Nahum 1

1A prophecy concerning Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.

2Yahweh is a jealous God and avenges. Yahweh avenges and possesses wrath. Yahweh avenges his adversaries, and he reserves wrath for his enemies.

3Yahweh is patient in anger and mighty in strength, yet will not acquit. His path runs through whirlwind and storm, and clouds form the dust beneath his feet.

4He rebukes the sea and dries it up, and lays waste all the rivers. Bashan languishes, Carmel, and the bloom of Lebanon languishes.

5Mountains tremble before him, hills dissolve, the earth heaves up from his presence—the world and all who live in it.

6Who can stand before his indignation? Who can rise amid the fury of his anger? His wrath pours out like fire, and the rocks break apart by him.

7Yahweh is good, a refuge in the day of distress, and he knows those who trust in him.

8But with an overflowing flood he will bring her place to complete ruin, and pursue his enemies into darkness.

9What are you devising against Yahweh? He makes complete destruction; distress will not arise a second time.

10For while they fold together like fishhooks and are drunken as with their drink, they are consumed like fully dry stubble.

11From you has come one who devises evil against Yahweh, a counselor of Belial.

12Thus says Yahweh: Though they are whole and likewise many, even so they will be cut off when he passes by. Though I have humbled you, I will humble you no more.

13Now I will break his yoke from you and tear your bonds.

14Yahweh has commanded concerning you: no more shall seed be sown from your name—from the house of your gods I will cut off the carved image and the molten image; I will prepare your grave, for you are despicable.

15See, on the mountains the feet of him who brings good news, proclaiming peace! Celebrate your feasts, Judah; pay your vows, for the wicked one will no more pass through you—he is utterly cut off.