Nahum was a minor prophet whose prophecy is recorded in the Old Testament. His name means ‘comforter’, ‘consolation’ or ‘repose’ and he was from the town of Alqosh (Elkosh) (Nahum 1:1), in northern Iraq and Capharnaum (Capernaum) of Northern Galilee. He was a very nationalistic Hebrew and lived amongst the Elkoshites in peace. Nahum, called ‘the Elkoshite’, was a Galilean of the tribe of Simeon, and is the seventh in order of the twelve minor prophets. His book, of three chapters comes in chronological order between Micah and Habakkuk in the traditionally used Holy Bible. He wrote about the end of the Assyrian Empire, and its capital city, Nineveh by the Medes, the restoration of the Kingdom of Judah.
The Old Testament book that bears his name is written in a vivid poetic style, or rather is more of a collection of poems announcing the downfall of some of Israel’s worst oppressors. Nahum shows us that the destruction of Nineveh and Assyria are examples of how God works in history in every age Referencing Daniel, Exodus, and Isaiah. This book differs from other prophets in that he does not announce any call to repentance nor does he denounce Israel for infidelity to the One True God. Nahum shows God is slow to anger, even though God will show no means to ignore the guilty. God will bring his vengeance and wrath to pass. God is presented as a God who will punish evil, but will protect those who trust in Him.
Five of the Prophets (Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, and Daniel) are commemorated in December. Earlier a Feast of the Twelve Prophets was celebrated on December 4 at the Church of the Resurrection. The days leading up to Christ’s Nativity contain many commemorations of the faithful remnant of Israel, all of whose hopes were fulfilled in the birth of the Messiah. He is said to have reposed in peace and was buried in his native place.
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