Page 113 - Old Testament Survey Student Textbook

The Book of Micah

NAHUM

Prophet: Nahum, possibly “comfort,” or wordplay on “avenging” (cf. 1:2) or
“relent” (cf. Jon. 3-4), Date: mid- late 7th c. B.C. (between 663-fall of Thebes
and 612-fall of Nineveh) Form: Chiasm (focus on death of Nineveh)

Theme: Judgment on Nineveh

Message: YHWH will avenge harm that Assyria inflicted on His covenant people!

MAIN DIVISIONS
Almighty Appears (1:2-11)
YHWH is avenging (3x) He comes in judgment, to disrupt foundations (3-5), devour foes, defend His
faithful ones (6-8). Assyria, her king and her place (Nineveh), YHWH will bring to a complete end for
their plots against Him and His nation (9-11)

Assyria Annihilated (1:12-3:19)
Assyria’s King Taunted (1:12-15) YHWH taunts Assyria’s king: He promises to cut him off, free Judah out
of his grip, 2x: Assyrians are many, mighty but YHWH will destroy them (12a); their king will be no more
(14). YHWH will break bonds of Judah’s foes (12b-13), with good news of peace and safety (15).

Call to Alarm (2:1-10) Nahum, as watchman, calls the Assyrians to alarm. War is here, as YHWH restores
Judah’s prior glory! With an eyewitness account, he details the attack of Assyria’s enemy, resulting in
Nineveh’s defeat, plunder and exile.

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