1:5 The mountains tremble before him, 1
the hills convulse; 2
the earth is laid waste 3 before him,
the world and all its inhabitants 4 are laid waste. 5
1:6 No one can withstand 6 his indignation! 7
No one can resist 8 his fierce anger! 9
His wrath is poured out like volcanic fire,
boulders are broken up 10 as he approaches. 11
1:7 The Lord is good 12 –
indeed, 13 he is a fortress 14 in time of distress, 15
and he protects 16 those who seek refuge 17 in him.
1:8 But with an overwhelming flood 18
he will make a complete end of Nineveh; 19
he will drive 20 his enemies into darkness.
1:9 Whatever 21 you plot 22 against the Lord, he will completely destroy! 23
Distress 24 will not arise 25 a second time.
1:10 Surely they will be totally consumed 26
like 27 entangled thorn bushes, 28
like the drink of drunkards, 29
like very 30 dry stubble.
1:11 From you, O Nineveh, 31 one has marched forth who plots evil against the Lord,
a wicked military strategist. 32
1:12 This is what the Lord says: 33
“Even though 34 they are powerful 35 –
and what is more, 36 even though their army is numerous 37 –
nevertheless, 38 they will be destroyed 39 and trickle away! 40
Although I afflicted you,
I will afflict you no more. 41
1:13 And now, 42 I will break Assyria’s 43 yoke bar 44 from your neck; 45
I will tear apart the shackles 46 that are on you.” 47
1:14 The Lord has issued a decree against you: 48
“Your dynasty will come to an end. 49
I will destroy the idols and images in the temples of your gods.
I will desecrate 50 your grave – because you are accursed!” 51
1:15 (2:1) 52 Look! A herald is running 53 on the mountains!
A messenger is proclaiming deliverance: 54
“Celebrate your sacred festivals, O Judah!
Fulfill your sacred vows to praise God! 55
For never again 56 will the wicked 57 Assyrians 58 invade 59 you,
they 60 have been completely destroyed.” 61