The Burden against Nineveh

1This is the burden against Nineveh, the book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite:

2The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD is avenging and full of wrath. The LORD takes vengeance on His foes and reserves wrath for His enemies.

3The LORD is slow to anger and great in power; the LORD will by no means leave the guilty unpunished. His path is in the whirlwind and storm, and clouds are the dust beneath His feet.

4He rebukes the sea and dries it up; He makes all the rivers run dry. Bashan and Carmel wither, and the flower of Lebanon wilts.

5The mountains quake before Him, and the hills melt away; the earth trembles at His presence— the world and all its dwellers.

6Who can withstand His indignation? Who can endure His burning anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; even rocks are shattered before Him.

7The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of distress;
He cares for those who trust in Him.

8But with an overwhelming flood He will make an end of Nineveh ⁰
and pursue His enemies into darkness.

9Whatever you plot against the LORD, He will bring to an end. Affliction will not rise up a second time.

10For they will be entangled as with thorns and consumed like the drink of a drunkard—
like stubble that is fully dry.

11From you, O Nineveh, comes forth a plotter of evil against the LORD,
a counselor of wickedness.

12This is what the LORD says:
“Though they are allied and numerous, yet they will be cut down and pass away. Though I have afflicted you, O Judah, I will afflict you no longer.

13For I will now break their yoke from your neck and tear away your shackles.”

14The LORD has issued a command concerning you, O Nineveh:
“There will be no descendants to carry on your name. I will cut off the carved image and cast idol from the house of your gods; I will prepare your grave, for you are contemptible.”

15Look to the mountains— the feet of one who brings good news,
who proclaims peace! Celebrate your feasts, O Judah; fulfill your vows. For the wicked will never again march through you; they will be utterly cut off.