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nahum (dict)
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NahumOverview Nahum was a minor prophet whose prophecy is recorded in the Jewish scriptures and in the Christian Old Testament. His book comes in chronological order between Micah and Habakkuk in the Christian Bible. He wrote about the end of the Assyrian Empire, and its capital city, Nineveh, in a vivid poetic style. Little is known about Nahums personal history. His name means comforted or comforted by Yahweh. He was from the town of Elkosh, the location of which is not known. Some accounts say that there was a city with a name similar to this (Al Qosh) two days travel north of Nineveh. He was a very nationalistic Hebrew, however, and joyously proclaimed the defeat of an empire that had terrorized Judah for about 2 centuries and which had carried off the northern kingdom of Israel into captivity. His writings could be taken as prophecy or as history. One account suggests that his writings are a prophecy written in about 615 BCE, just before the downfall of Assyria, while another account suggests that he wrote this passage as a New Years liturgy for the autumn festival just after the downfall in 612 BCE. Historical context Assyria for a very long time were vicious overlords of the Fertile Crescent. They were ferocious fighters and were well known for their barbaric acts which caused great fear in all the surrounding nations. Only God himself had saved the city of Jerusalem from Sennacherib by intervening and causing a plague to strike down the Assyrian army that was laying siege to the city (701 BCE). The northern kingdom of Israel had fallen to them in 722 BCE. But now Assyrias victims would be avenged as the kingdom of the Medes joined forces with the Babylonians to launch an assault on the huge fortified city of Nineveh just after the death of Assurbanipal in 627 BCE when Assyria was in a time of disorganization. Archaeological digs have uncovered the splendor of Nineveh in its hey-day under Sennacherib (905-681 BCE), Esarhaddon (681-669 BCE), and Ashurbanipal (669-633 BCE). Massive walls were eight miles in circumference. It had a water aquaduct, palaces and a library with 20,000 clay tablets, including the creation (Enuma Elish), and the flood (Gilgamesh). The Babylonian chronicle of the fall of Nineveh tells the story of the end of Nineveh. Naboplassar of Babylon joined forces with Cyaxares, king of the Medes, and laid siege for 2 months and apparently were aided by a flooding river which flowed through the city. Assyria lasted a few more years after the loss of its fortress, but attempts by Egyptian Pharoah Neco II to rally the Assyrians failed and it seemed to be all over by 609 BCE. Theme Nahums thought is passionately in favor of the destruction, just as Obadiah was in favor of the end of Edom for complicity in the fall of Jerusalem. The book makes no mention of the divine judgement that awaits Judah. This has caused some to suggest that Nahum was a false prophet because most prophets predicted doom for Judah and Israel for not following Yahweh. (False prophets usually said that all was well for the Jewish people). This book also contrasts Hosea and Jonah (othern prophets in the Christian Bible) where Yahweh shows concern for the people of Nineveh and, of course, this is quite different from God's commandment that forbids murder. How can vindictive, taunting, cursing language exist in sacred scripture? Psalmists and prophets often demanded Gods judgement on their enemies. Retribution was part of the Hebrew belief in an eye for an eye. Nahums writing testifies to his belief in the righteousness of God. The Assyrians had been used as Gods razor, but they had offended God and it was time for their judgement. The book Chapter 1: 2-9 is a hymn to a divine warrior, extolling the virtues of the Lord. Others suggest that this is the simulation of a court scene. Chapters 1:10-2:2 contain alternating oracles to Nineveh and Judah, with condemnation being declared to Nineveh and freedom of bondage to Judah. Chapters 2:3-3:19 describe the sack of Nineveh. The lion, the symbol of Assyrian power is made reference to. Nineveh is portrayed as a disgraced prostitute and compared to Thebes, the Egyptian city that Assyria itself had destroyed. Nahum describes the siege and frenzied activity of Ninevehs troops as they try in vain to halt the invaders. With poetic genius he becomes a participant in the battle, and with subtle irony, barks battle commands to the defenders. Nahum uses numerous similes and metaphors. Nineveh is compared to a lions den where the lioness and young await the return of the lion with his kill. It comes to conclusion with a satirical warning where Assyrias rulers sleep and merchants flee. Usage in the New Testament One verse, Nahum 1;15 is similar to Rom.10:15. Isaiah 52:7 is very similar. Nah. 1:15 Look! On the mountains the feet of one who brings good tidings, who proclaims peace! Celebrate your festivals, O Judah, fulfill your vows, for never again shall the wicked invade you; they are utterly cut off. Is. 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, Your God reigns. Rom. 10:15 And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news! Bibliography The New Oxford annotated Bible, New revised standard version, Michael Coogan, editor, 2001, Oxford University Press, Old Testament Survey, Lasor, W. S., Hubbard, D. A., Bush, F. W., 1996, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan Israel Among the Nations Nahum, Obadiah, Esther, Coggins, R. J., Reemi S. P., 1985, William Eerdmans Publishing Co., Grand Rapids The Book of Nahum, Maier, W. A., 1980, Baker Book House, Grand Rapids The New international Commentary on the Old Testament, Nahum. Habakkuk, Zephanaiah, Robertson, O.P., 1990, William Eerdmans Publishing. Grand Rapids Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah, Roberts, J. J. M., 1991, Westminster/John Knox Press, Louisville Prepared in 2005 for the course BIBL5023 at Acadia Divinity College
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