Nahum uses the same image and phrases used in Isaiah 52:7 of a messenger bringing good news. The historical context in the Isaiah passage is Judah’s exile in Babylon which follows their oppression by Assyria. The prophet Isaiah looks forward to the messenger bringing the good news, that the Lord is setting Judah free from Babylonian exile. In the same way, Nahum is looking forward to the messenger bringing the good news to Judah, good news of liberation from Assyrian oppression.
The repeated switching between the judgment of Assyria and the salvation of Judah in Nahum 1:11–15 emphasizes the fact that God’s message of salvation to his people always means the destruction of their enemy. This truth is seen supremely in the cross of Christ where God wins the decisive battle against his ultimate enemy, Satan, as he pours out his judgment onto his Son, and through the very same act he saves his people from judgment and from oppression under Satan.
15 Behold, upon the mountains, the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace! Keep your feasts, O Judah; fulfill your vows, for never again shall the worthless pass through you; he is utterly cut off.