10
1 Ask
of the LORD
rain in the
spring time,
the LORD who
makes storm clouds,
and he gives
rain showers
to everyone for
the plants 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
oppressed, because there
is no shepherd.
3 My anger
is kindled against
the shepherds,
and I will
punish the male
goats,
for the LORD
of Armies has
visited his flock,
the house of
Judah,
and will make
them as his
majestic horse in
the battle.
4 From
him will come
the cornerstone,
from him the
tent peg,
from him the
battle bow,
from him every
ruler together.
5 They
will be as
mighty men,
treading down muddy streets
in the battle.
They will fight,
because the LORD
is with them.
The riders on
horses will be
confounded.
6 “I
will strengthen
the house of
Judah,
and I will
save the house
of Joseph.
I will bring
them back,
for I have
mercy on them.
They will be
as though I
had not cast
them off,
for I am
the LORD their
God, and I
will hear them.
7 Ephraim will
be like a
mighty man,
and their heart
will rejoice as
through wine.
Yes, their
children will see
it and rejoice.
Their heart will
be glad in
the LORD.
8 I
will signal for
them and gather
them,
for I have
redeemed them.
They will
increase as they
were before.
9 I
will sow them
among the peoples.
They will
remember me in
far countries.
They will live
with their
children and will
return.
10 I
will bring them
again also out of
the land of Egypt,
and gather them
out of Assyria.
I will bring
them into the land
of Gilead and
Lebanon;
and there won’t
be room enough 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 will dry
up;
and the pride
of Assyria will be
brought down,
and the scepter
of Egypt will
depart.
12 I
will strengthen
them in the
LORD.
They will walk
up and down
in his name,”
says the LORD.