1. Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain; let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand;
2. a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, as the dawn spread upon the mountains; a great people and a strong, there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after them, even to the years of many generations.
3. A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and none hath escaped them.
4. The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so do they run.
5. Like the noise of chariots on the tops of the mountains do they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array.
6. At their presence the peoples are in anguish: all faces are waxed pale.
7. They run like mighty men; they climb the wall like men of war; and they march every one on his ways, and they break not their ranks.
8. Neither doth one thrust another; they march every one in his path: and they burst through the weapons, and break not off their course.
9. They leap upon the city; they run upon the wall; they climb up into the houses; they enter in at the windows like a thief.
10. The earth quaketh before them; the heavens tremble: the sun and the moon are darkened, and the stars withdraw their shining:
11. And the Lord uttereth his voice before his army; for his camp is very great; for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?
12. Yet even now, saith the Lord, turn ye unto me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:
13. and rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God, for he is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy, and repenteth him of the evil.
14. Who knoweth whether he will not turn and repent, and leave a blessing behind him, even a meal offering and a drink offering unto the Lord your God?
15. Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly:
16. gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the old men, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.