The Book of Nahum is a poem prophesying the downfall of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, in 612BC. The coming defeat of Assyria by the Babylonians is seen by Nahum as God’s judgement on a wicked and godless nation who had conquered the northern kingdom of Israel's capital city of Samaria in 722BC and had led ten of the twelve tribes of Israel back to Nineveh in slavery.
The partially reconstructed Adad Gate at Nineveh (Fredarch)
Nahum
Title? The Book of Nahum.
Written by whom? Nahum, from Elkosh in Judah.
When? Written shortly before Assyria was defeated by the Babylonians in 612BC.
Where? Nahum prophesied in the southern kingdom of Judah.
To whom? His warning was aimed at the people of Assyria.
What was the message? Nahum prophesied the fall of Nineveh and God’s judgement on the godless Assyrians.