There is none of the spirit of Amos, Hosea, Micah, or Isaiah in Nahum.
Nahum gloats over the fall of Nineveh-the Assyrian capital.
Despite its spiritual deficiencies, Nahum is one of the outstanding literary masterpieces of the Bible.
It is an oracle of vengeance. For vigor and fervor, it holds a place all its own.
In 2:4 it reads: “The chariots rage in the streets, they rush to and fro through the squares.” This verse has been construed as a prophecy-foretelling railroads and automobiles.
It is a poem of revenge-a masterpiece of vindictive literature.
To the Jews, Assyria was a symbol of the incarnation of evil-a bloodthirsty militarism.
Nahum was a contemporary of Zephaniah, Habakkuk, and Jeremiah.
It is supposed to portray the moral indignation of a righteous God, who is international in his jurisdiction.
Tyrants become corrupt, dissolute, drunken, and effeminate, and then they are doomed.
The divine stronghold. “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble.” 1:7.
Peace messengers. “Behold, on the mountains the feet of him who brings good tidings, who proclaims peace!” 1:15.
Railroads and automobiles. “The chariots rage in the streets, they rush to and fro through the squares; they gleam like torches, they dart like lightening.” 2:4.