1 Ask the Lord for rain in the spring season,the Lord who brings storm clouds, and heavy rains,who gives to everyone grain in the fields.
2 For the teraphim have spoken nonsense,the diviners have seen false visions;Deceitful dreams they have told,empty comfort they have offered.This is why they wandered like sheep,wretched, for they have no shepherd.
3 My wrath is kindled against the shepherds,and I will punish the leaders.For the Lord of hosts attends to the flock, the house of Judah,and will make them like a splendid horse in battle.
4 From them will come the tower,from them the tent peg,from them the bow of war,from them every officer.
5 Together they will be like warriors,trampling the mud of the streets in battle.They will wage war because the Lord is with them,and will put the horsemen to shame.
6 I will strengthen the house of Judah,the house of Joseph I will save;I will bring them back, because I have mercy on them;they will be as if I had never cast them off,for I am the Lord their God, and I will answer them.
7 Then Ephraim will be like a hero,and their hearts will be cheered as by wine.Their children will see and rejoice—their hearts will exult in the Lord.