Yhwh’s declaration of his own name and character in Exodus 34:6-7 is the cornerstone biblical text for Nahum. The fact that Yhwh is both “slow to anger” and “will by no means clear the guilty” explains why the judgment of Assyria is certain, though not immediate. The fact that Yhwh is described as “jealous” in 1:2 is also rooted in the Pentateuch (Ex 20:5; Dt 5:9; cf. Jos 24:19).
In drawing on Exodus 34, Nahum is following in the footsteps of earlier prophets. Joel roots his hope of Israel’s restoration in Exodus 34:6-7 and Jonah provides the same passage as the reason he did not wish to preach to Nineveh.[1] There may be some additional allusions to Joel with the references to heaven and earth shaking (Joel 3:16 with Nahum 1:5-7) and God serving as an avenger (Joel 3:21 with Nahum 1:3). In both Joel and Nahum, God’s judgment on the nations is linked with restoration for God’s people.[2] Amos1:2 mentions the withering of Carmel, which is an image that Nahum also uses (1:4). Within the Book of the Twelve the strongest contrast is between Jonah and Nahum. In Jonah Nineveh is shown mercy. God’s slowness to anger is on display. But Nineveh’s repentance did not last, and Nahum predicts the justice of God taking effect.
Isaiah had already predicted the destruction of Assyria (10:1-19). Nahum quotes directly from Isaiah 52:7, which prophesied that despite Assyria’s oppression, Yhwh’s people would come to know him and receive salvation and peace (Nah 1:15). It appears that in addition to this quotation a great deal of imagery from Isaiah, especially from chapters 51-52, is worked by Nahum into his prophecy.[3]
[1] Renz, NICOT, 50.
[2] Renz, NICOT, 52.
[3] Armerding, REBC, 560-63; Bailey, NAC, 146-47.