Nahum 1:1

KJV

¶ The burden of Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.

KJV (with Strong's)

The burden {H4853} of Nineveh {H5210}. The book {H5612} of the vision {H2377} of Nahum {H5151} the Elkoshite {H512}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is a prophecy about Ninveh, the book of the vision of Nachum the Elkoshi:

Berean Standard Bible

This is the burden against Nineveh, the book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite:

American Standard Version

The burden of Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nahum 1:1 serves as the concise yet profoundly impactful introduction to the book of Nahum, immediately establishing the prophecy's divine origin, its specific target, and the identity of the prophet. This verse signals a weighty, divinely revealed message concerning the formidable Assyrian capital, Nineveh, setting the stage for a dramatic pronouncement of God's sovereign judgment and ultimate justice against a notoriously cruel empire.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nahum 1:1 functions as a superscription, typical of prophetic books (e.g., [Isaiah 1:1](/isaiah/1-1 "Isaiah 1:1 - The Vision of Isaiah"), [Hosea 1:1](/hosea/1-1 "Hosea 1:1 - The Word of the Lord to Hosea")). It immediately identifies the book's author, Nahum, and its central subject, Nineveh. This opening verse is crucial as it frames the entire prophecy as a "burden" or "oracle" (Hebrew: _massa_), indicating a solemn, divinely-given pronouncement, often of judgment. The subsequent verses in [Nahum 1](/nahum/1 "Nahum 1 - God's Vengeance and Goodness") elaborate on God's character as a jealous, avenging God who is slow to anger but will not leave the guilty unpunished, providing the theological foundation for the impending judgment on Nineveh detailed in [Nahum 2](/nahum/2 "Nahum 2 - The Fall of Nineveh") and [Nahum 3](/nahum/3 "Nahum 3 - Nineveh's Destruction").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Nahum is directed against Nineveh, the capital of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, which was the dominant superpower of the ancient Near East during the 8th and 7th centuries BC. The Assyrians were infamous for their brutal military tactics, including mass deportations, impalement, and widespread destruction, which instilled terror across the region. Judah had suffered under Assyrian oppression, paying tribute and enduring invasions, notably during the reign of King Hezekiah when Sennacherib besieged Jerusalem (as recorded in [2 Kings 18-19](/2_kings/18-19 "2 Kings 18-19 - Sennacherib's Invasion and Deliverance")). Approximately a century before Nahum, Nineveh had famously repented under the preaching of [Jonah](/jonah/3-10 "Jonah 3:10 - Nineveh's Repentance"), averting divine judgment. However, by Nahum's time (likely between 663 BC and 612 BC, after the fall of Thebes to Assyria in 663 BC and before Nineveh's fall in 612 BC), Nineveh had reverted to its profound wickedness, and God's patience had reached its limit. Nahum's message, therefore, represents a stark reversal of Jonah's, announcing inevitable destruction rather than an opportunity for repentance.
* **Key Themes:** Nahum 1:1 introduces several foundational themes that permeate the book. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Judgment** and **Sovereignty**, asserting God's ultimate authority over all nations, even the most powerful and ruthless empires like Assyria. The "burden" signifies a decree of doom, demonstrating that no wickedness goes unpunished by a just God. Secondly, the phrase "the book of the vision" underscores **Prophetic Authority** and **Divine Revelation**, emphasizing that Nahum's message is not a human opinion but a direct, infallible word from God, guaranteeing its fulfillment. This divine origin provides assurance that God is actively involved in human history, executing His purposes. Finally, for the oppressed people of Judah, this prophecy offers **Comfort and Hope**, assuring them that God sees their suffering and will ultimately bring justice and liberation from their oppressors, echoing themes of divine protection found in passages like [Psalm 46](/psalms/46 "Psalm 46 - God is Our Refuge and Strength").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **burden (Hebrew, _massâʼ'_):** Derived from the verb "to lift" or "to carry," _massâʼ_ (H4853) in prophetic literature frequently denotes a weighty, authoritative pronouncement, often an oracle of doom or judgment. It conveys the heavy nature of the divine message that the prophet is tasked with delivering, signifying both the burden on the prophet to speak it and the burden of judgment upon the recipient, Nineveh. This term emphasizes the solemnity and inevitability of the impending divine action.
* **vision (Hebrew, _châzôwn'_):** From the root _châzâh_ ("to see"), _châzôwn_ (H2377) refers to a divine revelation, often received through dreams, ecstatic experiences, or direct spiritual insight. It signifies that the message is not of human origin or speculation but comes directly from God, ensuring its truth, authority, and certainty of fulfillment. This term validates Nahum's prophetic office and the divine source of his pronouncements against Nineveh.
* **Elkoshite (Hebrew, _ʼElqôshîy'_):** This term (H512) identifies Nahum's place of origin, Elkosh. While the exact location of Elkosh remains uncertain (proposed sites include locations in Judah, Galilee, or even northern Mesopotamia), its inclusion grounds the prophet and his message in a specific historical and geographical context. It emphasizes that this is a real message, delivered by a real person, to a real city, underscoring the tangible nature of God's intervention in human affairs.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The burden of Nineveh."**: This opening phrase immediately sets the tone and subject of the entire book. "Burden" (Hebrew: _massa_) signifies a divinely imposed, heavy pronouncement, specifically one of judgment. Nineveh, the formidable capital of Assyria, is identified as the object of this weighty oracle, indicating that the prophecy will detail its impending destruction.
* **"The book of the vision":** This clause clarifies the nature and authority of the message. It is not merely a spoken word but a "book," implying a written, enduring record, and a "vision," signifying that its content originates from a direct, divine revelation given to the prophet. This emphasizes the certainty and divine source of the prophecy.
* **"of Nahum the Elkoshite."**: This final phrase identifies the human instrument through whom God delivered this revelation. Nahum, whose name means "comfort" or "consolation," is specified as being "the Elkoshite," grounding him geographically and historically. This identification authenticates the prophet and, by extension, the divine message he conveys.

