The Divine Warrior Destroys His Enemies but Protects His People

He marches out12 in the whirlwind and the raging storm;

dark storm clouds billow like dust13 under his feet.14

1:4 He shouts a battle cry15 against the sea16 and makes it dry up;17

he makes all the rivers18 run dry.

Bashan and Carmel wither;19

the blossom of Lebanon withers.

1:5 The mountains tremble before him,20

the hills convulse;21

the earth is laid waste22 before him,

the world and all its inhabitants23 are laid waste.24

1:6 No one can withstand25 his indignation!26

No one can resist27 his fierce anger!28

His wrath is poured out like volcanic fire,

boulders are broken up29 as he approaches.30

1:7 The Lord is good31—

indeed,32 he is a fortress33 in time of distress,34

and he protects35 those who seek refuge36 in him.

1:8 But with an overwhelming flood37

he will make a complete end of Nineveh;38

he will drive39 his enemies into darkness.