8 They do not jostle one another; each of them marches straight ahead.They burst through the city defensesand do not break ranks.
9 They rush into the city;they scale its walls.They climb up into the houses;they go in through the windows like a thief.
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!