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1 An oracle concerning Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum of Elkosh.
The Consuming Wrath of God2 A jealous and avenging God is the L ord, the L ord is avenging and wrathful; the L ord takes vengeance on his adversaries and rages against his enemies. 3 The L ord is slow to anger but great in power, and the L ord will by no means clear the guilty.
His way is in whirlwind and storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. 4 He rebukes the sea and makes it dry, and he dries up all the rivers; Bashan and Carmel wither, and the bloom of Lebanon fades. 5 The mountains quake before him, and the hills melt; the earth heaves before him, the world and all who live in it.
6 Who can stand before his indignation? Who can endure the heat of his anger? His wrath is poured out like fire, and by him the rocks are broken in pieces. 7 The L ord is good, a stronghold in a day of trouble; he protects those who take refuge in him, 8 even in a rushing flood. He will make a full end of his adversaries, and will pursue his enemies into darkness. 9 Why do you plot against the L ord? He will make an end; no adversary will rise up twice. 10 Like thorns they are entangled, like drunkards they are drunk; they are consumed like dry straw. 11 From you one has gone out who plots evil against the L ord, one who counsels wickedness.
Good News for Judah12 Thus says the L ord, “Though they are at full strength and many, they will be cut off and pass away. Though I have afflicted you, I will afflict you no more. 13 And now I will break off his yoke from you and snap the bonds that bind you.”
14 The L ord has commanded concerning you: “Your name shall be perpetuated no longer; from the house of your gods I will cut off the carved image and the cast image. I will make your grave, for you are worthless.”
15 Look! On the mountains the feet of one who brings good tidings, who proclaims peace! Celebrate your festivals, O Judah, fulfill your vows, for never again shall the wicked invade you; they are utterly cut off. New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by
permission. All rights reserved.
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The Prophet pursues here the same subject; but expresses more clearly what might have been doubtful, — that whatever strength there might be in the Assyrians, it could not resist the coming of God’s vengeance. For thus saith Jehovah, Though they be quiet and also strong, etc. I cannot now finish this subject, but will only say this, — The Prophet intimates that though Nineveh promised to itself a tranquil state, because it was well fortified, and had a wide and large extent of empire, yet this thy peace, he says, or this thy confidence and security, shall not be an impediment, that the hand of God should not be extended to thee. Though, then, they be many or strong etc.; for we can render רבים, rebim, strong as well as many; but either would suit this place; for we understand the Prophet’s meaning to be, that all God’s enemies would be cut off, however secure they might be, while depending on their own strength and fortresses. The rest to-morrow. |