1 Here is a message the Lord gave Nahum in a vision about Nineveh. It is written on a scroll. Nahum was from the town of Elkosh. Here is what he said.
2 The Lord is a jealous God who punishes people. He pays them back for the evil things they do. His anger burns against them. The Lord punishes his enemies. He holds his anger back until the right time to use it.
3 The Lord is slow to get angry. He is very powerful. The Lord will not let guilty people go without punishing them. When he marches out, he stirs up winds and storms. Clouds are the dust kicked up by his feet.
4 He controls the seas. He dries them up. He makes all of the rivers run dry. Bashan and Mount Carmel dry up. The flowers in Lebanon fade.
5 He causes the mountains to shake. The hills melt away. The earth trembles because he is there. So do the world and all those who live in it.
6 Who can stand firm when his anger burns? Who can live when he is angry? His anger blazes out like fire. He smashes the rocks to pieces.
7 The Lord is good. When people are in trouble, they can go to him for safety. He takes good care of those who trust in him.
8 But he will destroy Nineveh with a powerful flood. He will chase his enemies into the darkness of punishment.
9 The Lord will put an end to anything they plan against him. He won't allow Assyria to win the battle over his people a second time.
10 His enemies will be tangled up among thorns. Their wine will make them drunk. They'll be burned up like dry straw.
11 Nineveh, a king has marched out from you. He makes evil plans against the Lord. He gives harmful advice.
12 The Lord says, "His army has many soldiers. Other nations are helping them. But they will be cut off and pass away. Judah, I punished you. But I will not do it anymore.
13 Now I will break Assyria's yoke off your neck. I will tear off the ropes that hold you."
14 Nineveh, the Lord has given an order concerning you. He has said, "You will not have any children to carry on your name. I will destroy the wooden and metal statues that are in the temple of your gods. I will get your grave ready for you. You are worthless."