The End of Judah|publisher=theology.edu}}</ref> and it seemed to be all over by 609 BC.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/assy/hd_assy.htm|title=Assyria, 1365609 B.C.|publisher=metmuseum.org}}</ref>


== Overview ==
== Overview ==
[[File:CodexGigas 114 MinorProphets.jpg |250px|thumb|The whole [[Book of Nahum]] in [[Latin]] as a part of [[Codex Gigas]], made around 13th century.]]
[[File:CodexGigas 114 MinorProphets.jpg|250px|thumb|The whole Book of Nahum in [[Latin]] as a part of [[Codex Gigas]], made around 13th century.]]
The Book of Nahum consists of two parts:<ref name="Clark 1994">{{cite book | last1=Clark | first1=David J. | last2=Hatton | first2=Howard A. | year=1994 | title=The Books of Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah | location=New York | publisher=United Bible Societies | isbn=0-8267-0130-2 | page=1 }}</ref> a prelude in chapter one,<ref>[[Jerusalem Bible]] (1966), Nahum 1</ref> followed by chapters two and three which describe the fall of Nineveh, which later took place in 612&nbsp;BC. Nineveh is compared to [[Thebes (Egypt)|Thebes]],<ref>{{bibleverse||Nahum|3:8|NKJV}}: [[New King James Version]]</ref> the Egyptian city that Assyria itself [[Sack of Thebes|had destroyed]] in 663&nbsp;BC.<ref name="Kent H. Richards 2006"/> Nahum describes the siege and frenzied activity of Nineveh's troops as they try in vain to halt the invaders. Poetically, he becomes a participant in the battle, and with subtle irony, barks battle commands to the defenders. Nahum uses numerous similes and [[metaphor]] that Nineveh will become weak "like the lion hiding in its den". It concludes with a taunt song and funeral dirge of the impending destruction of Nineveh and the "sleep" or death of the Assyrian people and demise of the once great Assyrian conqueror-rulers.
The Book of Nahum consists of two parts:<ref name="Clark 1994">{{cite book | last1=Clark | first1=David J. | last2=Hatton | first2=Howard A. | year=1994 | title=The Books of Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah | location=New York | publisher=United Bible Societies | isbn=0-8267-0130-2 | page=1 }}</ref> a prelude in chapter one,<ref>[[Jerusalem Bible]] (1966), Nahum 1</ref> followed by chapters two and three which describe the fall of Nineveh, which later took place in 612&nbsp;BC. Nineveh is compared to [[Thebes (Egypt)|Thebes]],<ref>{{bibleverse||Nahum|3:8|NKJV}}: [[New King James Version]]</ref> the Egyptian city that Assyria itself [[Sack of Thebes|had destroyed]] in 663&nbsp;BC.<ref name="Kent H. Richards 2006" /> Nahum describes the siege and frenzied activity of Nineveh's troops as they try in vain to halt the invaders. Poetically, he becomes a participant in the battle, and with subtle irony, barks battle commands to the defenders. Nahum uses numerous similes and [[metaphor]] that Nineveh will become weak "like the lion hiding in its den". It concludes with a taunt song and funeral dirge of the impending destruction of Nineveh and the "sleep" or death of the Assyrian people and demise of the once great Assyrian conqueror-rulers.


==Surviving early manuscripts==
== Surviving early manuscripts ==
The original text was written in [[Biblical Hebrew]].
The original text was written in [[Biblical Hebrew]].


Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter in [[Biblical Hebrew|Hebrew]] are of the [[Masoretic Text]], which includes the [[Codex Cairensis]] (895), [[Aleppo Codex]] (10th century), and [[Leningrad Codex|Codex Leningradensis]] (1008).{{sfn|Würthwein|1995|pp=35-37}}
Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter in [[Biblical Hebrew|Hebrew]] are of the [[Masoretic Text]], which includes the [[Codex Cairensis]] (895), [[Aleppo Codex]] (10th century), and [[Leningrad Codex|Codex Leningradensis]] (1008).{{sfn|Würthwein|1995|pp=35-37}}


