When it rains in spring, seek rain from the Lord, who shines with lightning. He will bring showers of rain for everyone, and let the fields grow vegetables.

Because what the gods of the house say is emptiness, what diviners see is falsehood, and what dreamers say is false dreams. They comfort people for nothing. So the people are like sheep wandering away, suffering because there is no shepherd.

My anger is burning against the shepherd, and I will punish the male goat. For I, the Lord of hosts, have taken care of my flock, the house of Judah, and will make them like horses in battle.

From him came the corner stones, nails, bows of war, and all those in power.

They will be like warriors, trampling their enemies on the dirt of the streets in battle. They will fight, for the Lord is with them. Those who ride horses will also be ashamed.

I will strengthen the house of Judah, save the house of Joseph, and bring them back. I will have mercy on them, and they will be like those who have not been abandoned. Because I am the Lord their God, I will answer their prayers.

The people of Ephraim will be like warriors, and their hearts will be filled with joy like drinking wine. Their children will see and be happy. Their hearts will rejoice in the Lord.

I want to hiss and gather them. Because I have redeemed them. Their numbers will increase, just as they did before.

Although I will spread them among the nations, they will remember me far away. They and their children will both live and return.

I will bring them out of the land of Egypt again, gather them out of Assyria, and bring them to Gilead and Lebanon, but this land will not be enough for them to dwell in.

The Lord will pass through the bitter sea and strike the waves, causing the depths of the Nile to dry up. The pride of Assyria will be lowly. The power of Egypt will inevitably perish.

I will make them trust in me and strengthen themselves. Every move is in my name. This is what the Lord has said.