Joel 2:5-16

English Standard Version

⁵^(A)As with the rumbling of chariots,
    they leap on the tops of the mountains,
like the crackling of ^(B)a flame of fire
    devouring the stubble,
^(C)like a powerful army
    drawn up for battle.

⁶Before them peoples are in anguish;
    ^(D)all faces grow pale.
⁷Like warriors they charge;
    like soldiers they scale the wall.
They march each on his way;
    they do not swerve from their paths.
⁸They do not jostle one another;
    ^(E)each marches in his path;
they burst through the weapons
    and are not halted.
⁹^(F)They leap upon the city,
    they run upon the walls,
^(G)they climb up into the houses,
    ^(H)they enter through the windows ^(I)like a thief.

¹⁰^(J)The earth quakes before them;
    the heavens tremble.
^(K)The sun and the moon are darkened,
    and the stars withdraw their shining.
¹¹^(L)The Lord utters his voice
    before ^(M)his army,
for his camp is exceedingly great;
    ^(N)he who executes his word is powerful.
^(O)For the day of the Lord is ^(P)great and very awesome;
    ^(Q)who can endure it?

Return to the Lord

¹²“Yet even now,” declares the Lord,
    ^(R)“return to me with all your heart,
^(S)with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;
¹³    and ^(T)rend your hearts and not ^(U)your garments.”
Return to the Lord your God,
    ^(V)for he is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love;
    ^(W)and he relents over disaster.
¹⁴^(X)Who knows whether he will not turn and relent,
    and ^(Y)leave a blessing behind him,
^(Z)a grain offering and a drink offering
    for the Lord your God?

¹⁵^(AA)Blow the trumpet in Zion;
    ^(AB)consecrate a fast;
call a solemn assembly;
¹⁶    gather the people.
^(AC)Consecrate the congregation;
    assemble the elders;
^(AD)gather the children,
    even nursing infants.
^(AE)Let the bridegroom leave his room,
    and the bride her chamber.