Dual Panel1This book is the vision of Nahum from Elkosh. This is the sad message about the city of Nineveh.
The Lord Is Angry at Nineveh
2The LORD is a jealous God. The LORD punishes the guilty, and he is very angry. The LORD punishes his enemies, and he stays angry with them.
3The LORD is patient, but he is also very powerful! The LORD will punish the guilty; he will not let them go free. You can see his power in the whirlwinds and storms. The clouds are like dust from his feet.
4He gives a command and the sea becomes dry. He dries up all the rivers. The green hills of Bashan and Carmel turn brown, and the flowers of Lebanon die.
5When the Lord appears, the mountains shake and the hills melt away. He will come, and the earth will shake with fear. The earth and everyone on it will shake with fear.
6No one can stand against his great anger. No one can endure his terrible anger. His anger burns like fire. The rocks break to pieces when he comes.
7The LORD is good. He is a safe place to go to in times of trouble. He takes care of those who trust him.
8But he completely destroys his enemies. He washes them away like a flood and chases them into the darkness.
9Why are you making plans against the LORD? He will bring complete destruction, so that you can never cause trouble again.
10You will be destroyed completely like thornbushes burning under a pot. You will be destroyed like dry weeds that burn quickly.
11Someone from Nineveh is making evil plans against the LORD. That advisor is a worthless troublemaker.
12This is what the LORD said: “The people of Assyria are at full strength. They have many soldiers, but they will all be cut down. They will all be finished. My people, I made you suffer, but I will make you suffer no more.
13Now I will set you free from the power of Assyria. I will take the yoke off your neck and tear away the chains holding you.”
14King of Assyria, the LORD gave this command about you: “You will not have any descendants to wear your name. I will destroy your carved idols and metal statues that are in the temple of your gods. I am preparing your grave, because your end is coming soon!”
15Judah, look! There, coming over the mountains, is a messenger bringing good news! He says there is peace. Judah, celebrate your special festivals and do what you promised. Those worthless troublemakers will not come through and attack you again. They have all been destroyed.