3 I, the lord, have dedicated these soldiers for this task.Yes, I have called mighty warriors to express my anger,and they will rejoice when I am exalted.”
4 Hear the noise on the mountains!Listen, as the vast armies march!It is the noise and shouting of many nations.The lord of Heaven’s Armies has called this army together.
5 They come from distant countries,from beyond the farthest horizons.They are the lord’s weapons to carry out his anger.With them he will destroy the whole land.
6 Scream in terror, for the day of the lord has arrived—the time for the Almighty to destroy.
7 Every arm is paralyzed with fear.Every heart melts,
8 and people are terrified.Pangs of anguish grip them,like those of a woman in labor.They look helplessly at one another,their faces aflame with fear.
9 For see, the day of the lord is coming—the terrible day of his fury and fierce anger.The land will be made desolate,and all the sinners destroyed with it.