A Linguistic Analysis of the Book of Nahum Part 1 NIV

Linguistic Analysis is like a verbal polygraph, which tells us when something is truthful and when it’s not. When used to analyse anything (written or verbal) it’s guided by what a person says. It believes a person is telling the truth and highlights anything which seems out of place or different to what’s expected. For example, if you were complaining of being treated unfairly by a boss or a colleague, the phrase “he asked me to do…” would seem out of place, whereas, “he told me to…” would be expected. Applying its principles will show if something is truthful or not and explain why.

Modern science can affirm or refute ancient history. People writing in biblical times were unaware of future scientific discoveries, they wrote as they felt or were instructed. They could have been deceptive. Christians accept the teachings of the bible as being true. By being objective, can we really say why something is truthful or do we just have a “gut” feeling?

A Forensic Analysis of Nahum gives us further insight into what is actually being said.

In Linguistic Analysis, Order is important. A person can begin an account wherever they choose. The first sentence is always important. They can choose to start it anywhere but where they choose is critical and shows priority.

The book of Nahum opens with, “A prophecy concerning Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite. The Lords anger against Nineveh”.

The Order notes: -

1. A prophecy for Nineveh

2. The vision of Nahum

3. The Lords anger against Nineveh.

A Prophecy is an inspired utterance of a prophet, viewed as a revelation of divine will.

A vision is the act or power of anticipating that which will or may come to be.

This sets the scene and we know what to expect. Nahum is speaking about Gods plan, what he has seen, the Lords Anger against Nineveh.

Finding out why someone chose the order is important and will give some additional information. This information will show if what a person is saying is truthful or not. It becomes apparent that this is the case throughout the book.

We evidenced this in yesterday's example from Colossians 3:2 NIV

We may not know immediately the reason for the order, but we know that a person has a reason for saying it in a specific way.

People being free to say what they want (The Free Editing Process) makes Linguistic Analysis reliable as their language isn’t being influenced. They are speaking from their own perspective.

In the book of Nahum, the order is in context with what is known and is credible.