1 The oracle against Nineveh; the book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite:
2 The Lord is a zealous and avenging God; the Lord is avenging and very angry. The Lord takes vengeance against his foes; he sustains his rage against his enemies.
3 The Lord is slow to anger but great in power; the Lord will certainly not allow the wicked to go unpunished.He marches out in the whirlwind and the raging storm; dark storm clouds billow like dust under his feet.
4 He shouts a battle cry against the sea and makes it dry up; he makes all the rivers run dry. Bashan and Carmel wither; the blossom of Lebanon withers.
5 The mountains tremble before him, the hills convulse; the earth is laid waste before him, the world and all its inhabitants are laid waste.
6 No one can withstand his indignation! No one can resist his fierce anger! His wrath is poured out like volcanic fire, boulders are broken up as he approaches.
7 The Lord is good – indeed, he is a fortress in time of distress, and he protects those who seek refuge in him.
8 But with an overwhelming flood he will make a complete end of Nineveh; he will drive his enemies into darkness.
9 Whatever you plot against the Lord, he will completely destroy! Distress will not arise a second time.
10 Surely they will be totally consumed like entangled thorn bushes, like the drink of drunkards, like very dry stubble.
11 From you, O Nineveh, one has marched forth who plots evil against the Lord, a wicked military strategist.
12 This is what the Lord says: “Even though they are powerful – and what is more, even though their army is numerous – nevertheless, they will be destroyed and trickle away! Although I afflicted you, I will afflict you no more.
13 And now, I will break Assyria’s yoke bar from your neck; I will tear apart the shackles that are on you.”
14 The Lord has issued a decree against you: “Your dynasty will come to an end. I will destroy the idols and images in the temples of your gods. I will desecrate your grave – because you are accursed!”
15 Look! A herald is running on the mountains! A messenger is proclaiming deliverance: “Celebrate your sacred festivals, O Judah! Fulfill your sacred vows to praise God! For never again will the wicked Assyrians invade you, they have been completely destroyed.”