Book of Nahum — New World Translation Study Guide
Section: Hebrew Scriptures · Chapters: 3 · Written by: Nahum · Approximate date: c. 663–612 BC · Theme: Jehovah's Judgment on Wickedness
Summary of the Book of Nahum
Nahum declares the fall of Nineveh — the mighty Assyrian capital — as a demonstration that Jehovah is slow to anger but will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, and is a stronghold for those who take refuge in him.
Why the Book of Nahum Matters Today
Nahum announced the doom of Nineveh — the same city that repented in Jonah's day, now returned to its violent ways. The book demonstrates that repentance must be sustained, not just momentary. For Witnesses today reflecting on personal spirituality, Nahum is a warning: returning to old patterns after genuine reform brings worse consequences than the original drift. The book also gives a powerful description of Jehovah's character: 'Jehovah is slow to anger and great in power, and Jehovah will by no means hold back from punishing' (Nahum 1:3). Patience and justice are both real, both reliable.
Key Verses in Nahum
- Nah 1:3
- Nah 1:7
Notable Passages in Nahum
Nahum 1:3
The declaration that Jehovah is 'slow to anger but great in power' and 'will by no means leave the guilty unpunished' balances his patience with the certainty of his justice.
Nahum 1:7
Jehovah being 'a stronghold in the day of distress' and knowing 'those seeking refuge in him' gives personal assurance that he cares for and protects the faithful.
Nahum 1:2
Jehovah described as 'a God who is zealous and one who takes vengeance' on his adversaries affirms that he will ultimately defend his name and vindicate his people.
Study Questions for Nahum
As you read the book of Nahum, reflect on these questions to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jehovah's Word:
- What qualities of Jehovah does Nahum 1:2–7 describe — his jealousy, slowness to anger, and greatness — and how do they work together?
- What does the fall of Nineveh teach about how even the mightiest human powers are ultimately subject to Jehovah's judgment?
- How does Nahum 1:7 — 'Jehovah is good, a stronghold in the day of distress; and he knows those seeking refuge in him' — provide comfort during difficult times?
- How does the contrast between Jehovah's treatment of Nineveh in Jonah (mercy upon repentance) and Nahum (judgment for returning to wickedness) teach about the limits of Jehovah's patience?
- What principle about Jehovah's justice — that he 'will by no means leave the guilty unpunished' — do we see demonstrated in the fall of Nineveh?
Frequently Asked Questions About Nahum
- Who wrote the book of Nahum?
- Nahum the prophet, from Elkosh, wrote the book bearing his name, completing it around 632 BCE before the fall of Nineveh in 632 BCE.
- When was the book of Nahum written?
- Nahum was written approximately 632 BCE in Judah, prophesying against Nineveh shortly before its destruction by the Medes and Babylonians.
- What is the main theme of Nahum?
- Nahum announces Jehovah's coming judgment on Nineveh for its violence and idolatry, demonstrating that Jehovah is patient but ultimately will not let unrepentant wickedness stand.
How to Study Nahum with JW Study
Track your progress through all 3 chapters of Nahum in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters as you read, save personal notes on key passages, and build a consistent daily Bible reading habit. Use it alongside JW Library and the publications available at wol.jw.org to deepen your understanding of Jehovah's Word.
Reading Plans That Include Nahum
The book of Nahum is covered in the following structured reading plans on NWT Progress. Each plan divides the reading evenly across a set number of days to help you stay consistent.
- NWT in 1 Year — Read the entire New World Translation, all 66 books, in 365 days. (365 days, 1189 chapters)
- Hebrew Scriptures in 1 Year — Read all 39 books of the Hebrew Scriptures over the course of a year. (365 days, 929 chapters)
- Intensive: Bible in 90 Days — Cover all 66 books in 90 days with a steady, focused schedule. (90 days, 1189 chapters)
- Minor Prophets in 30 Days — Read all 12 Minor Prophets, from Hosea to Malachi, in a focused 30-day plan. (30 days, 67 chapters)
Related Bible Study Topics
Deepen your study of the Bible with these related topics from JW Study:
- Is Jesus God? — Understanding Jesus' identity as the Son of God — distinct from Jehovah
- Jesus and Michael the Archangel — Scriptural evidence that Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel
- Holy Spirit — Person or Force? — The Bible shows the holy spirit is God's active force, not a third person
- Holy Spirit Is Not a Person — Key Verses — Scriptural proof that the holy spirit is God's active force, not a person
- The Trinity Is Not Biblical — Key Verses — Scripture consistently distinguishes the Father from the Son — the Trinity doctrine has no Bible basis
- The Angel of the Lord Is Michael — Key Verses — Scriptural evidence connecting the angel of Jehovah, Michael the archangel, and Jesus Christ
- What Is the Soul? — The Bible defines the soul as a living being — not an immortal inner entity
- What Happens When We Die? — Death is a state of unconscious sleep — not heaven, hell, or purgatory
- God's Kingdom — What Is It? — A real government in heaven that will rule over a paradise earth
- Why Does God Allow Suffering? — Understanding the issue of universal sovereignty and why Jehovah permits evil for now
- The Sanctity of Blood — Why Jehovah commands us to abstain from blood — and what this means today
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