6. Before this army, nations shake with fear.Their faces become pale.
7. The army charges ahead like soldiers.They climb over the walls like warriors.They all march straight ahead.They do not move off their path.
8. They do not run into each other.Each one walks in line.They charge through all efforts to stop themand stay in line.
9. They run into the city.They run along the tops of the walls.They climb into the houses.They enter through windows like a thief.
10. Before them, earth and sky shake.The sun and the moon become dark,and the stars stop shining.
11. The Lord calls out orders loudlyas he leads his army.That army obeys his commands.It is very large and powerful.The Lord’s day of judgingis an overwhelming and terrible day.No one can stand up against it.
12. The Lord says, “Now, come back to me with all your heart.Go without food, and 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.He is kind and shows mercy.He doesn’t become angry quickly.He has great love.He would rather forgive than punish.
14. Who knows? Maybe the Lord will change his mindand leave behind a blessing for you.Then you may give grain and drink offeringsto the Lord your God.
15. Blow the trumpet in Jerusalem.Call for a special time of going without food.Call for a special meeting.
16. Bring the people together.Make the meeting holy for the Lord.Bring together the elders.Bring together the children,even babies that still feed at their mothers’ breasts.The bridegroom should come from his room.The bride should come from her bedroom.