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The Oracle of Nineveh

(Jonah 1:1-3)

¹ This is the oracle of 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 overflowing flood, He will make an end of Nineveh^(a) 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 from you I will now break off their yoke 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.