3. Before it, fire devours,behind it flame scorches.The land before it is like the garden of Eden,and behind it, a desolate wilderness;from it nothing escapes.
4. Their appearance is that of horses;like war horses they run.
5. Like the rumble of chariotsthey hurtle across mountaintops;Like the crackling of fiery flamesdevouring stubble;Like a massive armyin battle formation.
6. Before them peoples tremble,every face turns pale.
7. Like warriors they run,like soldiers they scale walls,Each advancing in line,without swerving from the course.
8. No one crowds the other;each advances in its own track;They plunge through the weapons;they are not checked.
9. They charge the city,they run upon the wall,they climb into the houses;Through the windowsthey enter like thieves.
10. Before them the earth trembles;the heavens shake;Sun and moon are darkened,and the stars withhold their brightness.
11. The Lord raises his voiceat the head of his army;How immense is his host!How numerous those who carry out his command!How great is the day of the Lord!Utterly terrifying! Who can survive it?
12. Yet even now—oracle of the Lord—return to me with your whole heart,with fasting, weeping, and mourning.
13. Rend your hearts, not your garments,and return to the Lord, your God,For he is gracious and merciful,slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love,and relenting in punishment.
14. Perhaps he will again relentand leave behind a blessing,Grain offering and libationfor the Lord, your God.
15. Blow the horn in Zion!Proclaim a fast,call an assembly!
16. Gather the people,sanctify the congregation;Assemble the elderly;gather the children,even infants nursing at the breast;Let the bridegroom leave his room,and the bride her bridal tent.
17. Between the porch and the altarlet the priests weep,let the ministers of the Lord weep and say:“Spare your people, Lord!do not let your heritage become a disgrace,a byword among the nations!Why should they say among the peoples,‘Where is their God?’”