6. People writhe in fear when they see them.All of their faces turn pale with fright.
7. They charge like warriors;they scale walls like soldiers.Each one proceeds on his course;they do not alter their path.
8. They do not jostle one another; each of them marches straight ahead.They burst through the city defensesand do not break ranks.
9. They rush into the city;they scale its walls.They climb up into the houses;they go in through the windows like a thief.
10. The earth quakes before them;the sky reverberates.The sun and the moon grow dark; the stars refuse to shine.
11. The voice of the Lord thunders as he leads his army.Indeed, his warriors are innumerable;Surely his command is carried out! Yes, the day of the Lord is awesomeand very terrifying – who can survive it?
12. “Yet even now,” the Lord says,“return to me with all your heart – with fasting, weeping, and mourning.Tear your hearts,not just your garments!”
13. Return to the Lord your God,for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to anger and boundless in loyal love – often relenting from calamitous punishment.
14. Who knows? Perhaps he will be compassionate and grant a reprieve, and leave blessing in his wake – a meal offering and a drink offering for you to offer to the Lord your God!
15. Blow the trumpet in Zion.Announce a holy fast;proclaim a sacred assembly!