7. They run like mighty men. They climb a wall like men of war. They each march in line, never deviating from their ways.
8. One does not crowd another. Each one marches on his own highway. They plunge through the weapons, never breaking off.
9. They rush on the city, they run on the wall, they climb up into the houses, coming through the windows like a thief.
10. Before them land quakes, heaven trembles, sun and moon become dark, stars withdraw their brightness.
11. Adonai utters His voice before His army. For His camp is very vast—for mighty is it that carries out His word. For great is the day of Adonai— very terrifying! Who can endure it?
12. “Yet even now” —it is a declaration of Adonai— “turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping and lamenting.”
13. Rend your heart, not your garments, and turn to Adonai, your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abundant in mercy, and relenting about the calamity due.
14. Who knows? He may turn and relent, and may leave a blessing behind Him —so there may be a grain offering and a drink offering for Adonai, your God.
15. Blow the shofar in Zion! Sanctify a fast; proclaim an assembly.
16. Gather the people; sanctify the congregation; assemble the elders; gather the children, even those nursing at breasts. Let the bridegroom come out from his bedroom and the bride from her chamber.
17. Between the porch and the altar let the kohanim, ministers of Adonai, weep, and let them say: “Have pity, Adonai, on Your people. Don’t make Your heritage a scorn, a byword among the nations. Why should the peoples say, ‘Where is their God?’”
18. Adonai will be zealous for His land, and have compassion on His people.