#### Literary Devices
Nahum 1:1 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Metonymy** in the phrase "The burden of Nineveh." Here, "burden" (Hebrew: _massa_) stands metonymically for the "prophetic oracle of judgment" that is to be delivered against Nineveh. It encapsulates the weighty, oppressive nature of the message itself, which will "burden" Nineveh with its impending doom. The use of "book of the vision" serves as a form of **Superscription**, a common literary convention in prophetic literature that immediately establishes the genre, author, and subject matter, lending an air of official authority and divine sanction to the text that follows. Furthermore, the very name of the prophet, **Nahum**, whose name means "comfort" or "consolation," creates a powerful **Irony** when juxtaposed with the "burden" of judgment against Nineveh. While a message of doom for Nineveh, it is indeed a message of comfort and consolation for the oppressed people of Judah, highlighting God's dual nature as both a righteous judge and a compassionate deliverer.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nahum 1:1 introduces the profound theological truth that God is sovereign over all nations and that His justice will ultimately prevail. Even the most powerful and seemingly invincible empires, like Assyria, are subject to His divine decrees. This verse underscores God's active involvement in human history, demonstrating that He sees injustice, hears the cries of the oppressed, and will bring about righteous judgment in His perfect timing. It is a powerful affirmation that wickedness will not triumph indefinitely and that God's word, once declared, is certain to come to pass, offering both a warning to the proud and comfort to the afflicted.

