New Living Translation

1 This message concerning Nineveh came as a vision to Nahum, who lived in Elkosh. 2 The LORD is a jealous God (Elohim),<br>filled with vengeance and rage.<br>He takes revenge on all who oppose him<br>and continues to rage against his enemies!<br> 3 The LORD is slow to get angry, but his power is great,<br>and he never lets the guilty go unpunished.<br>He displays his power in the whirlwind and the storm.<br>The billowing clouds are the dust beneath his feet.<br> 4 At his command the oceans dry up,<br>and the rivers disappear.<br>The lush pastures of Bashan and Carmel fade,<br>and the green forests of Lebanon wither.<br> 5 In his presence the mountains quake,<br>and the hills melt away;<br>the earth trembles,<br>and its people are destroyed.<br> 6 Who can stand before his fierce anger?<br>Who can survive his burning fury?<br>His rage blazes forth like fire,<br>and the mountains crumble to dust in his presence.<br> 7 The LORD is good,<br>a strong refuge when trouble comes.<br>He is close to those who trust in him.<br> 8 But he will sweep away his enemies<br>in an overwhelming flood.<br>He will pursue his foes<br>into the darkness of night.<br> 9 Why are you scheming against the LORD?<br>He will destroy you with one blow;<br>he won’t need to strike twice!<br> 10 His enemies, tangled like thornbushes<br>and staggering like drunks,<br>will be burned up like dry stubble in a field.<br> 11 Who is this wicked counselor of yours<br>who plots evil against the LORD?<br> 12 This is what the LORD says:<br>“Though the Assyrians have many allies,<br>they will be destroyed and disappear.<br>O my people, I have punished you before,<br>but I will not punish you again.<br> 13 Now I will break the yoke of bondage from your neck<br>and tear off the chains of Assyrian oppression.”<br> 14 And this is what the LORD says concerning the Assyrians in Nineveh:<br>“You will have no more children to carry on your name.<br>I will destroy all the idols in the temples of your gods.<br>I am preparing a grave for you<br>because you are despicable!”<br> 15 Look! A messenger is coming over the mountains with good news!<br>He is bringing a message of peace.<br>Celebrate your festivals, O people of Judah,<br>and fulfill all your vows,<br>for your wicked enemies will never invade your land again.<br>They will be completely destroyed!<br>