1ASK from the LORD rain in the season of latter rain; and the LORD shall make gentle showers, and give you the early rain which causes the grass to grow in the field.

2For the learned men have spoken iniquity, and the diviners have seen a lie and have told false dreams; they comfort in vain; therefore the people went their way like a flock, they were afflicted because they had no shepherd.

3My anger is raging against the shepherds, and I will punish the flocks; for the LORD of hosts has visited his flock the house of Judah, and has made them as a splendid horse in the battle.

4Out of them shall come forth the cornerstone, out of them the nail, out of them the battle bow, and out of them all their rulers together.

5And they shall be like mighty men who tread mire in the streets in the battle; they shall fight because the LORD is with them, and the riders on horses shall be confounded.

6And I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph, and I will bring them back again; for I will have mercy upon them; and they shall be as though I had not forgotten them; for I am the LORD God and will answer them.

7And they shall become like the mighty men of Ephraim, and their hearts shall rejoice as with wine; yea, their children shall see it and be glad; their hearts shall rejoice in the LORD.

8I will whistle for them and gather them; for I will save them; and they shall increase as they were before increased.

9And I will scatter them among the nations, yet they shall praise me in far countries; and they shall rear their children and return again.

10And I will bring them back from the land of Egypt and gather them out of Assyria; and I will bring them back to the land of Gilead and Lebanon; and the lands shall not be enough for them.

11And they shall pass through the sea of affliction, and he shall turn back the waves in the sea, and all the depths of the river shall dry up; and the pride of Assyria shall cease, and the government of Egypt shall pass away.

12And I will strengthen them in the LORD; and they shall preach the good tidings of his name, says the LORD.