Nahum 1

The Lord’s Wrath Against Nineveh

1 The oracle concerning Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.

2 The LORD is a jealous and avenging God. The LORD takes vengeance and is filled with wrath. The LORD takes vengeance on His adversaries and keeps wrath for His enemies.

3 The LORD is slow to anger and great in power, and He will not leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of His feet.

4 He rebukes the sea and dries it up, He makes all the rivers run dry. Bashan and Carmel wither, and the blossoms of Lebanon fade.

5 Mountains quake before Him and the hills melt away. The earth trembles at His presence, the world and everyone living in it.

6 Who can stand before His anger, Who can endure His burning wrath, His fury is poured out like fire, and rocks are shattered before Him.

The LORD Is Good

7 The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble. He knows those who take refuge in Him.

8 But with an overwhelming flood He will make a complete end of Nineveh’s place and chase His enemies into darkness.

Judgment on Nineveh

9 Whatever you are planning against the LORD, He will bring it to an end. Trouble will not rise up a second time.

10 Though they are tangled like thorns and drunk on their drink, they will be burned up like dry stubble.

11 From you came one who plotted evil against the LORD, a wicked counselor.

12 This is what the LORD says: “Though they are strong and many, they will still be cut down and pass away. Though I afflicted you, I will not afflict you anymore.

13 Now I will break his yoke from off you and tear away your chains.”

14 The LORD has given a command concerning you: “Your name will no longer be carried on. I will cut off carved images and cast idols from the house of your gods. I will prepare your grave, because you are worthless.”

Good News for Judah

15 Look, on the mountains the feet of one bringing good news, announcing peace. Celebrate your festivals, Judah, and fulfill your vows, because the wicked will never invade you again. He is completely cut off.