Nabi Nahum Tomb
Explore The Nabi Nahum Tomb
The mausoleum of Nabi Nahum (Prophet Nahum) is a structure adorned with coated stones and was restored recently with funding by the US consulste. This historical site is undoubtedly one of the most important sites in Iraq to reflect on the long Jewish history of this region. Within the inner courtyard, you’ll find the central tomb of the prophet Nahum, a synagogue, a religious school and the resting place of Sara, Nahum’s sister.
Nahum is recognized as the seventh among the twelve Minor Prophets in the Bible, lived during the 7th century BC.
His prominence comes from his sole prophetic work, which carries significant influence, especially among Mesopotamian Jewish and Christian communities. His prophecy, found in the Book of Nahum, vividly recounts the downfall of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria—an immense city within the most powerful kingdom of its time. The prophecy paints a grim picture, describing Nineveh as a city steeped in deceit, violence, and perpetual plunder.
For the Mesopotamian Christians, whose roots often trace back to local Jewish communities, Nahum’s prophecy holds deep significance. The prophecy’s relevance echoes in contemporary times, particularly during periods of upheaval in Mosul, the Nineveh plain, and broader Mesopotamia. The lines, “The Lord is slow to anger, yet great in power, and the Lord never leaves the guilty unpunished,” from Nahum 1:3, and “The Lord is good, a refuge on the day of distress; He takes care of those who have recourse to him” (Nahum 1:7), resonate with the enduring themes of divine justice and refuge, providing solace and meaning to those who find themselves facing turmoil.