1 The pronouncement 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 A wrath.
The LORD takes vengeance against his foes; c
he is furious with his enemies. d
3 The LORD is slow to anger but great in power;
the LORD will never leave the guilty unpunished. e
His path is in the whirlwind and storm, f
and clouds are the dust beneath his feet. g
4 He rebukes the sea and dries it up,
and he makes all the rivers run dry. h
Bashan and Carmel wither; i
even the flower of Lebanon withers.
5 The mountains quake before him,
and the hills melt;
the earth trembles B,C at his presence—
the world and all who live in it. j
6 Who can withstand his indignation?
Who can endure his burning anger? k
His wrath is poured out like fire; l
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 m in him.
8 But he will completely destroy Nineveh D
with an overwhelming flood, n
and he will chase his enemies into darkness.
9 Whatever you E plot against the LORD,
he will bring it to complete destruction; o
oppression will not rise up a second time.
like entangled thorns, p
like the drink of a drunkard
and like straw that is fully dry. F
11 One has gone out from you, G
who plots evil against the LORD,
and is a wicked counselor.
Promise of Judah’s Deliverance
12 This is what the LORD says:
Though they are strong H and numerous,
they will still be mowed down,
and he I will pass away.
Though I have punished you, J,q
I will punish you no longer. r
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
I will eliminate the carved idol and cast image
from the house of your gods; t
I will prepare your grave,
for you are contemptible.
the feet of the herald, u
who proclaims peace.
Celebrate your festivals, Judah;
fulfill your vows.
For the wicked one will never again
march through you;
he will be entirely wiped out.