[1] Ask 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. [3] "Mine 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, who 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 back 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. [8] "I will whistle 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 back 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 a 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 scepter 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.
