Joel 2:1-17

Joel 2:1-17

[1] Blow  ye the trumpet  in Zion,  and sound an alarm  in my holy  mountain:  let all the inhabitants  of the land  tremble:  for the day  of the LORD  cometh,  for it is nigh at hand;  [2] A day  of darkness  and of gloominess,  a day  of clouds  and of thick darkness,  as the morning  spread  upon the mountains:  a great  people  and a strong;  there hath not been  ever  the like, neither shall be any more  after  it, even to the years  of many  [3] A fire  devoureth  before  them; and behind  them a flame  burneth:  the land  is as the garden  of Eden  before  them, and behind  them a desolate  wilderness;  yea, and nothing shall escape  them. [4] The appearance  of horses;  and as horsemen,  so shall they run.  [5] Like the noise  of chariots  on the tops  of mountains  shall they leap,  like the noise  of a flame  of fire  that devoureth  the stubble,  as a strong  people  set in battle  array.  [6] Before their face  the people  shall be much pained:  all faces  shall gather  blackness.  [7] They shall run  like mighty men;  they shall climb  the wall  of war;  every one  on his ways,  and they shall not break  their ranks:  [8] Neither shall one  thrust  another;  every one  in his path:  and when they fall  upon the sword,  they shall not be wounded.  [9] They shall run to and fro  in the city;  they shall run  upon the wall,  they shall climb up  upon the houses;  they shall enter in  at the windows  like a thief.  [10] The earth  shall quake  before  them; the heavens  shall tremble:  the sun  and the moon  shall be dark,  and the stars  shall withdraw  their shining:  [11] shall utter  his voice  before  for his camp  is very  great:  for he is strong  that executeth  his word:  for the day  is great  and very  terrible;  and who can abide  [12] Therefore also now, saith  the LORD,  turn  ye even to me with all your heart,  and with fasting,  and with weeping,  and with mourning:  [13] And rend  your heart,  and not your garments,  and turn  unto the LORD  your God:  for he is gracious  and merciful,  slow  to anger,  and of great  kindness,  and repenteth  him of the evil.  [14] Who knoweth  if he will return  and repent,  and leave  a blessing  behind  him; even a meat offering  and a drink offering  unto the LORD  your God?  [15] Blow  the trumpet  in Zion,  sanctify  a fast,  call  a solemn assembly:  [16] Gather  the people,  sanctify  the congregation,  assemble  the elders,  gather  the children,  and those that suck  the breasts:  let the bridegroom  go forth  of his chamber,  and the bride  out of her closet.  [17] Let the priests,  the ministers  of the LORD,  weep  between the porch  and the altar,  and let them say,  Spare  thy people,  O LORD,  and give  not thine heritage  to reproach,  that the heathen  should rule over  them: wherefore should they say  among the people,  Where is their God?