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

God’s Vengeance

2 The Lord is a jealous and avenging God;

the Lord takes vengeance

and is fierce in c wrath.

The Lord takes vengeance against His foes; d

He is furious with His enemies. e

3 The Lord is slow to anger but great in power;

the Lord will never leave the * guilty unpunished. f

His path is in the whirlwind and storm, g

and clouds are the dust beneath His feet. h

4 He rebukes the sea so that it dries up,

and He makes all the rivers run dry. i

Bashan and Carmel wither; j

even the flower of Lebanon withers.

5 The mountains quake before Him,

and the hills melt;

the earth trembles k l at His presence—

the world and all who live in it. m

6 Who can withstand His indignation?

Who can endure His burning anger? n

His wrath is poured out like fire, o

even rocks are shattered before Him.

Destruction of Nineveh

7 The Lord is good,

a stronghold in a day of distress;

He cares for those who take refuge p in Him.

8 But He will completely destroy Nineveh q

with an overwhelming flood, r

and He will chase His enemies into darkness.

9 Whatever you s plot against the Lord,

He will bring it to complete destruction; t

oppression will not rise up a second time.

10 For they will be consumed

like entangled thorns, u

like the drink of a drunkard

and like straw that is fully dry. v

11 One has gone out from you, w

who plots evil against * Yahweh,

and is a wicked counselor.

Promise of Judah’s Deliverance

12 This is what the Lord says:

Though they are strong x and numerous,

they will still be mowed down,

and he y will pass away.

Though I have afflicted you, z a

I will afflict you no longer. b

13 For I will now break off his yoke from you

and tear off your shackles.

The Assyrian King’s Demise

14 The Lord has issued an order concerning you:

There will be no offspring

to carry on your name. c d

I will eliminate the carved idol and cast image

from the house of your gods; e

I will prepare your grave,

for you are contemptible.

15 f Look to the mountains—

the feet of one bringing good news g

and proclaiming peace!

Celebrate your festivals, Judah;

fulfill your vows.

For the wicked one will never again

march through you;

he will be entirely wiped out.