NAHUM

Q: I can't understand this book because I can't keep track of who is talking to whom. Can you help?

This is a common problem in understanding other books of prophecy as well. Here is a rough guide:

Nahum 1:2-8 The prophet talks about God in the 3^rd person.

Nahum 1:9-11 The prophet addresses Assyria directly.

Nahum 1:12-15 God addresses first Judah, then Assyria, and finally Judah.

Nahum 2:1-12 The prophet talks about Nineveh in the 3^rd person.

Nahum 2:13-3:4 God addresses Assyria directly in verse 13 and then talks about them in the 3^rd person.

Nahum 3:5-19 God addresses Assyria directly (“you...you...you”).

The overall flow of the book serves to first remind us of God's attributes, prod our conscience, demonstrate how He comforts those who obey him, and lastly threaten our security by events in our lives.