1:1 A prophecy concerning Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.
1:2 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.
1:3 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.
1:4 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.
1:5 The mountains quake before him and the hills melt away. The earth trembles at his presence, the world and all who live in it.
1:6 Who can withstand his indignation? Who can endure his fierce anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; the rocks are shattered before him.
1:7 The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,
1:8 but with an overwhelming flood he will make an end of Nineveh; he will pursue his foes into the realm of darkness.
1:9 Whatever they plot against the Lord he will bring* to an end; trouble will not come a second time. / *Or What do you foes plot against the Lord? He will bring it
1:10 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.
1:11 From you, Nineveh, has one come forth who plots evil against the Lord and devises wicked plans.
1:12 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.
1:13 Now I will break their yoke from your neck and tear your shackles away.”
1:14 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.”
1:15 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.