Joel 2:8-25

8They do not crowd one another. They keep in their own lines. Even when they break through the defenses, they do not break their ranks.

9They rush into the city. They run along the wall. They climb into houses. They enter through windows like thieves.

10The earth quakes in their presence, and the sky shakes. The sun and the moon turn dark, and the stars no longer shine.

11The Lord shouts out orders to his army. His forces are very large. The troops that carry out his commands are mighty. The day of the Lord is extremely terrifying. Who can endure it?

12“But even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart— with fasting, crying, and mourning.”

13Tear your hearts, not your clothes. Return to the Lord your God. He is merciful and compassionate, patient, and always ready to forgive and to change his plans about disaster.

14Who knows? He may reconsider and change his plan and leave a blessing for you. Then you could give grain offerings and wine offerings to the Lord your God.

15Blow the ram’s horn in Zion. Schedule a time to fast. Call for an assembly.

16Gather the people. Prepare them for a holy meeting. Assemble the leaders. Gather the children, even the nursing infants. Grooms leave their rooms. Brides leave their chambers.

17The priests who serve the Lord cry between the altar and the entrance to the temple. They say, “Spare your people, O Lord. Don’t let the people who belong to you become a disgrace. Don’t let the nations ridicule them. Why should people ask, ‘Where is their God?’ ”

18Then the Lord became concerned about his land, and he had pity on his people.

19The Lord said to his people, “I am going to send grain, new wine, and olive oil to you. You will be satisfied with them. I will no longer make you a disgrace among the nations.

20“I will keep the northern ⌞army⌟ far from you, and I will force it into a dry and barren land. The soldiers in front will be forced into the eastern sea. The soldiers in back will be forced into the western sea. A foul odor will rise from the dead bodies. They will stink.” He has done great things!

21Land, do not be afraid. Be glad and rejoice. The Lord has done great things!

22Wild animals, do not be afraid. The pastures in the wilderness have turned green. The trees have produced their fruit. There are plenty of figs and grapes.

23People of Zion, be glad and find joy in the Lord your God. The Lord has given you the Teacher of Righteousness. He has sent the autumn rain and the spring rain as before.

24The threshing floors  will be filled with grain. The vats will overflow with new wine and olive oil.

25“Then I will repay you for the years that the mature locusts, the adult locusts, the grasshoppers, and the young locusts ate your crops. (They are the large army that I sent against you.)