1Ask of YHWH rain in the time of the latter rain; YHWH who makes the lightning-clouds; and he will give them showers of rain, to each man (ish) the herbage in the field.
2For the teraphim have spoken iniquity, and the diviners have seen a lie, and they speak dreams of falsehood; with vanity they comfort. Therefore they have journeyed like a flock; they are afflicted because there is no shepherd.
3Against the shepherds my anger is kindled, and upon the he-goats I will visit punishment; for YHWH of hosts (tzevaot) has visited his flock, the house of Judah, and will make them like his majestic horse in the battle.
4From him is the corner-stone, from him the tent-peg, from him the bow of war, from him goes forth every ruler together.
5And they shall be like mighty men, trampling in the mire of the streets in the battle; and they shall fight, for YHWH is with them, and the riders on horses shall be put to shame.
6And I will strengthen the house of Judah, and the house of Joseph I will save (yasha), and I will bring them back, for I have had compassion on them; and they shall be as though I had not cast them off, for I am YHWH their God, and I will answer them.
7And Ephraim shall be like a mighty man, and their heart shall rejoice as with wine; and their sons shall see and rejoice, their heart shall be glad in YHWH.
8I will whistle for them and gather them, for I have redeemed them; and they shall be many as they were many.
9And I will sow them among the peoples, and in the far places they shall remember me; and they shall live with their children, and return.
10And I will bring them back from the land of Egypt, and gather them from Assyria; and to the land of Gilead and Lebanon I will bring them, and there shall not be found enough for them.
11And he shall pass over through the sea of affliction, and shall strike the waves in the sea, and all the depths of the Nile shall dry up; and the pride of Assyria shall be brought down, and the scepter of Egypt shall depart.
12And I will strengthen them in YHWH, and in his name they shall walk about, declares YHWH.