1 Ask the Lord for rain during the springtime rains.The Lord is the one who makes the clouds.He sends the showersand gives everyone green fields.
2 Idols tell lies;fortune-tellers see false visionsand tell about false dreams.The comfort they give is worth nothing.So the people are like lost sheep.They are abused, because there is no shepherd.
3 The Lord says, “I am angry at my shepherds,and I will punish the leaders.I, the Lord All-Powerful, carefor my flock, the people of Judah.I will make them like my proud war horses.
4 From Judah will come the cornerstone,and the tent peg,the battle bow,and every ruler.
5 Together they will be like soldiersmarching to battle through muddy streets.The Lord is with them,so they will fight and defeat the horsemen.
6 “I will strengthen the people of Judahand save the people of Joseph.I will bring them back,because I care about them.It will be as thoughI had never left them,because I am the Lord their God,and I will answer them.
7 The people of Ephraim will be strong like soldiers;they will be glad as when they have drunk wine.Their children will see it and rejoice;they will be happy in the Lord.