CHAPTER 1
The LORD
is a jealous
and avenging
God;
the LORD
is avenging
and full of wrath.
The LORD
takes vengeance
on His foes
and reserves wrath
for His enemies.
The LORD
is slow
to anger
and great
in power;
the LORD
will by no means
leave the guilty unpunished.
His path
is in the whirlwind
and storm,
and clouds
are the dust
beneath His feet.
He rebukes
the sea
and dries it up;
He makes all
the rivers
run dry.
Bashan
and Carmel
wither,
and the flower
of Lebanon
wilts.
The mountains
quake
before Him,
and the hills
melt away;
the earth
trembles
at His presence—
the world
and all
its dwellers.
Who
can withstand
His indignation?
Who
can endure
His burning anger?
His wrath
is poured out
like fire;
even rocks
are shattered
before Him.
But with an overflowing
flood,
He will make
an end
of Nineveh
and pursue
His enemies
into darkness.
Whatever
you plot
against
the LORD,
He
will bring
to an end.
Affliction
will not
rise up
a second time.
For
they will be entangled
as with
thorns
and consumed
like the drink
of a drunkard—
like stubble
that is fully
dry.
This is what
the LORD
says:
“Though
they are allied
and numerous,
yet
they will be cut down
and pass away.
Though I have afflicted you, O Judah,
I will afflict
you no
longer.
The LORD
has issued a command
concerning you, O Nineveh:
“There will be no
descendants
to carry on your name.
I will cut off
the carved image
and cast idol
from the house
of your gods;
I will prepare
your grave,
for
you are contemptible.”
Look
to
the mountains—
the feet
of one who brings good news,
who proclaims
peace!
Celebrate
your feasts,
O Judah;
fulfill
your vows.
For
the wicked
will never
again
march through
you;
they will be utterly
cut off.