1:6 No one can withstand 1 his indignation! 2
No one can resist 3 his fierce anger! 4
His wrath is poured out like volcanic fire,
boulders are broken up 5 as he approaches. 6
1:7 The Lord is good 7 –
indeed, 8 he is a fortress 9 in time of distress, 10
and he protects 11 those who seek refuge 12 in him.
1:8 But with an overwhelming flood 13
he will make a complete end of Nineveh; 14
he will drive 15 his enemies into darkness.
1:9 Whatever 16 you plot 17 against the Lord, he will completely destroy! 18
Distress 19 will not arise 20 a second time.
1:10 Surely they will be totally consumed 21
like 22 entangled thorn bushes, 23
like the drink of drunkards, 24
like very 25 dry stubble.
1:11 From you, O Nineveh, 26 one has marched forth who plots evil against the Lord,
a wicked military strategist. 27
1:12 This is what the Lord says: 28
“Even though 29 they are powerful 30 –
and what is more, 31 even though their army is numerous 32 –
nevertheless, 33 they will be destroyed 34 and trickle away! 35
Although I afflicted you,
I will afflict you no more. 36
1:13 And now, 37 I will break Assyria’s 38 yoke bar 39 from your neck; 40
I will tear apart the shackles 41 that are on you.” 42
1:14 The Lord has issued a decree against you: 43
“Your dynasty will come to an end. 44
I will destroy the idols and images in the temples of your gods.
I will desecrate 45 your grave – because you are accursed!” 46
1:15 (2:1) 47 Look! A herald is running 48 on the mountains!
A messenger is proclaiming deliverance: 49
“Celebrate your sacred festivals, O Judah!
Fulfill your sacred vows to praise God! 50
For never again 51 will the wicked 52 Assyrians 53 invade 54 you,
they 55 have been completely destroyed.” 56