The Vision of Nahum

1 This is an oracle about Nineveh; the book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite:⁠a

God as Divine Warrior

2 The Lord is a zealous and avenging God; the Lord is avenging and very angry.⁠b The Lord takes vengeance against his foes; he sustains his rage against his enemies.⁠c 3 The Lord is slow to anger but great in power; the Lord will certainly not allow the wicked to go unpunished.⁠d He marches out in the whirlwind and the raging storm; dark storm clouds billow like dust under his feet.⁠e 4 He shouts a battle cry against the sea and makes it dry up; he makes all the rivers run dry. Bashan and Carmel wither; the blossom of Lebanon withers.⁠f 5 The mountains tremble before him; the hills convulse; the earth is laid waste before him the world and all its inhabitants are laid waste.⁠g

6 No one can withstand his indignation! No one can resist his fierce anger! His wrath is poured out like volcanic fire, boulders are broken up as he approaches. 7 The Lord is good—indeed, he is a fortress in time of distress, and he protects those who seek refuge in him.⁠h 8 But with an overwhelming flood he will make a complete end of Nineveh; he will drive his enemies into darkness.⁠i

Announcement of Punishment against Nineveh and Salvation for Judah

9 Whatever you plot against the Lord, he will completely destroy! Distress will not arise a second time. 10 Surely they will be totally consumed like entangled thornbushes, like the drink of drunkards, like very dry stubble.⁠j 11 From you, O Nineveh, one has marched forth who plots evil against the Lord, a wicked military strategist.⁠k

12 This is what the Lord says:⁠l “Even though they are powerful—and what is more, even though their army is numerous—nevertheless, they will be destroyed and trickle away! Although I afflicted you, I will afflict you no more.⁠m 13 And now, I will break Assyria’s yoke bar from your neck; I will tear apart the shackles that are on you.”

14 The Lord has issued a decree against you: “Your dynasty will come to an end. I will destroy the idols and images in the temples of your gods. I will desecrate your grave, because you are accursed!”⁠n

15 Look! A herald is running on the mountains! A messenger is proclaiming deliverance:⁠o “Celebrate your sacred festivals, O Judah! Fulfill your sacred vows to praise God! For never again will the wicked Assyrians invade you; they have been completely destroyed.”