Study Desk

A prophecy^(a) concerning Nineveh.^(b) The book of the vision^(c) of Nahum the Elkoshite.

The Lord is a jealous^(d) and avenging God; the Lord takes vengeance^(e) and is filled with wrath. The Lord takes vengeance on his foes and vents his wrath against his enemies.^(f)

The Lord is slow to anger^(g) but great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished.^(h) His way is in the whirlwind⁽ⁱ⁾ and the storm,^(j) and clouds^(k) are the dust of his feet.

He rebukes^(l) the sea and dries it up;^(m) he makes all the rivers run dry. Bashan and Carmel⁽ⁿ⁾ wither and the blossoms of Lebanon fade.

The mountains quake^(o) before him and the hills melt away.^(p) The earth trembles^(q) at his presence, the world and all who live in it.^(r)

Who can withstand^(s) his indignation? Who can endure^(t) his fierce anger?^(u) His wrath is poured out like fire;^(v) the rocks are shattered^(w) before him.

The Lord is good,^(x) a refuge in times of trouble.^(y) He cares for^(z) those who trust in him,^(aa)

but with an overwhelming flood^(ab) he will make an end of Nineveh; he will pursue his foes into the realm of darkness.

Whatever they plot^(ac) against the Lord he will bring^[a] to an end; trouble will not come a second time.

They will be entangled among thorns^(ad) and drunk^(ae) from their wine; they will be consumed like dry stubble.^[b](af)

From you, Nineveh, has one come forth who plots evil against the Lord and devises wicked plans.

This is what the Lord says: "Although they have allies and are numerous, they will be destroyed^(ag) and pass away. Although I have afflicted you, Judah, I will afflict you no more.^(ah)

Now I will break their yoke^(ai) from your neck and tear your shackles away."^(aj)

The Lord has given a command concerning you, Nineveh: "You will have no descendants to bear your name.^(ak) I will destroy the images^(al) and idols that are in the temple of your gods. I will prepare your grave,^(am) for you are vile."

Look, there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news,^(an) who proclaims peace!^(ao) Celebrate your festivals,^(ap) Judah, and fulfill your vows. No more will the wicked invade you;^(aq) they will be completely destroyed.^[c]