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An oracle concerning Nineveh.
The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.
The LORD's Anger Against Nineveh
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The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD takes vengeance
and is filled with wrath. The LORD takes vengeance on gis foes
and maintains his wrath against his enemies.
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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.
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He rebukes the sea and dries it up; he makes all the river run dry.
Bashan and Carmel wither and the blossoms of Lebanon fade.
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The mountains quake before him and the hills melt away.
The earth trembles at his presence, the world and all who live in it.
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Who can withstand his indignation?
Who can endure his fierce anger?
His wrath is poured out like fire;
the rocks are shattered before him.
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The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble.
He cares for those who trust in him,
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but with an overwhelming flood he will make an end of Nineveh;
he will putsue his foes into darkness.
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Whatever they plot against the LORD he will bring to an end;
trouble will not come a second time.
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They will be entangled among thorns and drunk from their wine;
they will be consumed like dry stubble.
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From you, O Nineveh, has one come forth who plots evil
against the LORD and counsels wickedness.
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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.
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Now I will break their yoke from your neck and tear your shackles away."
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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."
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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.