To understand the biblical book of Nahum, we have to know a little about ancient history. The Assyrian empire ruthlessly dominated portions of the Near East (and God’s people Israel) for centuries. The great capital city of Ninevah was revered and feared by friends and foes. When the Chaldeans and the Medes sacked this city, those who had been subjected to Assyrian rule celebrated.
The prophet Nahum joined in this passionately partisan chorus, as he asserts that the Lord God of the Hebrews is the avenger of cruelty and immorality.
Nahum 1:1-3
1 An oracle concerning Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum of Elkosh.
2 A jealous and avenging God is the Lord;
the Lord is avenging and wrathful;
the Lord takes vengeance on his adversaries
and prolongs it against his enemies.
3 The Lord is slow to anger but great in power,
and the Lord will by no means clear the guilty.
Prayer
God of the nations, remind us of your desire for right and righteous behavior in all our dealings. Call us to live as you wish for those who claim to be your people. Amen.