[1] Ask you of Yahweh rain in the time of the latter rain, [even of] Yahweh
who makes lightnings; and he will give them showers of rain, to everyone
grass in the field. [2] For the teraphim have spoken vanity, and the
diviners have seen a lie; and they have told false dreams, they comfort in
vain: therefore they go their way like sheep, they are afflicted, because
there is no shepherd. [3] My anger is kindled against the shepherds, and I
will punish the male goats; for Yahweh of Hosts has visited his flock, the
house of Judah, and will make them as his goodly horse in the battle. [4]
From him shall come forth the corner-stone, from him the nail, from him the
battle bow, from him every ruler together. [5] They shall be as mighty men,
treading down [their enemies] in the mire of the streets in the battle; and
they shall fight, because Yahweh is with them; and the riders on horses
shall be confounded. [6] I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will
save the house of Joseph, and I will bring them back; for I have mercy on
them; and they shall be as though I had not cast them off: for I am Yahweh
their God, and I will hear them. [7] [They of] Ephraim shall be like a
mighty man, and their heart shall rejoice as through wine; yes, their
children shall see it, and rejoice; their heart shall be glad in Yahweh.
[8] I will hiss for them, and gather them; for I have redeemed them; and
they shall increase as they have increased. [9] I will sow them among the
peoples; and they shall remember me in far countries; and they shall live
with their children, and shall return. [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] He will pass through the sea of affliction, and will strike
the waves in the sea, and all the depths of the Nile shall dry up; and the
pride of Assyria shall be brought down, and the scepter of Egypt shall
depart. [12] I will strengthen them in Yahweh; and they shall walk up and
down in his name, says Yahweh.
