The Burden against Nineveh

(Jonah 1:1–3)

1 This is the burden against Nineveh, the book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite:

2 The LORD is a jealous and avenging God;

the LORD is avenging and full of wrath.

The LORD takes vengeance on His foes

and reserves wrath for His enemies.

3 The LORD is slow to anger

and great in power;

the LORD will by no means

leave the guilty unpunished.

His path is in the whirlwind and storm,

and clouds are the dust beneath His feet.

4 He rebukes the sea and dries it up;

He makes all the rivers run dry.

Bashan and Carmel wither,

and the flower of Lebanon wilts.

5 The mountains quake before Him,

and the hills melt away;

the earth trembles at His presence—

the world and all its dwellers.

6 Who can withstand His indignation?

Who can endure His burning anger?

His wrath is poured out like fire;

even rocks are shattered before Him.

7 The LORD is good,

a stronghold in the day of distress;

He cares for those who trust in Him.

8 But with an overwhelming flood

He will make an end of Nineveh [fn]

and pursue His enemies into darkness.

9 Whatever you plot against the LORD,

He will bring to an end.

Affliction will not rise up

a second time.

10 For they will be entangled as with thorns

and consumed like the drink of a drunkard—

like stubble that is fully dry.

11 From you, O Nineveh, comes forth

a plotter of evil against the LORD,

a counselor of wickedness.

12 This is what the LORD says:

“Though they are allied and numerous,

yet they will be cut down and pass away.

Though I have afflicted you, O Judah,

I will afflict you no longer.

13 For I will now break their yoke from your neck

and tear away your shackles.”

14 The LORD has issued a command concerning you, O Nineveh:

“There will be no descendants

to carry on your name.

I will cut off the carved image and cast idol

from the house of your gods;

I will prepare your grave,

for you are contemptible.”

15 Look to the mountains—

the feet of one who brings good news,

who proclaims peace!

Celebrate your feasts, O Judah;

fulfill your vows.

For the wicked will never again march through you;

they will be utterly cut off.