Nahum 1

1. This is a prophecy about Ninveh, the book of the vision of Nachum the Elkoshi:

2. Adonai is a jealous and vengeful God. 2 Adonai avenges; he knows how to be angry. 2 Adonai takes vengeance on his foes 2 and stores up wrath for his enemies.

3. Adonai is slow to anger, but great in power; 3 and he does not leave the guilty unpunished. 3 Adonai’s path is in the whirlwind and storm, 3 and the clouds are the dust of his feet.

4. He rebukes the sea and leaves it dry, 4 he dries up all the rivers. 4 Bashan and the Karmel languish; 4 the flower of the L’vanon withers.

5. The mountains quake before him, 5 and the hills dissolve; 5 the earth collapses in his presence, 5 the world and everyone living in it.

6. Who can withstand his fury? 6 Who can endure his fierce anger? 6 His wrath is poured out like fire, 6 the rocks broken to pieces before him.

7. Adonai is good, 7 a stronghold in time of trouble; 7 he takes care of those 7 who take refuge in him.

8. But with an overwhelming flood 8 he will make an end of [Ninveh’s] place, 8 and darkness will pursue his enemies.

9. What are you planning against Adonai? 9 He is making an end [of it]; 9 trouble will not arise a second time.

10. For like men drunk with liquor, 10 they will be burned up like tangled thorns, 10 like straw completely dry.

11. Out of you, [Ninveh,] he came, 11 one who plots evil against Adonai, 11 who counsels wickedness.

12. Here is what Adonai says: 12 “Though they be many and strong, 12 they will be cut down, they will pass; 12 and though I have made you suffer, 12 I will make you suffer no more.

13. Now I will break his yoke from your necks 13 and snap the chains that bind you.

14. Adonai gave this order concerning you: 14 you will have no descendants to bear your name; 14 from the house of your god I will cut off 14 carved image and cast metal image; 14 I will prepare your grave, 14 because you are worthless.”