1Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; so the LORD shall
make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the
field.
2
For the idols have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie, and
have told false dreams; they comfort in vain: therefore they went their way
as a flock, they were troubled, because there was no shepherd.
3Mine anger was kindled against the shepherds, and I punished the goats:
for the LORD of hosts hath visited his flock the house of Judah, and hath
made them as his goodly horse in the battle.
4
Out of him came forth the corner, out of him the nail, out of him the
battle bow, out of him every oppressor together.
5
And they shall be as mighty men, which tread down their enemies in the
mire of the streets in the battle: and they shall fight, because the LORD is
with them, and the riders on horses shall be confounded.
6
And I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of
Joseph, and I will bring them again to place them; for I have mercy upon
them: and they shall be as though I had not cast them off: for I am the LORD
their God, and will hear them.
7
And they of Ephraim shall be like a mighty man, and their heart shall
rejoice as through wine: yea, their children shall see it, and be glad;
their heart shall rejoice in the LORD.
They will kill their enemies,
because God is with them.
8I will hiss for them,
and gather them; for I have redeemed them: and they shall increase as they
have increased.
9
And I will sow them among the people: and they shall remember me in far
countries; and they shall live with their children, and turn again.
10
I will bring them again also out of the land of Egypt, and gather them out
of Assyria; and I will bring them into the land of Gilead and Lebanon; and
place shall not be found for them.
11
And he shall pass through the sea with affliction, and shall smite the
waves in the sea, and all the deeps of the river shall dry up: and the pride
of Assyria shall be brought down, and the sceptre of Egypt shall depart
away.
12
And I will strengthen them in the LORD; and they shall walk up and down in
his name, saith the LORD.