12 The vines have become dry,and the fig trees are dried up.The pomegranate trees, the date palm trees, the apple trees—all the trees in the field have died.And the happiness of the people has died, too.
13 Priests, put on your rough cloth and cry to show your sadness.Servants of the altar, cry out loud.Servants of my God,keep your rough cloth on all night to show your sadness.Cry because there will be no more grain or drink offeringsto offer in the Temple of your God.
14 Call for a day when everyone fasts!Tell everyone to stop work!Bring the eldersand everyone who lives in the landto the Temple of the Lord your God,and cry out to the Lord.
15 What a terrible day it will be!The Lord’s day of judging is near,when punishment will comelike a destroying attack from the Almighty.
16 Our food is taken awaywhile we watch.Joy and happiness are gonefrom the Temple of our God.
17 Though we planted fig seeds,they lie dry and dead in the dirt.The barns are empty and falling down.The storerooms for grain have been broken down,because the grain has dried up.
18 The animals are groaning!The herds of cattle wander around confused,because they have no grass to eat;even the flocks of sheep suffer.