Nahum: Wrestling with the violence of Scripture

I had not previously done an in-depth study of Nahum. In fact, if I had to recite all 66 books of the Christian Bible I probably would have neglected this one. This stands as no huge surprise, a short 3 chapter book that is rarely mentioned in Bible studies, sermons, or quoted on home decor. But it stood out to me this time, as the author of my Old Testament textbook bragged on its literary craftsmanship saying "Nahum has no superior and few peers among Old Testament poets." (LaSor 319). That really caught my attention! Why haven't I heard more about this work of art, then? Reading on a bit further answered my query rather quickly.

Nahum is really a violent book, describing and relishing in the destruction of the Assyrian capital, Nineveh. It stands in stark contrast with the rather popular book, Jonah. I suppose it would seem ironic to champion such a book when its counter is so commonly referenced, and has such an opposing story and message, God's mercy for Ninevah. Considering Jonah ends in an anti-climactic and somewhat depressing way, since Jonah is essentially throwing a childish tantrum without resolution, it's even more depressing to consider that he was actually somewhat right about the Ninevites. They eventually turned back to their wicked ways and had to be destroyed after all.

I wrestle with the violent message of Nahum. Jonah is so much more comfortable and fits so much easier with the teachings of Jesus. The textbook asserts, "A man who is deeply and truly religious is always a man of wrath. Because he loves God and his fellow men, he hates and despises inhumanity, cruelty, and wickedness. Every good man sometimes prophesies like Nahum." (LaSor 322). While I'm not completely convinced this entire statement is true, I think I get the point of what they are trying to say. Loving God also means loving your neighbor, and if you really love someone it would be hard to see them mistreated in brutal and violent ways. I suppose it's much more difficult for people of my generation (who live in the comfortable West) to understand the type of justice people pray for when they've witnessed something truly horrific.

Those who survived the holocaust, perhaps, may have an easier time relating. People who have lived among the brutality in North Korea or in the Middle East, perhaps, would feel differently. Recently, I sat across the table from a friend from South Korea who regaled me with stories of those who have escaped from the North and I was stunned into silence. It's horrible how humans can treat other humans. It's really terrifying how corrupt and wicked human powers can become.

I may not fully understand the intersection between God's mercy and his justice, but I recognize that there is a clear tension there presented in scripture. While we may feel more comfortable with messages like Hosea or Jonah, the voices of prophets like Nahum still reside alongside them in the canon -recognized by the people of God for thousands of years as inspired scripture. We must not give in to the temptation to ignore what is uncomfortable for us about God or His Word. We must not allow our own personal experience within history and culture to create a bias that prevents proper exegesis of God's word. Not if we want to become teachers of it.

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness...But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.   

—James 3:1, 17 ESV

Works cited:

LaSor, William Sanford, et al. Old Testament Survey: The Message, Form, and Background of the Old Testament. United States, Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1996.

English Standard Version. Bible Gateway, https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/English-Standard-Version-ESV-Bible.

 
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