1 Ask Adonai for rain in spring! Adonai makes the storm clouds and will give rain showers and plants of the field to everyone.
2 The idols utter deceit and diviners see lies. They relate false dreams and comfort in vain. Therefore the people wander like sheep, afflicted because there is no shepherd.
3 My anger burns against the shepherds and I will punish the leaders. Adonai-Tzva’ot cares for His flock, the house of Judah. He will make them His valiant steed in battle.
4 From Judah will come the cornerstone, from him the tent peg, from him the battle bow and from him every leader together.
5 They will be like mighty men treading down muddy streets in war. They will fight, because Adonai is with them and will put horsemen to shame.
6 I will strengthen the house of Judah and save the house of Joseph. I will bring them back, for I have compassion on them. They will be as though I had never spurned them, for I am Adonai their God and I will answer them!