Introduction to Naham

Name

The book of Naham is named for its author, Hosea of Elkosh. Naham means “consolation” or “comfort.”

Author

Naham, the Elkoshite, received an oracle from the Lord (v. 1).

Genre

Prophecy (seventh of twelve books commonly referred to as the “Minor Prophets”).

Literary Form

Prophetic prophecy except for a prose introduction in verse 1.

Time Frame

Naham does not specifically date the book. However, Naham mentions Thebes’ fall (Thebes was also known as No-Amon, Naham 3:8), and that took place in 663 B.C., so it was written after that. Nineveh’s fall, which Naham is prophesying, occurred in 612 B.C., so it had to have been written before then. Thus the book of Naham was most likely written between 663-612 B.C.

Emphasis

The emphasis of the book of Naham is on the Lord’s judgment against the Assyrians.

Naham’s oracle was directed to Nineveh and the Assyrian nation. After the repentance described in Jonah, the Ninevites had returned to their evil ways and had come under God’s judgment once again. Naham describes the destruction of powerful Nineveh, and the pronounces woes upon them.

Word of God’s judgment upon the Assyrians would have been comforting to the people of Judah.

Outline

1. God’s vengeance and judgment of Nineveh (1:1-1:15)
2. The complete destruction of Nineveh (2:1-13)
3. The reasons for Nineveh’s fall  (3:1-19)