The Book of the Vision of Nahum - Nahum 1:1

As we begin the prophesy of the book of Nahum, we realize we know little about him. He prophesied during the same time as Micah and Isaiah and during the reign of Hezekiah who was the king of Judah, and he mentions “Rabashak” who spoke blasphemies during Hezekiah's reign which allows us to know that he prophesied around 713 B.C. We begin our study of this book by looking at “the vision of Nahum” where we read:

The burden of Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.

The verse begins, “The burden of Nineveh.” Nahum began with the words, “The burden” or “load, tribute, burden, carrying and lifting” “of Nineveh” which means “the abode of Ninus” and was “capital of the ancient kingdom of Assyria”. We see from the beginning words of this prophesy that we will study about “the burden” which was caused because of the behavior of the city of Nineveh.

The verse goes on to say, “The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.” Nahum continued, “The book” or “missive, document, writing or letter” “of the vision” which means “ecstatic state, oracle and prophesy of divine communication” “of Nahum” whose name means “comfort” and was “the Elkoshite and was the prophet who predicted the fall and destruction of Nineveh” “the Elkoshite” which means “God the ensnarer” and was “a native and/or descendant of Elkosh”. Nahum declared this prophesy to be a “divine communication” from God Almighty which was seen by Nahum himself.

When we think through these words, we see the dedication of God Almighty to share His “vision” through Nahum. This was a “burden” and “the vision of Nahum”, and it concerned Nineveh. Although Nineveh was spared judgment during the book of Jonah, this time it would not be the same. Jesus Christ is willing to spare everyone who humbles themselves and yields their lives to Him. However, should they reject the LORD's ways and continue in their evil, it becomes a “burden” to them, and the “vision” for Nineveh may become their own. As we study this book, let us allow the LORD Jesus to speak to our hearts, and should we find ways in which we should repent, let us avoid the “burden” and “vision” that may be resting upon us.

Next time we look at how “God is jealous” and “revenges”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.