Nahum 1

A prophecy^a concerning Nineveh.^b The book of the vision^c of Nahum the Elkoshite.

The Lord’s Anger Against Nineveh

The Lord is a jealous^a and avenging God;

the Lord takes vengeance^b and is filled with wrath.

The Lord takes vengeance on his foes

and vents his wrath against his enemies.^c

The Lord is slow to anger^d but great in power;

the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished.^e

His way is in the whirlwind^f and the storm,^g

and clouds^h are the dust of his feet.

He rebukesⁱ the sea and dries it up;^j

he makes all the rivers run dry.

Bashan and Carmel^k wither

and the blossoms of Lebanon fade.

The mountains quake^l before him

and the hills melt away.^m

The earth tremblesⁿ at his presence,

the world and all who live in it.^o

Who can withstand^p his indignation?

Who can endure^q his fierce anger?^r

His wrath is poured out like fire;^s

the rocks are shattered^t before him.

The Lord is good,^u

a refuge in times of trouble.^v

He cares for^w those who trust in him,^x

but with an overwhelming flood^y

he will make an end of Nineveh;

he will pursue his foes into darkness.

Whatever they plot^z against the Lord

he will bring to an end;

trouble will not come a second time.

They will be entangled among thorns^a

and drunk^b from their wine;

they will be consumed like dry stubble.^c

From you, Nineveh, has one come forth

who plots evil against the Lord

and devises wicked plans.

This is what the Lord says:

“Although they have allies and are numerous,

they will be destroyed^d and pass away.

Although I have afflicted you, Judah,

I will afflict you no more.^e

Now I will break their yoke^f from your neck

and tear your shackles away.”^g

The Lord has given a command concerning you, Nineveh:

“You will have no descendants to bear your name.^h

I will destroy the imagesⁱ and idols

that are in the temple of your gods.

I will prepare your grave,^j

for you are vile.”

^*Look, there on the mountains,

the feet of one who brings good news,^k

who proclaims peace!^l

Celebrate your festivals,^m Judah,

and fulfill your vows.

No more will the wicked invade you;ⁿ

they will be completely destroyed.