7. They charge like soldiers;they climb over the wall like warriors.They all march straight aheadand do not move off their path.
8. They do not run into each other,because each walks in line.They break through all efforts to stop themand keep coming.
9. They run into the city.They run at the walland climb into the houses,entering through windows like thieves.
10. Before them, earth and sky shake.The sun and the moon become dark,and the stars stop shining.
11. The Lord shouts out ordersto his army.His army is very large!Those who obey him are very strong!The Lord’s day of judgingis an overwhelming and terrible day.No one can stand up against it!
12. The Lord says, “Even now, come back to me with all your heart.Fast, cry, and be sad.”
13. Tearing your clothes is not enough to show you are sad;let your heart be broken.Come back to the Lord your God,because he is kind and shows mercy.He doesn’t become angry quickly,and he has great love.He can change his mind about doing harm.
14. Who knows? Maybe he will turn back to youand leave behind a blessing for you.Grain and drink offerings belong to the Lord your God.
15. Blow the trumpet in Jerusalem;call for a day when everyone fasts.Tell everyone to stop work.
16. Bring the people togetherand make the meeting holy for the Lord.Bring together the elders,as well as the children,and even babies that still feed at their mothers’ breasts.The bridegroom should come from his room,the bride from her bedroom.
17. The priests, the Lord’s servants, should crybetween the altar and the entrance to the Temple.They should say, “Lord, have mercy on your people.Don’t let them be put to shame;don’t let other nations make fun of them.Don’t let people in other nations ask,‘Where is their God?’ ”
18. Then the Lord became concerned about his landand felt sorry for his people.
19. He said to them:“I will send you grain, new wine, and olive oil,so that you will have plenty.No more will I shame youamong the nations.
20. I will force the army from the north to leave your landand go into a dry, empty land.Their soldiers in front will be forced into the Dead Sea,and those in the rear into the Mediterranean Sea.Their bodies will rot and stink.The Lord has surely done a wonderful thing!”
21. Land, don’t be afraid;be happy and full of joy,because the Lord has done a wonderful thing.
22. Wild animals, don’t be afraid,because the open pastures have grown grass.The trees have given fruit;the fig trees and the grapevines have grown much fruit.
23. So be happy, people of Jerusalem;be joyful in the Lord your God.Because he does what is right,he has brought you rain;he has sent the fall rainand the spring rain for you, as before.