 1 Ask rain from the Lord in the time of the latter rain. The Lord will 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 They will be like mighty ones who trample the mud of the streets in the battle. They will fight because the Lord is with them and they will make the riders on horses ashamed. 6 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. They will be as though I had not cast them off. For I am the Lord their God and I will answer them. 7 Ephraim will be like a mighty one and their heart will rejoice as by wine. Their sons will see and be glad. Their heart will rejoice in the Lord. 8 I will hiss for them and gather them for I have redeemed them. They will be many as they were many. 9 I will sow them among the people and they will remember me in the distances. They will 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. I will bring them into the land of Gilead and Lebanon. For room will not be found for them. 11 He will pass through the sea of distress and will strike the waves in the sea. All the depths of the Nile will dry up and the pride of Assyria will be humbled and the scepter of Egypt will move away. 12 I will strengthen them in the Lord and they will walk up and down in His name, says the Lord.
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