Nahum serves as a sequel or follow up to the story contained in Jonah. While many don't realize it, it is really part two of the plot that concerns Nineveh. Jonah left the story off at a good point; Nineveh had listened to the message of repentance, and had seemed to readily accept the concept into their hearts and minds. However, Nahum reveals that this hopeful state only lasted for a short while. The Assyrian capital city fell back into sin, returning to their ways of picking on surrounding countries, continually terrorizing those they had conquered. Nahum serves to remind the Israelites that while God does have great mercy, He also has a just side, and there is a balance between the two.
Ultimately, God wants to display His mercy as often as possible. But when people, such as the Nineveh citizens, spurn this message and continue sinning, God is also just, and His judgement will come. Nahum serves to remind the Israelites of this, and to urge them to be patient, and wait for God's judgement, rather then act out themselves without God's blessing.
This does bring up an interesting discussion regarding the issue of believers who fall away from their faith, and their ultimate destination; heaven or hell. There are many contributing Biblical verses to the discussion, all regarding if believers can lose their salvation. While this book is not entirely clear on the ultimate end of God's judgement, it still does provide another side to the debate.
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