10 The earth quakes before them;the sky reverberates.The sun and the moon grow dark; the stars refuse to shine.
11 The voice of the Lord thunders as he leads his army.Indeed, his warriors are innumerable;Surely his command is carried out! Yes, the day of the Lord is awesomeand very terrifying – who can survive it?
12 “Yet even now,” the Lord says,“return to me with all your heart – with fasting, weeping, and mourning.Tear your hearts,not just your garments!”
13 Return to the Lord your God,for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to anger and boundless in loyal love – often relenting from calamitous punishment.
14 Who knows? Perhaps he will be compassionate and grant a reprieve, and leave blessing in his wake – a meal offering and a drink offering for you to offer to the Lord your God!
15 Blow the trumpet in Zion.Announce a holy fast;proclaim a sacred assembly!
16 Gather the people;sanctify an assembly!Gather the elders;gather the children and the nursing infants.Let the bridegroom come out from his bedroomand the bride from her private quarters.