[1] Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on my holy hill. Let all who live in the land tremble, for the day of the LORD is coming. It is close at hand— [2] a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness. Like dawn spreading across the mountains a large and mighty army comes, such as never was in ancient times nor ever will be in ages to come. [3] Before them fire devours, behind them a flame blazes. Before them the land is like the garden of Eden, behind them, a desert waste—nothing escapes them. [4] They have the appearance of horses; they gallop along like cavalry. [5] With a noise like that of chariots they leap over the mountaintops, like a crackling fire consuming stubble, like a mighty army drawn up for battle. [6] At the sight of them, nations are in anguish; every face turns pale. [7] They charge like warriors; they scale walls like soldiers. They all march in line, not swerving from their course. [8] They do not jostle each other; each marches straight ahead. They plunge through defenses without breaking ranks. [9] They rush upon the city; they run along the wall. They climb into the houses; like thieves they enter through the windows. [10] Before them the earth shakes, the heavens tremble, the sun and moon are darkened, and the stars no longer shine. [11] The Lord thunders at the head of his army; his forces are beyond number, and mighty is the army that obeys his command. The day of the LORD is great; it is dreadful. Who can endure it?
