3 My anger burns hot against the shepherds;I will punish the goats.The Lord of heavenly forces will take care of his splendor, the house of Judah.He will make them like his majestic horse in battle.
4 The cornerstone, the tent peg, and the bow used in battle will come from Judah.Every oppressor will leave Judah simultaneously.
5 Judah will be like warriors,trampling through the muddy streets during battle.They will do battle because the Lord is with them.All the cavalry will be ashamed.
6 I will strengthen the house of Judahand deliver the house of Joseph.I will bring them back because I have compassion on them.They will be as though I hadn’t rejected them, for I am the Lord their God;I will respond to them.
7 Ephraim will be like a warrior.They will be as glad as if they were drinking wine.Their children will watch and be glad.Their hearts will rejoice in the Lord.
8 I will whistle for them and gather them,because I have ransomed them.They will be as numerous as they were previously.
9 Though I sowed them among the peoples,they will remember me in the distant placeswhere they are living with their children until they return.