Nahum 1

1 The oracle, on Nineveh, —the scroll of the vision of Nahum, the Elkoshite.

A prophecy about Nineveh: the scroll of the vision that came to Nahum the Elkoshite.

2 A GOD jealous and avenging, is Yahweh, an avenger, is Yahweh, and a lord of wrath, an avenger, is Yahweh towards his adversaries, and, a retainer [of anger], is he to his foes.

The Lord is a jealous and avenging God—the Lord God is avenging and angry. The Lord takes vengeance on his enemies, he is angry with those who are hostile to him.

3 Yahweh, is slow to anger, but great in vigour, He will not leave, unpunished, as for Yahweh, in storm-wind and in tempest, is his way, and, clouds, are the dust of his feet.

The Lord is slow to become angry, has great power, and will not leave the guilty unpunished. He walks among the whirlwind and the storm; the clouds are like dust beneath his feet.

4 Who rebuketh the sea and hath made it dry, and, all the streams, hath he dried up, —withered are Bashan and Carmel, Even the bloom of Lebanon, is withered:

He commands the sea and makes it dry; he dries up all the rivers. Bashan and Carmel wither; the blossom of Lebanon fades.

5 Mountains, have trembled because of him, and, the hills, have melted, —and the earth, hath lifted itself up, at his presence, the world also, and all who dwell therein.

Mountains quake in his presence; hills melt away. The earth trembles before him—the whole world and everyone who lives there.

6 Before his indignation, who shall stand? And who shall abide the glow of his anger? His wrath, hath been poured forth like fire, and, the rocks, have been broken down because of him.

Who can withstand his fury? Who can endure the heat of his anger? His rage pours out like molten fire; he shatters rocks to pieces.

7 Good is Yahweh, as a protection in the day of distress, —and one who acknowledgeth them who seek refuge in him.

The Lord is good, a place of safety in a time of trouble. He takes care of those who place their trust in him,

8 But, with an overflow rolling on, a full end, will he make of them who rise up against him, —and, his foes, will he pursue into darkness.

but those who oppose him will be swept away by a tremendous flood to their destruction. He pursues his enemies into the darkness of death.

9 What can ye devise against Yahweh? A full end, is he making, —Distress, shall not rise up twice:

Why are you plotting against the Lord? He will end it completely; misery won't arise twice.

10 Though they were like thorns intertwined, and as drunkards drenched with their drink, yet have they been devoured, like stubble fully dry.

They entangle themselves like people caught in thorn bushes; they are like drunks full of drink. They will be completely burned up like dry straw.

11 Out of thee, hath one come forth—plotting, against Yahweh, wickedness, —A counselor of the Abandoned One.

One of you is plotting evil against the Lord, someone who is planning wickedness.

12 Thus, saith Yahweh, Though they be in full force, and so in great numbers, yet, even so, have they been cut off, and have passed away, —If I humble thee [once], I will not humble thee again.

This is what the Lord says: Even though they are strong and numerous, they will be cut down and they will pass away. Though I have caused you trouble, I will not do so anymore.

13 Now, therefore, will I break his yoke from off thee, —and, thy fetters, will I tear off.

Now I will break their yoke from your necks and tear away the chains which bind you.

14 Then will Yahweh give command concerning thee, None of thy name shall be sown any more, —out of the house of thy gods, will I cut off carved image and molten image, I will appoint thy grave, for thou art of little esteem.

This is what the Lord has ordered concerning you. You will have no descendants to carry on your name. I will destroy the gods in your temples, all the wooden and metal idols. I am digging your grave, for you are depraved.

15 Lo! upon the mountains, The feet of one, who bringeth Good Tidings! who publisheth Prosperity! Celebrate, O Judah, thy pilgrim festivals, fulfil thy vows, for, not again, any more, shall the Abandoned One, pass through thee, he hath been wholly cut off.

Look! A messenger is coming over the mountains, bringing good news and proclaiming peace. Judah, celebrate your religious festivals and keep your vows, for never again will wicked enemies invade your land—they will be completely destroyed.