Nahum נַחוּם
Old Testament prophet, author of the Book of Nahum.
Who is Nahum in the Bible?
Nahum was an Old Testament prophet identified as "the Elkoshite" in Nahum 1:1, whose name means "comfort." He received a divine vision announcing God's judgment against Nineveh, the capital city of Assyria, which he recorded in the Book of Nahum. Although his hometown of Elkosh has not been definitively located by scholars, his prophecy served as a message of comfort to the people of Judah, who had suffered under Assyrian oppression. Through Nahum's writings, God is portrayed as both a powerful avenger against Nineveh and a faithful protector of those who trust in Him, making his work significant for demonstrating God's justice and sovereignty over the nations.
Biography
Nahum, whose name means "comfort", was a prophet identified as "the Elkoshite" in the opening verse of his prophecy. He received and recorded a divine vision concerning the judgment of Nineveh, the capital city of Assyria.
The prophet's hometown of Elkosh has not been definitively located. Some scholars suggest it may have been in the region of Galilee, noting a possible connection to Capernaum (Kephar-Nahum, meaning "City of Nahum"). However, others have proposed locations including the modern Alqush in Assyria.
Nahum's prophecy provided comfort to Judah, as it announced the coming destruction of Nineveh, their oppressor. His message portrayed God as both an avenging warrior against Nineveh and a protector of those who trust in Him. The historical context of his prophecy appears to be during the period when Assyria was a threatening power over Judah.
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | נַחוּם |