12 The Lord said:It isn't too late.You can still return to mewith all your heart.Start crying and mourning!Go without eating.
13 Don't rip your clothesto show your sorrow.Instead, turn back to mewith broken hearts.I am merciful, kind, and caring.I don't easily lose my temper,and I don't like to punish.
14 I am the Lord your God.Perhaps I will change my mindand treat you with mercy.Then you will be blessedwith enough grain and winefor offering sacrifices to me.
15 Sound the trumpet on Zion!Call the people together.Show your sorrowby going without food.
16 Make sure that everyoneis fit to worship me.Bring adults, children, babies,and even bring newlywedsfrom their festivities.
17 Tell my servants, the priests,to cry inside the templeand to offer this prayernear the altar:“Save your people, Lord God!Don't let foreign nationsmake jokes about us.Don't let them laugh and ask,‘Where is your God?’ ”
18 The Lord was deeply concernedabout his landand had pity on his people.