Nahum’s vision concerned Nineveh, that exceeding great city of Assyria (Jonah 3:3). Less than 150 years had elapsed since Jonah prophesied, and it had become a city of blood, full of lies and robbery, lording its sovereignty over its conquered peoples (Nah. 3:1-4).
Founded by Nimrod, a descendent of Ham (Gen. 10:11 margin; Mic. 5:6), Nineveh is a picture of usurped authority and independence from God. Nimrod flaunted his might and power before the Lord—“he began to be a mighty one in the earth. He was a mighty hunter before the Lord” (Gen. 10:8-9). This is the character of the Assyrian. Though used by God as the rod of His anger, the Assyrian must be punished for his high looks and proud heart, “for he saith, By the strength of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom; for I am prudent” (Isa. 10:12-13).
Though the invasion of Sennacherib no doubt precipitated the prophecy, it looks forward to a future day when the King of the North will again imagine vain things against Jehovah (Nah. 1:11)—“beware lest Hezekiah persuade you, saying, The Lord will deliver us. Hath any of the gods of the nations delivered his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria?” (Isa. 36:18). Having passed through the land of Israel, Assyria—the King of the North—will be cut down, never to pass through it again. He is utterly cut off (Nah. 1:12-15; Dan. 11:40-41).
Though God is jealous, taking vengeance on his adversaries (Nah. 1:2), His wrath is not indiscriminate. Here in this book of judgment we find one of Scripture’s most comforting verses for the day of trouble, a beacon in a time of darkness: “The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him” (Nah. 1:7).
The second chapter details the capture of Nineveh. Though proud, she was no better than populous No—Thebes of Egypt (Nah. 3:8, 10). The book closes with the solemn declaration; “there is no healing of thy bruise; thy wound is grievous” (Nah. 3:19)