9
They run to and fro in the city, They run on the wall; They climb into the houses, They enter at the windows like a thief.
10
The earth quakes before them, The heavens tremble; The sun and moon grow dark, And the stars diminish their brightness.
11
The Lord gives voice before His army, For His camp is very great; For strong is the One who executes His word. For the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; Who can endure it?
12
"Now, therefore," says the Lord, "Turn to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning."
13
So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the Lord your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm.
14
Who knows if He will turn and relent, And leave a blessing behind Him-- A grain offering and a drink offering For the Lord your God?
15
Blow the trumpet in Zion, Consecrate a fast, Call a sacred assembly;
16
Gather the people, Sanctify the congregation, Assemble the elders, Gather the children and nursing babes; Let the bridegroom go out from his chamber, And the bride from her dressing room.
17
Let the priests, who minister to the Lord, Weep between the porch and the altar; Let them say, "Spare Your people, O Lord, And do not give Your heritage to reproach, That the nations should rule over them. Why should they say among the peoples, 'Where is their God?' "
18
Then the Lord will be zealous for His land, And pity His people.
19
The Lord will answer and say to His people, "Behold, I will send you grain and new wine and oil, And you will be satisfied by them; I will no longer make you a reproach among the nations.