1 »In the spring ask Jehovah for rain. It is Jehovah who makes storm clouds and lightning. He will give showers of rain for the vegetation in the field.

2 »For the teraphim have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie. They have told false dreams! They comfort in vain. They go their way like sheep. They are afflicted because there is no shepherd.

3 »I am angry with the shepherds! I will punish the male goats. Jehovah of Hosts visited his flock, the house of Judah. He will make them as his majestic horse in the battle.

4 »The corner stone will come from them. The tent peg will come from them. Every ruler and the battle bow will come from them.

5 »They will be as mighty men treading down their enemies in the mire of the streets. They will fight in the battle! Because Jehovah is with them! The riders on horses will be confounded confusedbewildered.

6 »I will strengthen the house of Judah. I will save the house of Joseph and I will bring them back. I will have mercy upon them; and they will be as though I had not cast them off. For I am Jehovah, their God, and I will hear them!

7 »They of Ephraim will be like a mighty man! Their heart will rejoice as if from wine. Their children will see it, and rejoice! Their heart will be glad in Jehovah.

8 »I will whistle for them, and gather them. I have redeemed them and they will increase the same as they have increased.

9 « I will sow them among the peoples! They will remember me in far countries. They will live with their children and return.

10 »I will once again bring them out of the land of Egypt. I will gather them out of Assyria. I will bring them into the land of Gilead and Lebanon and a place will not be found for them.

11 « He will pass through the sea of affliction and will strike the waves in the sea. The depths of the Nile will dry up; and the pride of Assyria will be removed and the scepter of Egypt will depart.

12 »I will strengthen them in Jehovah and they will walk in his name,« declared Jehovah.