Nahum 1:7–15

⁷The Lord is good.

When people are in trouble,

they can go to him for safety.

He takes good care of those

who trust in him.

⁸But he will destroy Nineveh

with a powerful flood.

He will chase his enemies

into the darkness of punishment.

⁹The Lord will put an end

to anything they plan against him.

He won’t allow Assyria to win the battle

over his people a second time.

¹⁰His enemies will be tangled up among thorns.

Their wine will make them drunk.

They’ll be burned up like dry straw.

¹¹Nineveh, a king has marched out from you.

He makes evil plans against the Lord.

He gives harmful advice.

¹²The Lord says,

“His army has many soldiers.

Other nations are helping them.

But they will be cut off and pass away.

Judah, I punished you.

But I will not do it anymore.

¹³Now I will break Assyria’s yoke off your neck.

I will tear off the ropes that hold you.”

¹⁴Nineveh, the Lord has given an order concerning you.

He has said, “You will not have any children

to carry on your name.

I will destroy the wooden and metal statues

that are in the temple of your gods.

I will get your grave ready for you.

You are worthless.”

¹⁵Look at the mountains of Judah!

I see a messenger running to bring good news!

He’s telling us that peace has come!

People of Judah, celebrate your feasts.

Carry out your promises.

The evil Assyrians won’t attack you again.

They’ll be completely destroyed.