[1] Ask rain from the LORD in the season of the spring rain, from the LORD
who makes the storm clouds, who gives men showers of rain, to every one the
vegetation in the field. [2] For the teraphim utter nonsense, and the
diviners see lies; the dreamers tell false dreams, and give empty
consolation. Therefore the people wander like sheep; they are afflicted for
want of a shepherd. [3] "My anger is hot against the shepherds, and I will
punish the leaders; for the LORD of hosts cares for his flock, the house of
Judah, and will make them like his proud steed in battle. [4] Out of them
shall come the cornerstone, out of them the tent peg, out of them the
battle bow, out of them every ruler. [5] Together they shall be like mighty
men in battle, trampling the foe in the mud of the streets; they shall
fight because the LORD is with them, and they shall confound the riders on
horses. [6] "I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the
house of Joseph. I will bring them back because I have compassion on them,
and they shall be as though I had not rejected them; for I am the LORD
their God and I will answer them. [7] Then E'phraim shall become like a
mighty warrior, and their hearts shall be glad as with wine. Their children
shall see it and rejoice, their hearts shall exult in the LORD. [8] "I will
signal for them and gather them in, for I have redeemed them, and they
shall be as many as of old. [9] Though I scattered them among the nations,
yet in far countries they shall remember me, and with their children they
shall live and return. [10] I will bring them home from the land of Egypt,
and gather them from Assyria; and I will bring them to the land of Gilead
and to Lebanon, till there is no room for them. [11] They shall pass
through the sea of Egypt, and the waves of the sea shall be smitten, and
all the depths of the Nile dried up. The pride of Assyria shall be laid
low, and the scepter of Egypt shall depart. [12] I will make them strong in
the LORD and they shall glory in his name," says the LORD.
