Joel 2:2-10

2a 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.

3Before 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.

4They have the appearance of horses; they gallop along like cavalry.

5With 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.

6At the sight of them, nations are in anguish; every face turns pale.

7They charge like warriors; they scale walls like soldiers. They all march in line, not swerving from their course.

8They do not jostle each other; each marches straight ahead. They plunge through defenses without breaking ranks.

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

10Before them the earth shakes, the heavens tremble, the sun and moon are darkened, and the stars no longer shine.