Nahum came from a town named Elkosh, which although not yet identified may have had some connection with the Galilean Capernaum—"village of Nahum." In Hebrew, his name is associated with "comfort." "Nineveh," he cries, "is laid waste: who will bemoan her? whence shall I seek comforters for thee?" (Nah. 3:7.)
Nahum was essentially a poet, describing in brilliant and vivid style the destruction of Nineveh, capital of Assyria. His book of but three chapters constitutes an ode of vengeance concerning Assyria in general and Nineveh in particular.
As an ardent Jewish patriot, Nahum, in condemning Assyria's crimes, ignored completely the sins of his own nation. For this he has been severely criticized. Earlier Hebrew prophets denounced foreign nations almost as severely as did Nahum, but, unlike him, they had no hesitation in pronouncing stern judgment upon their own folk if they failed to obey God's will.
