Let all who live in the land tremble,
    for the day of the Lord^(D) is coming.
It is close at hand^(E)—
²     a day of darkness^(F) and gloom,^(G)
    a day of clouds^(H) and blackness.^(I)
Like dawn spreading across the mountains
    a large and mighty army^(J) comes,
such as never was in ancient times^(K)
    nor ever will be in ages to come.

³ Before them fire^(L) devours,
    behind them a flame blazes.
Before them the land is like the garden of Eden,^(M)
    behind them, a desert waste^(N)—
    nothing escapes them.

¹⁰ Before them the earth shakes,^(A)
    the heavens tremble,^(B)
the sun and moon are darkened,^(C)
    and the stars no longer shine.^(D)
11 The Lord^(E) thunders^(F)
    at the head of his army;^(G)
his forces are beyond number,
    and mighty is the army that obeys his command.
The day of the Lord is great;^(H)
    it is dreadful.
    Who can endure it?^(I)

¹³ Rend your heart^(L)
    and not your garments.^(M)
Return^(N) to the Lord your God,
    for he is gracious and compassionate,^(O)
slow to anger and abounding in love,^(P)
    and he relents from sending calamity.^(Q)