1 1 An oracle concerning Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite. 2 Our Father is jealous and avenging; our Father takes vengeance and is filled with wrath. Our Father takes vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserves his wrath for his enemies. a a v2 Our Father's love includes righteous anger toward those who harm his children — the same heart that is slow to anger and abundant in mercy (v.3) acts with fierce justice against oppressors.
Slow to Anger, Great in Power
3 Our Father is slow to anger and great in power, and he will never leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and the clouds are the dust beneath his feet. 4 He rebukes the sea and dries it up; he makes all the rivers run dry. Bashan and Carmel wither, and the blossom of Lebanon fades. 5 The mountains quake before him, and the hills melt away. The earth heaves at his presence—the world and all who live in it. 6 Who can stand before his fury? Who can endure the heat of his anger? His wrath pours out like fire, and the rocks shatter before him. 7 Our Father is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. 8 But with an overwhelming flood he will put an end to her place, and he will pursue his enemies into darkness. 9 What do you plot against our Father? He will put a complete end to it; trouble will not rise up a second time. 10 For though they are entangled like thorns and soaked in their drink, they will be consumed like dry stubble. 11 From you, Nineveh, came one who plots evil against our Father, a counselor of wickedness.
12 This is what our Father says: Though they are at full strength and many, they will still be cut down and pass away. Though I have afflicted you, I will afflict you no more. 13 Now I will break his yoke from your neck and tear away your chains.
14 Our Father has given a command concerning you, Nineveh: You will have no descendants to carry on your name. I will cut off the carved image and the cast idol from the house of your gods. I will prepare your grave, for you are contemptible. 15 Look! There on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace! Celebrate your feasts, Judah; fulfill your vows. For never again will the wicked invade you; they are completely cut off. b b v15 Paul quotes this verse of the apostles proclaiming Jesus — "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!" (Rom 10:15). Nahum's good news of peace after Assyria's defeat foreshadows the gospel of peace through Jesus.