14. Call for a day when everyone fasts!Tell everyone to stop work!Bring the eldersand everyone who lives in the landto the Temple of the Lord your God,and cry out to the Lord.
15. What a terrible day it will be!The Lord’s day of judging is near,when punishment will comelike a destroying attack from the Almighty.
16. Our food is taken awaywhile we watch.Joy and happiness are gonefrom the Temple of our God.
17. Though we planted fig seeds,they lie dry and dead in the dirt.The barns are empty and falling down.The storerooms for grain have been broken down,because the grain has dried up.
18. The animals are groaning!The herds of cattle wander around confused,because they have no grass to eat;even the flocks of sheep suffer.
19. Lord, I am calling to you for help,because fire has burned up the open pastures,and flames have burned all the trees in the field.
20. Wild animals also need your help.The streams of water have dried up,and fire has burned up the open pastures.