The Lord 's Anger Against Israel's Enemies

[Lorenzo]

Nahum 1:2-15



2 The LORD is a jealous and avenging God;
       the LORD takes vengeance and is filled with wrath.
       The LORD takes vengeance on his foes
       and maintains his wrath against his enemies.

3 The LORD is slow to anger and great in power;
       the LORD will not leave the guilty unpunished.
       His way is in the whirlwind and the storm,
       and clouds are the dust of his feet.

4 He rebukes the sea and dries it up;
       he makes all the rivers run dry.
       Bashan and Carmel wither
       and the blossoms of Lebanon fade.

5 The mountains quake before him
       and the hills melt away.
       The earth trembles at his presence,
       the world and all who live in it.

6 Who can withstand his indignation?
       Who can endure his fierce anger?
       His wrath is poured out like fire;
       the rocks are shattered before him.

7 The LORD is good,
       a refuge in times of trouble.
       He cares for those who trust in him,

8 but with an overwhelming flood
       he will make an end of Nineveh ;
       he will pursue his foes into darkness.

9 Whatever they plot against the LORD
       he  will bring to an end;
       trouble will not come a second time.

10 They will be entangled among thorns
       and drunk from their wine;
       they will be consumed like dry stubble.

11 From you, O Nineveh , has one come forth
       who plots evil against the LORD
       and counsels wickedness.

12 This is what the LORD says:
       "Although they have allies and are numerous,
       they will be cut off and pass away.
       Although I have afflicted you, O Judah ,
       I will afflict you no more.

13 Now I will break their yoke from your neck
       and tear your shackles away."

14 The LORD has given a command concerning you, Nineveh :
       "You will have no descendants to bear your name.
       I will destroy the carved images and cast idols
       that are in the temple of your gods.
       I will prepare your grave,
       for you are vile."

15 Look, there on the mountains,
       the feet of one who brings good news,
       who proclaims peace!
       Celebrate your festivals, O Judah,
       and fulfill your vows.
       No more will the wicked invade you;
       they will be completely destroyed.