Book 34 of 39 in the Old Testament — Judgment on Nineveh.
Nahum announces God's judgment on Nineveh, the same city that repented under Jonah's preaching more than a century earlier but had since returned to its former cruelty as capital of the brutal Assyrian empire. Where Jonah highlighted God's mercy toward Nineveh, Nahum highlights his justice against it. The prophecy offers comfort to Judah, assured that the empire that had terrorized the region would finally fall. It's a companion piece to Jonah, showing that mercy delayed is not mercy denied to justice.
“The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.”King James Version
The Lord is slow to anger but will not leave the guilty unpunished.
“The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.”King James Version
The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble.
“Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace! O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off.”King James Version
Good news is announced of peace, as Nineveh's threat comes to an end.
“Woe to the bloody city! it is all full of lies and robbery; the prey departeth not;”King James Version
Woe is pronounced on the city of blood, full of lies and plunder.
“There is no healing of thy bruise; thy wound is grievous: all that hear the bruit of thee shall clap the hands over thee: for upon whom hath not thy wickedness passed continually?”King James Version
Nineveh's wound is fatal, and all who hear the news rejoice.