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1. Lord's Anger Against Nineveh

¹ A prophecy concerning Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.

The LORD’s Anger Against Nineveh

    ² The LORD is a jealous and avenging God;
   the LORD takes vengeance and is filled with wrath.
The LORD takes vengeance on his foes
   and vents his wrath against his enemies.
³ The LORD is slow to anger but great in power;
   the LORD will not leave the guilty unpunished.
His way is in the whirlwind and the storm,
   and clouds are the dust of his feet.
⁴ He rebukes the sea and dries it up;
   he makes all the rivers run dry.
Bashan and Carmel wither
   and the blossoms of Lebanon fade.
⁵ The mountains quake before him
   and the hills melt away.
The earth trembles at his presence,
   the world and all who live in it.
⁶ Who can withstand his indignation?
   Who can endure his fierce anger?
His wrath is poured out like fire;
   the rocks are shattered before him.

    ⁷ The LORD is good,
   a refuge in times of trouble.
He cares for those who trust in him,
    ⁸ but with an overwhelming flood
he will make an end of Nineveh;
   he will pursue his foes into the realm of darkness.

    ⁹ Whatever they plot against the LORD
   he will bring Or What do you foes plot against the LORD? / He will bring it to an end;
   trouble will not come a second time.
¹⁰ They will be entangled among thorns
   and drunk from their wine;
   they will be consumed like dry stubble. The meaning of the Hebrew for this verse is uncertain.
¹¹ From you, Nineveh, has one come forth
   who plots evil against the LORD
   and devises wicked plans.

¹² This is what the LORD says:

   “Although they have allies and are numerous,
   they will be destroyed and pass away.
Although I have afflicted you, Judah,
   I will afflict you no more.
¹³ Now I will break their yoke from your neck
   and tear your shackles away.”

    ¹⁴ The LORD has given a command concerning you, Nineveh:
   “You will have no descendants to bear your name.
I will destroy the images and idols
   that are in the temple of your gods.
I will prepare your grave,
   for you are vile.”

    ¹⁵ Look, there on the mountains,
   the feet of one who brings good news,
   who proclaims peace!
Celebrate your festivals, Judah,
   and fulfill your vows.
No more will the wicked invade you;
   they will be completely destroyed. In Hebrew texts this verse (1:15) is numbered 2:1.

The Prophet pursues here the same subject; but expresses more clearly what might have been doubtful, — that whatever strength there might be in the Assyrians, it could not resist the coming of God’s vengeance. For thus saith Jehovah, Though they be quiet and also strong, etc. I cannot now finish this subject, but will only say this, — The Prophet intimates that though Nineveh promised to itself a tranquil state, because it was well fortified, and had a wide and large extent of empire, yet this thy peace, he says, or this thy confidence and security, shall not be an impediment, that the hand of God should not be extended to thee. Though, then, they be many or strong etc.; for we can render רבים, rebim, strong as well as many; but either would suit this place; for we understand the Prophet’s meaning to be, that all God’s enemies would be cut off, however secure they might be, while depending on their own strength and fortresses. The rest to-morrow.