Joel 2:12–18

The Lord Invites the People to Return to Him

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?’ ” 

The Lord Will Give Earthly Blessings to His People

¹⁸Then the Lord became concerned about his land, 

and he had pity on his people.