Have you not heard?

We're reading through the prophets right now in my Old Testament class. I didn't realize how many poetic treasures there there are hidden in these books. Take this dramatic part of the second chapter of Nahum, for instance. It's talking about the destruction that will finally come upon Nineveh, the proud capital of the Assyrian empire, after years of her tyranny over Israel. You might want to read it aloud.

Shields flash red in the sunlight!
     See the scarlet uniforms of the valiant troops!
Watch as their glittering chariots move into position,
     with a forest of spears waving above them.
The chariots race recklessly along the streets
     and rush wildly through the squares.
They flash like firelight
     and move as swiftly as lightning.
The king shouts to his officers;
     they stumble in their haste,
     rushing to the walls to set up their defenses.
The river gates have been torn open!
     The palace is about to collapse!

Or, on the other hand, look at Zephaniah 3:17, which may be my new favorite verse. Read it quietly to yourself and ponder its promise:

The Lord your God is with you,
     he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
     he will quiet you with his love,
     he will rejoice over you with singing.

I love the fourth line especially. It's such a beautiful thought, and it makes such lovely poetry. Such things there are buried in those minor prophets...