1. Ask rain from the LORD in the time of the latter rain. The LORD shall make storm clouds, and He gives them showers of rain, grass to everyone in the field.
2. For the family idols speak iniquity, and the diviners have seen a lie and have told false dreams. They comfort in vain; therefore they wandered like a flock; they were troubled because there was no shepherd.
3. My anger was kindled against the shepherds, and I will punish the he-goats; for the LORD of hosts has visited His flock the house of Judah, and has made them as His beautiful horse in battle.
4. Out of Him came the cornerstone; out of Him the nail; out of Him the battle bow; out of Him every oppressor together.
5. And they shall be like mighty ones who trample the mud of the streets in the battle. And they shall fight because the LORD is with them, and they shall make the riders on horses ashamed.
6. And I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph, and I will return to save them; for I have pity on them. And they shall be as though I had not cast them off; for I am the LORD their God, and I will answer them.
7. And Ephraim shall be like a mighty one, and their heart shall rejoice as by wine. And their sons shall see and be glad; their heart shall rejoice in the LORD.
8. I will hiss for them and gather them; for I have redeemed them. And they shall be many as they were many.
9. And I will sow them among the peoples, and they shall remember Me in the distances; and they shall live with their sons and return.
10. I will return them out of the land of Egypt, and I will gather them out of Assyria; and I will bring them into the land of Gilead and Lebanon; for room shall not be found for them.
11. And he shall pass through the sea of distress, and shall strike the waves in the sea; and all the depths of the Nile shall dry up. And the pride of Assyria shall be humbled, and the scepter of Egypt shall move away.
12. And I will strengthen them in the LORD; and they shall walk up and down in His name, says the LORD.
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