Fragments of this book were found among the [[Dead Sea Scrolls]] including [[Nahum Commentary|'''4QpNah''', known as the "Nahum Commentary"]] (1st century BCE);<ref name="VanderKam, James C. 1994. p. 10-11">VanderKam, James C., The Dead Sea Scrolls Today, Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1994. pp. 10-11.</ref>{{sfn|Fitzmyer|2008|p=49}} 4Q82 (4QXII<sup>g</sup>; 1st century BCE).<ref name=thewaytoyahuweh>[https://thewaytoyahuweh.com/dead-sea-scrolls/general-info/#nahum Dead sea scrolls - Nahum]</ref><ref>{{Cite book | editor-last = Ulrich | editor-first = Eugene | editor-link = Eugene Ulrich | title = The Biblical Qumran Scrolls: Transcriptions and Textual Variants | year = 2010 | pages = [https://archive.org/details/TheBiblicalQumranScrolls/page/n632 616] | publisher = Brill | url = https://archive.org/details/TheBiblicalQumranScrolls |access-date= May 15, 2017 | isbn= 9789004181830}}</ref>{{sfn|Fitzmyer|2008|p=39}} and [[Wadi Murabba'at]] MurXII (1st century CE).<ref name=thewaytoyahuweh/>{{sfn|Fitzmyer|2008|pp=140-141}}
Fragments of this book were found among the [[Dead Sea Scrolls]] including [[Nahum Commentary|'''4QpNah''', known as the "Nahum Commentary"]] (1st century BCE);<ref name="VanderKam, James C. 1994. p. 10-11">VanderKam, James C., The Dead Sea Scrolls Today, Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1994. pp. 10-11.</ref>{{sfn|Fitzmyer|2008|p=49}} 4Q82 (4QXII<sup>g</sup>; 1st century BCE).<ref name=thewaytoyahuweh>{{Cite web|url=https://thewaytoyahuweh.com/dead-sea-scrolls/general-info/|title=General Info &#124; The Way To Yahuweh|date=January 5, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book | editor-last = Ulrich | editor-first = Eugene | editor-link = Eugene Ulrich | title = The Biblical Qumran Scrolls: Transcriptions and Textual Variants | year = 2010 | pages = [https://archive.org/details/TheBiblicalQumranScrolls/page/n632 616] | publisher = Brill | url = https://archive.org/details/TheBiblicalQumranScrolls |access-date= May 15, 2017 | isbn= 9789004181830}}</ref>{{sfn|Fitzmyer|2008|p=39}} and [[Wadi Murabba'at]] MurXII (1st century CE).<ref name=thewaytoyahuweh />{{sfn|Fitzmyer|2008|pp=140-141}}


There is also a translation into [[Koine Greek]] known as the [[Septuagint]], made in the last few centuries BC, with extant manuscripts including [[Codex Vaticanus]] ('''B'''; <math> \mathfrak{G}</math><sup>B</sup>; 4th century), [[Codex Sinaiticus]] ('''S'''; [[Biblia Hebraica (Kittel)|BHK]]: <math> \mathfrak{G}</math><sup>S</sup>; 4th century), [[Codex Alexandrinus]] ('''A'''; <math> \mathfrak{G}</math><sup>A</sup>; 5th century) and [[Codex Marchalianus]] ('''Q'''; <math> \mathfrak{G}</math><sup>Q</sup>; 6th century).{{sfn|Würthwein|1995|pp=73-74}} Some fragments containing parts of this chapter (a revision of the Septuagint) were found among the [[Dead Sea Scrolls]], i.e., [[Greek Minor Prophets Scroll from Nahal Hever|Naḥal Ḥever (8ḤevXII<sup>gr</sup>; 1st century CE)]].<ref name=thewaytoyahuweh/>{{sfn|Fitzmyer|2008|p=127}}
There is also a translation into [[Koine Greek]] known as the [[Septuagint]], made in the last few centuries BC, with extant manuscripts including [[Codex Vaticanus]] ('''B'''; <math> \mathfrak{G}</math><sup>B</sup>; 4th century), [[Codex Sinaiticus]] ('''S'''; [[Biblia Hebraica (Kittel)|BHK]]: <math> \mathfrak{G}</math><sup>S</sup>; 4th century), [[Codex Alexandrinus]] ('''A'''; <math> \mathfrak{G}</math><sup>A</sup>; 5th century) and [[Codex Marchalianus]] ('''Q'''; <math> \mathfrak{G}</math><sup>Q</sup>; 6th century).{{sfn|Würthwein|1995|pp=73-74}} Some fragments containing parts of this chapter (a revision of the Septuagint) were found among the [[Dead Sea Scrolls]], i.e., [[Greek Minor Prophets Scroll from Nahal Hever|Naḥal Ḥever (8ḤevXII<sup>gr</sup>; 1st century CE)]].<ref name=thewaytoyahuweh />{{sfn|Fitzmyer|2008|p=127}}