* [Psalm 9:8](/psalms/9-8 "Psalm 9:8 - God Judges the World Righteously")
* [Isaiah 40:8](/isaiah/40-8 "Isaiah 40:8 - The Word of Our God Stands Forever")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine, I Will Repay")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nahum 1:1, though brief, carries immense weight for contemporary reflection and application. It reminds us that the God of the Bible is not a distant, indifferent deity but one who is intimately involved in the affairs of humanity and the rise and fall of nations. For those living under oppressive regimes or witnessing widespread injustice, this verse offers a profound source of hope and assurance: God sees, God knows, and God will act. It challenges us to trust in His ultimate justice, even when circumstances seem bleak or evil appears to triumph. Conversely, it serves as a solemn warning to those who wield power unjustly, reminding them that accountability before a righteous God is inevitable. Our response should be one of humble submission to God's sovereignty, seeking to live justly and compassionately, knowing that His word is true and His purposes will prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God's "burden" or "judgment" on Nineveh challenge or affirm your understanding of God's character?**
* **In what ways can the assurance of God's ultimate justice bring comfort to those experiencing or witnessing oppression today?**
* **How does the "vision" aspect of Nahum's prophecy encourage your trust in the reliability and authority of God's Word in your own life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "burden" in prophetic books?**

Answer: In prophetic literature, the Hebrew word _massa_ (H4853), translated as "burden," is highly significant. It refers to a weighty, authoritative oracle or pronouncement from God, often one of judgment or doom. It conveys the solemnity and divine authority of the message, indicating that it is not merely the prophet's opinion but a heavy, divinely imposed decree. For the prophet, it represents the weighty responsibility of delivering such a message; for the recipient, it signifies the impending weight of divine judgment. This term underscores the seriousness and certainty of the prophecy, as seen in other "burdens" against nations in [Isaiah 13:1](/isaiah/13-1 "Isaiah 13:1 - The Burden of Babylon") or [Zechariah 9:1](/zechariah/9-1 "Zechariah 9:1 - The Burden of the Word of the Lord").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Nahum 1:1 directly concerns God's judgment on Nineveh in the Old Testament, its Christ-centered fulfillment lies in how it foreshadows the ultimate revelation of God's justice and sovereignty found in Jesus Christ. The "burden" of Nineveh, a specific historical judgment, points to the broader truth that all sin and injustice will ultimately be judged by God. Jesus, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the ultimate burden of judgment for humanity's sin on the cross, satisfying divine justice for those who believe ([Romans 3:25-26](/romans/3-25-26 "Romans 3:25-26 - God's Righteousness Through Faith")). Furthermore, the "vision" given to Nahum speaks to the authoritative and divinely revealed nature of God's word, a truth perfectly embodied in Jesus, who is the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). He is the ultimate revelation of God's character, both His unwavering justice and His boundless mercy. Ultimately, the assurance of Nineveh's fall provides comfort to the oppressed, a comfort now fully realized in Christ, who promises to [wipe away every tear](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Sorrow") and establish a kingdom where [righteousness dwells](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth"). The judgment on Nineveh is a historical echo of the final judgment that Christ will execute, where [every knee will bow](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Will Bow to Jesus") and [every tongue confess](/romans/14-11 "Romans 14:11 - Every Tongue Shall Confess to God") His Lordship, bringing ultimate justice and establishing His eternal reign.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Zephaniah 2:13

And he will stretch out his hand against the north, and destroy Assyria; and will make Nineveh a desolation, [and] dry like a wilderness.

Jonah 1:2

Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me.

Zechariah 9:1

¶ The burden of the word of the LORD in the land of Hadrach, and Damascus [shall be] the rest thereof: when the eyes of man, as of all the tribes of Israel, [shall be] toward the LORD.

Genesis 10:11

Out of that land went forth Asshur, and builded Nineveh, and the city Rehoboth, and Calah,

Isaiah 13:1

¶ The burden of Babylon, which Isaiah the son of Amoz did see.

Nahum 2:8

But Nineveh [is] of old like a pool of water: yet they shall flee away. Stand, stand, [shall they cry]; but none shall look back.

Jeremiah 23:33

¶ And when this people, or the prophet, or a priest, shall ask thee, saying, What [is] the burden of the LORD? thou shalt then say unto them, What burden? I will even forsake you, saith the LORD.