The Book of Nahum
A refuge in trouble — God's justice against oppression, and comfort for the oppressed.
Overview
Nahum announces judgment on Nineveh, the brutal capital of Assyria, a century after Jonah's revival there had faded. It is a hard word about God's justice against cruelty and oppression.
Yet within it lies a tender promise: the Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, who knows those who trust in him.
Key themes
God's justice
God holds even mighty empires accountable for their cruelty.
A refuge for the trusting
The Lord is a stronghold for those who take shelter in him.
Comfort for the oppressed
God's justice is good news for those who have been crushed.
Key verses from Nahum
The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.
A refuge in the middle of a hard book.
The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power
How to read Nahum
Read it as good news for the oppressed, not only judgment.
Rest in 1:7 as a promise of refuge.
Hold it alongside Jonah — same city, later chapter.