== Themes ==
== Themes ==


===The fall of Nineveh===
=== The fall of Nineveh ===
[[File:Naum e Nínive destruída (Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal ALC.455, fl.300).png|thumb|[[Nahum]] and the destruction of [[Nineveh]]; Illuminated Bible from the 1220s, [[Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal|National Library of Portugal]]]]
[[File:Naum e Nínive destruída (Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal ALC.455, fl.300).png|thumb|[[Nahum]] and the destruction of [[Nineveh]]; Illuminated Bible from the 1220s, [[Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal|National Library of Portugal]]]]
Nahum's prophecy carries a particular warning to the Ninevites of coming events, although he is partly in favor of the destruction.<ref name="abp" /> One might even say that the book of Nahum is "a celebration of the fall of Assyria."<ref name="Coogan 2009" /> And this is not just a warning or speaking positively of the destruction of Nineveh, it is also a positive encouragement and "message of comfort for Israel, Judah, and others who had experienced the "endless cruelty"<ref>[[Nahum 3:19]]</ref> of the Assyrians."<ref name="Coogan 2009" />
Nahum's prophecy carries a particular warning to the Ninevites of coming events, although he is partly in favor of the destruction.<ref name="abp" /> One might even say that the book of Nahum is "a celebration of the fall of Assyria."<ref name="Coogan 2009" /> And this is not just a warning or speaking positively of the destruction of Nineveh, it is also a positive encouragement and "message of comfort for Israel, Judah, and others who had experienced the "endless cruelty"<ref name="dupref">[[Nahum 3:19]]</ref> of the Assyrians."<ref name="Coogan 2009" />


The prophet [[Jonah]] shows us where God shows concern for the people of Nineveh, while Nahum's writing testifies to his belief in the righteousness/justice of God<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.earlyjewishwritings.com/nahum.html|title=Nahum|publisher=earlyjewishwritings.com}}</ref> and how God dealt with those Assyrians in punishment according to "their cruelty".<ref>[[Nahum 3:19]]</ref> The Assyrians had been used as God's "rod of […] anger, and the staff in their hand [as] indignation."<ref>Isaiah 10:5</ref>
The prophet [[Jonah]] shows us where God shows concern for the people of Nineveh, while Nahum's writing testifies to his belief in the righteousness/justice of God<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.earlyjewishwritings.com/nahum.html|title=Nahum|publisher=earlyjewishwritings.com}}</ref> and how God dealt with those Assyrians in punishment according to "their cruelty".<ref name="dupref" /> The Assyrians had been used as God's "rod of […] anger, and the staff in their hand [as] indignation."<ref>Isaiah 10:5</ref>


===The nature of God===
=== The nature of God ===
From its opening, Nahum shows God to be slow to anger, but that God will by no means ignore the guilty; God will bring his vengeance and wrath to pass. God is presented as a God who will punish evil, but will protect those who trust in Him. The opening passage states: "God is jealous, and the L<small>ORD</small> revengeth; the L<small>ORD</small> revengeth, and is furious; the L<small>ORD</small> will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies. The L<small>ORD</small> is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked".<ref> {{bibleref2|Nahum|1:2–3|KJV}}</ref>
From its opening, Nahum shows God to be slow to anger, but that God will by no means ignore the guilty; God will bring his vengeance and wrath to pass. God is presented as a God who will punish evil, but will protect those who trust in Him. The opening passage states: "God is jealous, and the L<small>ORD</small> revengeth; the L<small>ORD</small> revengeth, and is furious; the L<small>ORD</small> will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies. The L<small>ORD</small> is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked".<ref>{{bibleref2|Nahum|1:2–3|KJV}}</ref>


