5. like the rumbling of chariots.They leap on the mountaintops—like the crackling of a fire’s flame,devouring the stubble;like a powerful armyready for battle.
6. In their presence, peoples shake with fear;all faces turn red with worry.
7. Like warriors they charge;like soldiers they climb the wall.Each keeps to their own path;they didn’t change their course.
8. They don’t crowd each other;each keeps to their own path.Even if they fall among the weapons,they won’t stop.
9. They rush upon the city;they run upon the walls.They climb into the houses;they enter through the windows like thieves.
10. The earth quakes before them;the heavens shake.The sun and the moon are darkened;the stars have stopped shining,
11. because the Lord utters his voiceat the head of his army.How numerous are his troops!Mighty are those who obey his word.The day of the Lord is great;it stirs up great fear—who can endure it?
12. Yet even now, says the Lord,return to me with all your hearts,with fasting, with weeping, and with sorrow;
13. tear your heartsand not your clothing.Return to the Lord your God,for he is merciful and compassionate,very patient, full of faithful love,and ready to forgive.
14. Who knows whether he will have a change of heartand leave a blessing behind him,a grain offering and a drink offeringfor the Lord your God?
15. Blow the horn in Zion;demand a fast;request a special assembly.
16. Gather the people;prepare a holy meeting;assemble the elders;gather the children,even nursing infants.Let the groom leave his roomand the bride her chamber.
17. Between the porch and the altarlet the priests, the Lord’s ministers, weep.Let them say, "Have mercy, Lord, on your people,and don’t make your inheritance a disgrace,an example of failure among the nations.Why should they say among the peoples,‘Where is their God?’"