Nahum 1:1-14

This is the book of the vision of Nahum who was from the village of Elkosh. A prophecy concerning Nineveh: YAHWEH is a God who tolerates no rivals. Lord YAHWEH will take vengeance on his foes. He punishes his adversaries and keeps wrath for his enemies. YAHWEH is very slow to anger but so great in power; YAHWEH will not let the guilty go unpunished. He marches out in the whirlwind and storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. He rebukes the sea and dries it up and makes all the rivers run dry. At his rebuke, the lush meadows of Bashan and Carmel wither; the flowering fields of Lebanon fade. In his presence, the mountains quake and the hills melt away. When he appears, the earth heaves, and the world and all who dwell in it are laid waste. Who can stand before an angry God? Who can face his fiery fury? When his wrath erupts, it pours out like lava, and boulders are broken to bits as he approaches. The goodness of YAHWEH is beyond belief! For when trouble comes, we run into his heart and hide. He always cares for those who seek refuge in him. But with an overwhelming flood, he will make a complete end of Nineveh, and darkness will overtake his enemies. Whatever evil plot you hatch against YAHWEH, he will so completely thwart that it will not rise up a second time. They will be like drunkards from their carousing— like entangled thorns, they will be consumed as dry stubble. From you, Nineveh, came one who plotted evil against YAHWEH, a wicked, worthless strategist. YAHWEH says, “Although your enemies are many and secure in their alliances, they will nonetheless be mowed down and pass away. Though I have afflicted you, my people, I will not do it again. And now I will break his yoke of bondage from your neck and tear away your shackles of Assyrian oppression.” YAHWEH has decreed against you, Nineveh