"The L<small>ORD</small> is slow to anger and Quick to love; the L<small>ORD</small> will not leave the guilty unpunished."<ref>{{bibleref2|Nahum|1:3|NIV}} (NIV)</ref>
"The L<small>ORD</small> is slow to anger and Quick to love; the L<small>ORD</small> will not leave the guilty unpunished."<ref>{{bibleref2|Nahum|1:3|NIV}} (NIV)</ref>
Line 66: Line 67:
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==Sources==
== Sources ==
* {{Cite book|title = A Guide to the Dead Sea Scrolls and Related Literature|last = Fitzmyer|first = Joseph A.|authorlink= Joseph Fitzmyer |publisher = William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company| url= https://books.google.com/books?id=TILXeWJ2eNAC | year = 2008|isbn = 9780802862419|location = Grand Rapids, MI}}
* {{Cite book|title = A Guide to the Dead Sea Scrolls and Related Literature|last = Fitzmyer|first = Joseph A.<!--|authorlink= Joseph Fitzmyer--> |publisher = William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company| url= https://books.google.com/books?id=TILXeWJ2eNAC | year = 2008|isbn = 978-0-8028-6241-9|location = Grand Rapids, MI}}
*{{cite book | last = Würthwein | first = Ernst | authorlink = Ernst Würthwein | title = The Text of the Old Testament | publisher = Wm. B. Eerdmans |location = Grand Rapids, MI | year= 1995 | translator-first1 = Erroll F.| translator-last1 = Rhodes |isbn = 0-8028-0788-7 | url= https://books.google.com/books?id=FSNKSBObCYwC | access-date= January 26, 2019}}
*{{cite book | last = Würthwein | first = Ernst <!--| authorlink = Ernst Würthwein--> | title = The Text of the Old Testament | publisher = Wm. B. Eerdmans |location = Grand Rapids, MI | year= 1995 | translator-first1 = Erroll F.| translator-last1 = Rhodes |isbn = 0-8028-0788-7 | url= https://books.google.com/books?id=FSNKSBObCYwC | access-date= January 26, 2019}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
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{{s-aft | after= [[Book of Habakkuk|Habakkuk]] | rows = 2 }}
{{s-ttl | title = [[Christianity|Christian]]<br>[[Old Testament]] }}
{{s-ttl | title = [[Christianity|Christian]]<br />[[Old Testament]] }}
{{s-end}}
{{s-end}}
{{Book of Nahum}}
{{Book of Nahum}}

Revision as of 04:28, 5 January 2023

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The Book of Nahum is the seventh book of the 12

minor prophets of the Hebrew Bible. It is attributed to the prophet Nahum, and was probably written in Jerusalem in the 7th century BC.[1]

Background

Josephus[2] places Nahum during the reign of Jotham, while others place him in the beginning of the reign of Ahaz, Judah's next king, or even the latter half of the reign of Hezekiah, Ahaz's son;[citation needed] all three accounts date the book to the 8th century BC. The book would then have been written in Jerusalem, where Nahum would have witnessed the invasion of Sennacherib and his retreat.[3]

The scholarly consensus is that the "book of vision" was written at the time of the fall of

Nahum 3:8.[4]

Author

Main article: Nahum

Little is known about Nahum's personal history. His name means "comforter", and he was from the town of Elkosh or Alqosh (

Nahum 1:1), which scholars have attempted to identify with several cities, including the modern `Alqush of Assyria and Capernaum of northern Galilee.[7] He was a very nationalistic Hebrew, and lived amongst the Elkoshites in peace. His writings were likely written in about 615 BC, before the downfall of Assyria.[8][9]

Historical context

Simplified plan of ancient Nineveh, showing city wall and location of gateways.

The subject of Nahum's prophecy is the approaching complete and final destruction of Nineveh, the capital of the great and at that time flourishing Assyrian empire. Ashurbanipal was at the height of his glory. Nineveh was a city of vast extent, and was then the center of the civilization and commerce of the world, according to Nahum a "bloody city all full of lies and robbery",[10] a reference to the Neo-Assyrian Empire's military campaigns and demand of tribute and plunder from conquered cities.

