1. AUTHOR. — Nahum, a native of Elkosh (in Galilee or Judea), otherwise unknown.

2. DATE. — Not certain, perhaps after 664 B. C.

3. PLACE. — Probably in Judah. Some think the prophet lived in Assyria.

4. HISTORICAL OCCASION. — At the time that the Assyrian power was threatening Judah, which the prophet sees would be overcome and destroyed. It was probably during the reign of Asshurbanipal of Assyria, while Manasseh was king of Judah.

5. LEADING TOPICS. — The destruction of Nineveh, the powerful and cruel enemy of Judah, and the assurance that the people of God would be protected.

6. CHIEF PURPOSE. — To assure God's people that they need not fear the most threatening enemy, since Jehovah would secure their ultimate triumph over all their foes.

7. GENERAL ANALYSIS.

(a) Judah's oppressor to be punished, Ch. 1.

(b) Description of the destruction of Nineveh, Ch. 2.

(c) Nineveh's guilt to be surely punished. Ch. 3.

8. POINTS OF ESPECIAL INTEREST. — Jehovah is merciful, but terrible against the wicked; the description of the capture of Nineveh; the fall of No-Ammon (Thebes).

9. SPECIAL SINS CONDEMNED. — Of the Assyrians: Hostility to God's people; lying, robbery, idolatry.

10. NATIONAL HOPES PRESENTED. — The de livery of Judah from the power of the Assyrian.

11. MESSIANIC IDEAS. — None except what are implied in the promise of deliverance from enemies.

12. RELATION TO OTHER O. T. BOOKS. — Isaiah had declared that the Assyrians would be punished after they had been used by Jehovah to chastise his people; Nahum shows specifically how this punishment is to be carried out. The thought of the triumph of God's people over their enemies is frequent in the prophets; Nahum illustrates this truth in announcing the fall of the mighty Nineveh.

13. TOPICS FOR SPECIAL STUDY. — The history of Assyria; the careers of Sennacherib and Asshurbanipal especially; the methods and implements of warfare used by the Assyrians.