Difference between revisions of "Book of Nahum" - New World Encyclopedia
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==Authorship and Historical Context== | ==Authorship and Historical Context== | ||
| − | As with many of the Biblical prophets, little is known of Nahum, the author of the seventh text in the Hebrew Bible's [[Minor Prophets|minor prophetic]] corpus. | + | As with many of the Biblical prophets, little is known of Nahum, the author of the seventh text in the Hebrew Bible's [[Minor Prophets|minor prophetic]] corpus. In fact, the only extant information on his character is provided by the book's superscription, which describes the text as "the book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite" (1:1). Rather than offering any additional biographical details, this snippet merely deepens our uncertainty, as the location of Elkosh (the prophet's hometown) is unknown.<ref>Garcia-Treto, 599. Davidson concurs that the various "conflicting traditions leave the prophet's birthplace quite unknown" (13). [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10670a.htm Souvay] (1911) adds to the confusion by suggesting that "Elkosh" could, at least in theory, refer to the author's father (rather than his town of origin). Assuming that the more typical reading is correct, he then outlines the various abortive attempts to locate the community, after which he acknowledges that a location in southern Judah is most likely.</ref> Etymologically, the prophet's name signifies "comfort" or "consolation," though it could also be a contracted form of [[Nehemiah]].<ref>Garcia-Treto, 599. [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10670a.htm Souvay] (1911).</ref> |
[[Nahum]] prophesied, according to some, in the beginning of the reign of [[Ahaz]] ([[740s B.C.E.]]). Others, however, think that his prophecies are to be referred to the latter half of the reign of [[Hezekiah]] ([[700s B.C.E.]]). Probably the book was written in [[Jerusalem]], where he witnessed the invasion of [[Sennacherib]] and the destruction of his host ([[Books of Kings|2 Kings]] 19:35). | [[Nahum]] prophesied, according to some, in the beginning of the reign of [[Ahaz]] ([[740s B.C.E.]]). Others, however, think that his prophecies are to be referred to the latter half of the reign of [[Hezekiah]] ([[700s B.C.E.]]). Probably the book was written in [[Jerusalem]], where he witnessed the invasion of [[Sennacherib]] and the destruction of his host ([[Books of Kings|2 Kings]] 19:35). | ||
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
Revision as of 01:49, 23 November 2007
| Books of the |
| Tanakh Torah | Nevi'im | Ketuvim Books of Nevi'im |
| First Prophets |
|---|
| 1. Joshua |
| 2. Judges |
| 3. Samuel |
| 4. Kings |
| Later Prophets |
| 5. Isaiah |
| 6. Jeremiah |
| 7. Ezekiel |
| 8. 12 minor prophets |
The Book of Nahum is one of the Books of the Minor Prophets in the Hebrew Bible (Christian Old Testament), written by the eponymous prophet.
Authorship and Historical Context
As with many of the Biblical prophets, little is known of Nahum, the author of the seventh text in the Hebrew Bible's minor prophetic corpus. In fact, the only extant information on his character is provided by the book's superscription, which describes the text as "the book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite" (1:1). Rather than offering any additional biographical details, this snippet merely deepens our uncertainty, as the location of Elkosh (the prophet's hometown) is unknown.[1] Etymologically, the prophet's name signifies "comfort" or "consolation," though it could also be a contracted form of Nehemiah.[2]
Nahum prophesied, according to some, in the beginning of the reign of Ahaz (740s B.C.E.). Others, however, think that his prophecies are to be referred to the latter half of the reign of Hezekiah (700s B.C.E.). Probably the book was written in Jerusalem, where he witnessed the invasion of Sennacherib and the destruction of his host (2 Kings 19:35).
Overview
The subject of this prophecy is the approaching complete and final destruction of Nineveh, the capital of the great and at that time flourishing Assyrian empire. Assur-bani-pal was at the height of his glory. Nineveh was a city of vast extent, and was then the center of the civilization and commerce of the world, a "bloody city all full of lies and robbery" (Nahum 3:1), for it had robbed and plundered all the neighboring nations. It was strongly fortified on every side, bidding defiance to every enemy. One popular verse is 3:5, "Behold, I am against thee, saith YHWH of hosts, and I will uncover thy skirts upon thy face; and I will show the nations thy nakedness, and the kingdoms thy shame." This is very symbolic showing that Nineveh was known for being a city full of prostitutes.
Jonah had already uttered his message of warning, and Nahum was followed by Zephaniah, who also predicted (Zephaniah 2:4-15) the destruction of the city, predictions which were remarkably fulfilled (625 B.C.E.) when Nineveh was destroyed apparently by fire, and the Assyrian empire came to an end, an event which changed the face of Asia.
Stylistic Elements
<acrostic><assonance, internal rhyme, etc.>
Themes
YHVH as Vengeful Warrior
- The Lord is a jealous and avenging God;
- the Lord takes vengeance and is filled with wrath.
- The Lord takes vengeance on his foes
- and maintains his wrath against his enemies.
- The Lord is slow to anger and great in power;
- the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished.
- His way is in the whirlwind and the storm,
- and clouds are the dust of his feet.
- ...
- Who can withstand his indignation?
- Who can endure his fierce anger?
- His wrath is poured out like fire;
- the rocks are shattered before him.
- The Lord is good,
- a refuge in times of trouble.
- He cares for those who trust in him (Nahum 1:2-3, 6-7).
<problematic nature of this characterization>
Deuteronomistic Theology
Good —> Good Evil —> Evil <see Hollaway's "How to Read the Bible">
Notes
- ↑ Garcia-Treto, 599. Davidson concurs that the various "conflicting traditions leave the prophet's birthplace quite unknown" (13). Souvay (1911) adds to the confusion by suggesting that "Elkosh" could, at least in theory, refer to the author's father (rather than his town of origin). Assuming that the more typical reading is correct, he then outlines the various abortive attempts to locate the community, after which he acknowledges that a location in southern Judah is most likely.
- ↑ Garcia-Treto, 599. Souvay (1911).
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- Davidson, A. B. (Reverend). The Books of Nahum, Habakkuk and Zephaniah. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1905.
- Garcio-Treto, Francisco O. "Nahum." The New Interpreter's Bible (Vol. VII). Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1994-2004. ISBN 0687278201.
- Hirsch, Emil G. and Price, Ira Maurice. "Book of Nahum" in The Jewish Encyclopedia. 2002.
- Koch, Klaus. The Prophets: The Assyrian Period. Philidelphia: Fortress Press, 1982. ISBN 0800617568.
- O'Brien, Julia M. "Nahum." The Oxford Bible Commentary. Edited by John Barton and John Muddiman. Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press, 2001. ISBN 0198755007.
- Souvay, Charles L. "Nahum" in The Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1911.
This entry incorporates text from the public domain Easton's Bible Dictionary, originally published in 1897.
External links
All links retrieved November 22, 2007
- Jewish translations:
- Nachum - Nahum (Judaica Press) - Chabad.org
- Christian translations:
- Online Bible - GospelHall.org
- Nahum - BibleGateway
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