Jonah had already uttered his message of warning, and Nahum was followed by Zephaniah, who also predicted[11] the destruction of the city.

Nineveh was destroyed apparently by fire around 625 BC, and the Assyrian empire came to an end, an event which changed the face of Asia. Archaeological digs have uncovered the splendor of Nineveh in its zenith under

Enuma Elish and a flood in the Epic of Gilgamesh.[13][14]

The Babylonian chronicle of the fall of Nineveh tells the story of the end of Nineveh. Nabopolassar of Babylon joined forces with Cyaxares, king of the Medes, and laid siege for three months.[15]

Assyria lasted a few more years after the loss of its fortress, but attempts by Egyptian Pharaoh Necho II to rally the Assyrians failed due to opposition from king Josiah of Judah,[16] and it seemed to be all over by 609 BC.[17]

Overview

The whole Book of Nahum in Latin as a part of Codex Gigas, made around 13th century.

The Book of Nahum consists of two parts:

Thebes,[20] the Egyptian city that Assyria itself had destroyed in 663 BC.[4] Nahum describes the siege and frenzied activity of Nineveh's troops as they try in vain to halt the invaders. Poetically, he becomes a participant in the battle, and with subtle irony, barks battle commands to the defenders. Nahum uses numerous similes and metaphor
that Nineveh will become weak "like the lion hiding in its den". It concludes with a taunt song and funeral dirge of the impending destruction of Nineveh and the "sleep" or death of the Assyrian people and demise of the once great Assyrian conqueror-rulers.

Surviving early manuscripts

The original text was written in Biblical Hebrew.

Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter in Hebrew are of the Masoretic Text, which includes the Codex Cairensis (895), Aleppo Codex (10th century), and Codex Leningradensis (1008).[21]

Fragments of this book were found among the Dead Sea Scrolls including 4QpNah, known as the "Nahum Commentary" (1st century BCE);[22][23] 4Q82 (4QXIIg; 1st century BCE).[24][25][26] and Wadi Murabba'at MurXII (1st century CE).[24][27]

There is also a translation into Koine Greek known as the Septuagint, made in the last few centuries BC, with extant manuscripts including Codex Vaticanus (B; B; 4th century), Codex Sinaiticus (S; BHK: S; 4th century), Codex Alexandrinus (A; A; 5th century) and Codex Marchalianus (Q; Q; 6th century).[28] Some fragments containing parts of this chapter (a revision of the Septuagint) were found among the Dead Sea Scrolls, i.e., Naḥal Ḥever (8ḤevXIIgr; 1st century CE).[24][29]

Themes

The fall of Nineveh

Nahum and the destruction of Nineveh; Illuminated Bible from the 1220s, National Library of Portugal

Nahum's prophecy carries a particular warning to the Ninevites of coming events, although he is partly in favor of the destruction.[9] One might even say that the book of Nahum is "a celebration of the fall of Assyria."[5] And this is not just a warning or speaking positively of the destruction of Nineveh, it is also a positive encouragement and "message of comfort for Israel, Judah, and others who had experienced the "endless cruelty"[30] of the Assyrians."[5]

The prophet Jonah shows us where God shows concern for the people of Nineveh, while Nahum's writing testifies to his belief in the righteousness/justice of God[31] and how God dealt with those Assyrians in punishment according to "their cruelty".[30] The Assyrians had been used as God's "rod of […] anger, and the staff in their hand [as] indignation."[32]

The nature of God

From its opening, Nahum shows God to be slow to anger, but that God will by no means ignore the guilty; God will bring his vengeance and wrath to pass. God is presented as a God who will punish evil, but will protect those who trust in Him. The opening passage states: "God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies. The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked".[33]

"The LORD is slow to anger and Quick to love; the LORD will not leave the guilty unpunished."[34]

"The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him"[35]

Importance

God's judgement on Nineveh is "all because of the wanton lust of a harlot, alluring, the mistress of sorceries, who enslaved nations by her prostitution and peoples by her witchcraft."[36] Infidelity, according to the prophets, related to spiritual unfaithfulness.[37] For example: "the land is guilty of the vilest adultery in departing from the LORD."[38] John of Patmos used a similar analogy in Revelation chapter 17.

