[1] I am Nahum from Elkosh. And this is the message that I wrote down about Nineveh. [2] The LORD God demands loyalty. In his anger, he takes revenge on his enemies. [3] The LORD is powerful, yet patient; he makes sure that the guilty are always punished. He can be seen in storms and in whirlwinds; clouds are the dust from his feet. [4] At the LORD's command, oceans and rivers dry up. Bashan, Mount Carmel, and Lebanon wither, and their flowers fade. [5] At the sight of the LORD, mountains and hills tremble and melt; the earth and its people shudder and shake. [6] Who can stand the heat of his furious anger? It flashes out like fire and shatters stones. [7] The LORD is good. He protects those who trust him in times of trouble. [8] But like a roaring flood, the LORD chases his enemies into dark places and destroys them. [9] So don't plot against the LORD! He wipes out his enemies, and they never revive. [10] They are like drunkards overcome by wine, or like dry thornbushes burning in a fire. [11] Assyria, one of your rulers has made evil plans against the LORD. [12] But the LORD says, "Assyria, no matter how strong you are, you are doomed! My people Judah, I have troubled you before, but I won't do it again. [13] I'll snap your chains and set you free from the Assyrians." [14] Assyria, this is what else the LORD says to you: "Your name will be forgotten. I will destroy every idol in your temple, and I will send you to the grave, because you are worthless." [15] Look toward the mountains, people of Judah! Here comes a messenger with good news of peace. Celebrate your festivals. Keep your promises to God. Your evil enemies are destroyed and will never again invade your country.
