Nahum 1:2-15 ▼

2 A jealous God, the LORD avenges. The LORD avenges; The Lord is an angry husband. The LORD takes vengeance on his enemies, reserving anger for his adversaries.

3 The LORD is slow to anger and powerful, and he will never let the guilty go unpunished. The LORD's path is in the windstorm and hurricane; thunderclouds are dust beneath his feet.

4 He rebukes the sea, and it evaporates; he dries up all the rivers. Bashan and Carmel wither, while the flowers of Lebanon languish.

5 Mountains shake because of him, and the hills melt. The earth goes into upheaval at his presence, as does the world with all of its inhabitants.

6 Who can stand before his fury? And who can endure his fierce anger? His displeasure pours out like fire, and rocks are broken to pieces because of him.

7 The LORD is good— a refuge in troubled times. He knows those who are confiding in him.

8 But with an overwhelming deluge he will bring utter desolation to Nineveh, and his enemies he will pursue with darkness.

9 What are you scheming against the LORD? He will bring about utter desolation— adversity will not strike twice!

10 Indeed, while tangled as by a thorn bush, while drunken as by a strong drink, the Ninevites will be burned like dry straw.

11 Someone has left you who plans evil against the LORD. He is a demonic counselor.

12 This is what the LORD says: |No matter how strong they are, and no matter how numerous, they will surely be annihilated and pass away. Though I have afflicted you, I will do so no more.

13 Now I will break off Assyria's yoke from you, and tear apart your shackles.|

14 Now this is what the Lord has decreed about you, Nineveh: |There will be no more children born to carry on your name. I will cut out the graven and molten images from the temples of your gods. I myself will dig your grave, because you are vile.|

15 Look! There on the mountains! The feet of the one who brings good news, who broadcasts a message of peace. Judah, celebrate your solemn festivals and keep your vows, because the wicked will never again invade you. Nineveh will be completely eliminated!