The prophecy of Nahum was referenced in the deuterocanonical Book of Tobit. In Tobit 14:4 (NRSV) a dying Tobit says to his son Tobias and Tobias' sons:[39]

[My son] hurry off to Media, for I believe the word of God that Nahum spoke about Nineveh, that all these things will take place and overtake Assyria and Nineveh. Indeed, everything that was spoken by the prophets of Israel, whom God sent, will occur.

However, some versions, such as the King James Version, refer to the prophet Jonah instead.[40]

See also

References

  1. ISBN 978-0-8308-9482-6
    .
  2. ^ Josephus, Flavius (1958). Vol. VI: Jewish Antiquities, Books IX–XI. Loeb Classical Library. Vol. 326. Translated by Marcus, William. London: William Heinemann. pp. 125–129, XI.xi.2–3.
  3. ^ 2 Kings 19:35
  4. ^ a b c Kent H. Richards, Nahum Introduction: The Harper Collins Study Bible, (New York: Harper Collins, 2006) 1250
  5. ^ a b c Michael D. Coogan, A Brief Introduction to the Old Testament, (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2009) 297–298
  6. ^ Pinker, Aron (April–June 2005). "Nahum – The Prophet and His Message" (PDF). Jewish Bible Quarterly. 33 (2): 6. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2022-10-09.
  7. ^ "CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Nahum". newadvent.org.
  8. ISBN 1-85168-114-0
  9. ^ a b "Nahum". aboutbibleprophecy.com.
  10. ^ Nahum 3:1
  11. ^ Zephaniah 2:4–15
  12. ^ Society, The Biblical Archaeology (24 August 2015). "Destruction of Judean Fortress Portrayed in Dramatic Eighth-Century B.C. Pictures – The BAS Library".
  13. ^ "Saudi Aramco World : Nineveh". saudiaramcoworld.com. Archived from the original on 2011-07-08. Retrieved 2011-11-13.
  14. ^ "CREATION MYTHS IN THE ANCIENT NEAR EAST". uoregon.edu. Archived from the original on 2011-11-27.
  15. ^ "The fall of Nineveh Chronicle (ABC 3)". livius.org.
  16. ^ "ANE History: The End of Judah". theology.edu.
  17. ^ "Assyria, 1365609 B.C." metmuseum.org.
  18. ISBN 0-8267-0130-2
    .
  19. ^ Jerusalem Bible (1966), Nahum 1
  20. ^ Nahum 3:8: New King James Version
  21. ^ Würthwein 1995, pp. 35–37.
  22. ^ VanderKam, James C., The Dead Sea Scrolls Today, Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1994. pp. 10-11.
  23. ^ Fitzmyer 2008, p. 49.
  24. ^ a b c "General Info | The Way To Yahuweh". January 5, 2018.
  25. ISBN 9789004181830
    . Retrieved May 15, 2017.
  26. ^ Fitzmyer 2008, p. 39.
  27. ^ Fitzmyer 2008, pp. 140–141.
  28. ^ Würthwein 1995, pp. 73–74.
  29. ^ Fitzmyer 2008, p. 127.
  30. ^
    Nahum 3:19
  31. ^ "Nahum". earlyjewishwritings.com.
  32. ^ Isaiah 10:5
  33. ^ Nahum 1:2–3
  34. ^ Nahum 1:3 (NIV)
  35. ^ Nahum 1:7 (NIV)
  36. ^ Nahum 3:4 NIV
  37. ^ Centre Column Reference Bible, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1994) 1262
  38. ^ Hosea 1:2 NIV
  39. ^ Tobit 14:4 NRSV
  40. ^ Tobit 14:4 KJV. Quote: "Go into Media my son, for I surely believe those things which Jonas the prophet spake of Nineve, that it shall be overthrown; and that for a time peace shall rather be in Media; and that our brethren shall lie scattered in the earth from that good land: and Jerusalem shall be desolate, and the house of God in it shall be burned, and shall be desolate for a time;"

Sources

External links

Wikisource has original text related to this article:
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Book of Nahum.
Commentary

Public Domain This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Easton, Matthew George (1897). "Nahum". Easton's Bible Dictionary (New and revised ed.). T. Nelson and Sons.

Book of Nahum
Minor prophets
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