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

2 The Lord is a zealous and avenging God;

the Lord is avenging and very angry.

The Lord takes vengeance against his foes;

he sustains his rage against his enemies.

3 The Lord is slow to anger but great in power;

the Lord will certainly not allow the wicked to go unpunished.

He marches out in the whirlwind and the raging storm;

dark storm clouds billow like dust under his feet.

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.

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.

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.

8 But with an overwhelming flood

he will make a complete end of Nineveh;

he will drive his enemies into darkness.

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.

11 From you, O Nineveh, one has marched forth who plots evil against the Lord,

a wicked military strategist.

12 This is what the Lord says:

“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.

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!”

15 (2:1) Look! A herald is running on the mountains!

A messenger is proclaiming deliverance:

“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.”