2. a day of darkness and gloom,a day of clouds and blackness.Like dawn spreading across the mountainsa large and mighty army comes,such as never was in ancient timesnor ever will be in ages to come.
3. Before them fire devours,behind them a flame blazes.Before them the land is like the garden of Eden,behind them, a desert waste –nothing escapes them.
4. They have the appearance of horses;they gallop along like cavalry.
5. With a noise like that of chariotsthey leap over the mountaintops,like a crackling fire consuming stubble,like a mighty army drawn up for battle.
6. At the sight of them, nations are in anguish;every face turns pale.
7. They charge like warriors;they scale walls like soldiers.They all march in line,not swerving from their course.
8. They do not jostle each other;each marches straight ahead.They plunge through defenceswithout breaking ranks.
9. They rush upon the city;they run along the wall.They climb into the houses;like thieves they enter through the windows.
10. Before them the earth shakes,the heavens tremble,the sun and moon are darkened,and the stars no longer shine.
11. The Lord thundersat the head of his army;his forces are beyond number,and mighty is the army that obeys his command.The day of the Lord is great;it is dreadful.Who can endure it?
12. ‘Even now,’ declares the Lord,‘return to me with all your heart,with fasting and weeping and mourning.’
13. Rend your heartand not your garments.Return to the Lord your God,for he is gracious and compassionate,slow to anger and abounding in love,and he relents from sending calamity.
14. Who knows? He may turn and relentand leave behind a blessing –grain offerings and drink offeringsfor the Lord your God.