Dual Panel1AN oracle about Nineveh: the book of the vision of Nahum from Elkosh.
The vengeance of the Lord on his enemies
2THE LORD is a jealous God, a God of vengeance; the LORD takes vengeance and is quick to anger. The LORD takes vengeance on his adversaries and directs his wrath against his enemies.
3The LORD is long-suffering and of great might, but he will not let the guilty escape punishment. His path is in the whirlwind and storm, and the clouds are the fine dust beneath his feet.
4He rebukes the sea and dries it up and makes all the rivers fail. Bashan and Carmel languish, and on Lebanon the young shoots wither.
5The mountains quake before him, and the hills dissolve; the earth is in tumult at his presence, the world and all who live in it.
6Who can stand before his wrath? Who can resist the fury of his anger? His rage is poured out like fire, and the rocks are dislodged before him.
7The LORD is a sure protection in time of trouble, and cares for all who make him their refuge.
8With a raging flood he makes an end of those who oppose him, and pursues his enemies into darkness.
9Why do you make plots against the LORD? He will make an end of you, and you will suffer affliction once and for all.
10Like a thicket of tangled briars, like dry stubble, they are utterly consumed.
11From you, Nineveh, has come forth a wicked counsellor, one who plots evil against the LORD.
Israel and Judah rid of the invaders
12THESE are the words of the LORD: Judah, though your punishment has been great, yet it will pass away and be gone. I have afflicted you, but I shall not afflict you again.
13Now I shall break his yoke from your necks and snap the cords that bind you.
14Nineveh, this is what the LORD has ordained for you: No more children will be born to you; I shall hew down image and idol in the temples of your gods; I shall prepare your grave, for you are of no account.
15There on the mountains are the feet of the herald who proclaims good news! Keep your pilgrim-feasts, Judah, and fulfil your vows. The wicked will never again overrun you; they are totally destroyed.