Nahum 1

1An oracle about Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum of Elkosh. 2The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD avenges and is full of wrath. The LORD takes vengeance on his foes and holds his anger against his enemies. 3The LORD is slow to grow angry but great in power, and he will never acquit the guilty. The LORD makes his way in the whirlwind and the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. 4He rebukes the sea and makes it dry; he dries up every river. Bashan and Carmel wilt, and the flowers of Lebanon fade. 5Before him the mountains quake, and the hills melt away. The earth heaves at his presence, the world and everyone who lives in it. 6Who can stand before his indignation? Who can endure his burning anger? His wrath pours out like fire, and the rocks are shattered before him. 7The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. 8But with a rushing flood he will make an end of her place, and he will drive his enemies into darkness. 9What are you plotting against the LORD? He will make a complete end; trouble will not rise up a second time. 10Though they are like a tangle of thorns and drunk with their wine, they will be burned up like dry stubble. 11From you has come one who plots evil against the LORD, a counselor of wickedness.

12The LORD says this: Though they are at full strength and many, they will still be cut down and pass away. I have afflicted you, but I will afflict you no more. 13Now I will break his yoke from off you and snap the ropes that bind you. 14The LORD has given a command about you: you will have no more offspring to bear your name. I will cut off the carved idol and the cast image from the house of your gods. I will make your grave, for you count for nothing.

15Look! On the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news! He calls out peace. Celebrate your festivals, Judah, and fulfill your vows, for the worthless one will never again march through you; he is cut off completely.