| [an error occurred while processing this directive] | New International Version |
| 1[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 1Ask the LORD for rain in the springtime; it is the LORD who sends the thunderstorms. He gives showers of rain to all people, and plants of the field to everyone. |
| 2[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 2The idols speak deceitfully, diviners see visions that lie; they tell dreams that are false, they give comfort in vain. Therefore the people wander like sheep oppressed for lack of a shepherd. |
| 3[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 3"My anger burns against the shepherds, and I will punish the leaders; for the LORD Almighty will care for his flock, the people of Judah, and make them like a proud horse in battle. |
| 4[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 4From Judah will come the cornerstone, from him the tent peg, from him the battle bow, from him every ruler. |
| 5[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 5Together they will be like warriors in battle trampling their enemy into the mud of the streets. They will fight because the LORD is with them, and they will put the enemy horsemen to shame. |
| 6[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 6"I will strengthen Judah and save the tribes of Joseph. I will restore them because I have compassion on them. They will be as though I had not rejected them, for I am the LORD their God and I will answer them. |
| 7[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 7The Ephraimites will become like warriors, and their hearts will be glad as with wine. Their children will see it and be joyful; their hearts will rejoice in the LORD. |
| 8[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 8I will signal for them and gather them in. Surely I will redeem them; they will be as numerous as before. |
| 9[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 9Though I scatter them among the peoples, yet in distant lands they will remember me. They and their children will survive, and they will return. |
| 10[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 10I will bring them back from Egypt and gather them from Assyria. I will bring them to Gilead and Lebanon, and there will not be room enough for them. |
| 11[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 11They will pass through the sea of trouble; the surging sea will be subdued and all the depths of the Nile will dry up. Assyria's pride will be brought down and Egypt's scepter will pass away. |
| 12[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 12I will strengthen them in the LORD and in his name they will live securely," declares the LORD. |
| [an error occurred while processing this directive] | New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. |
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