Nahum 1

An oracle concerning Nineveh

1An oracle concerning Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum of Elkosh.

The LORD’s power and refuge

2The LORD is a jealous and avenging God;
the LORD avenges and is full of wrath.
The LORD takes vengeance on his adversaries
and reserves wrath for his enemies. 3The LORD is slow to anger and great in power,
but he will certainly not leave guilt unpunished.
The LORD’s way is in whirlwind and storm;
clouds are the dust of his feet. 4He rebukes the sea and dries it up;
he makes all the rivers run dry.
Bashan and Carmel wither;
Lebanon’s blossoms wither. 5Mountains quake before him,
and hills melt away.
The earth heaves before him—
the world and everyone living in it. 6Who can stand before his indignation?
Who can endure his burning anger?
His fury pours out like fire;
rocks break apart before him. 7The LORD is good,
a stronghold on the day of distress.
He knows those who take refuge in him. 8But with an overwhelming flood
he will make a complete end of her place;
darkness will pursue his enemies.

The oppressor’s end

9What are you plotting against the LORD?
He is making a complete end;
distress will not rise a second time. 10Though entangled like thorns
and drunk with their drink,
they will be consumed like fully dried stubble. 11From you came one who plotted evil against the LORD,
a counselor of wickedness. 12This is what the LORD says:
“Though they are at full strength and so numerous,
they will be cut down and pass away.
Though I have afflicted you,
I will afflict you no more. 13Now I will break his yoke from your neck
and tear your bonds apart.” 14The LORD has commanded concerning you:
“No more descendants will carry your name.
From the house of your gods
I will cut off carved and cast images.
I will prepare your grave, for you are worthless.” 15Look, on the mountains,
the feet of one bringing good news, announcing peace!
Celebrate your festivals, Judah; fulfill your vows.
The wicked one will never again pass through you;
he is utterly cut off.