1 The oracle concerning Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.
2 The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD takes vengeance and is fierce in wrath. The LORD takes vengeance against His foes; He is furious with His enemies.
3 The LORD is slow to anger but great in power; the LORD will never leave the guilty unpunished. His path is in the whirlwind and storm, and clouds are the dust beneath His feet.
4 He rebukes the sea so that it dries up, and He makes all the rivers run dry. Bashan and Carmel wither; even the flower of Lebanon withers.
5 The mountains quake before Him, and the hills melt; the earth tremblesat His presence-- the world and all who live in it.
6 Who can withstand His indignation? Who can endure His burning anger? His wrath is poured out like fire, even rocks are shattered before Him.
7 The LORD is good, a stronghold in a day of distress; He cares for those who take refuge in Him.
8 But He will completely destroy Nineveh with an overwhelming flood, and He will chase His enemies into darkness.
9 Whatever you plot against the Lord, He will bring it to complete destruction; oppression will not rise up a second time.
10 For they will be consumed like entangled thorns, like a drunkard's drink, and like straw that is fully dry.
11 One has gone out from Nineveh, who plots evil against the LORD, and is a wicked counselor.
12 This is what the LORD says: Though they are strong and numerous, they will still be mowed down, and he will pass away. Though I have afflicted you, I will afflict you no longer.
13 For I will now break off his yoke from you and tear off your shackles.
14 The LORD has issued an order concerning you: There will be no offspring to carry on your name. I will eliminate the carved idol and cast image from the house of your gods; I will prepare your grave, for you are contemptible.
15 Look to the mountains-- the feet of one bringing good news 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.