1 A sk ye of Jehovah rain in the time of the latter rain, even of Jehovah that maketh lightnings; and he will give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field.

Ask of the Lord rain in the time of the latter or spring rain. It is the Lord Who makes lightnings which usher in the rain and give men showers, and grass to everyone in the field.

2 F or the teraphim have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie; and they have told false dreams, they comfort in vain: therefore they go their way like sheep, they are afflicted, because there is no shepherd.

For the teraphim (household idols) have spoken vanity (emptiness, falsity, and futility) and the diviners have seen a lie and the dreamers have told false dreams; they comfort in vain. Therefore the people go their way like sheep; they are afflicted and hurt because there is no shepherd.

3 M ine anger is kindled against the shepherds, and I will punish the he-goats; for Jehovah of hosts hath visited his flock, the house of Judah, and will make them as his goodly horse in the battle.

My anger is kindled against the shepherds and I will punish the goat leaders, for the Lord of hosts has visited His flock, the house of Judah, and will make them as His beautiful and majestic horse in the battle.

4 F rom him shall come forth the corner-stone, from him the nail, from him the battle bow, from him every ruler together.

Out of him shall come forth the Cornerstone, out of him the tent peg, out of him the battle bow; every ruler shall proceed from him.

5 A nd they shall be as mighty men, treading down their enemies in the mire of the streets in the battle; and they shall fight, because Jehovah is with them; and the riders on horses shall be confounded.

And they shall be like mighty men treading down their enemies in the mire of the streets in the battle, and they shall fight because the Lord is with them, and the riders on horses shall be confounded and put to shame.

6 A nd I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph, and I will bring them back; for I have mercy upon them; and they shall be as though I had not cast them off: for I am Jehovah their God, and I will hear them.

And I will strengthen the house of Judah and I will save the house of Joseph. I will bring them back and cause them to dwell securely, for I have mercy, loving-kindness, and compassion for them. They shall be as though I had not cast them off, for I am the Lord their God, and I will hear them.

7 A nd they of Ephraim shall be like a mighty man, and their heart shall rejoice as through wine; yea, their children shall see it, and rejoice; their heart shall be glad in Jehovah.

Then Ephraim shall become like a mighty warrior, and their hearts shall rejoice as through wine; yes, their children shall see it and rejoice; their hearts shall feel great delight and glory triumphantly in the Lord!

8 I will hiss for them, and gather them; for I have redeemed them; and they shall increase as they have increased.

I will hiss for them and gather them in, for I have redeemed them, and they shall increase as they have increased.

9 A nd I will sow them among the peoples; and they shall remember me in far countries; and they shall live with their children, and shall return.

And though I sow them among the nations, yet they shall remember Me in far countries, and with their children they shall live and shall return.

10 I will bring them again also out of the land of Egypt, and gather them out of Assyria; and I will bring them into the land of Gilead and Lebanon; and place shall not be found for them.

I will bring them home again from the land of Egypt and gather them out of Assyria, and I will bring them into the land Gilead and Lebanon, and room enough shall not be found for them.

11 A nd he will pass through the sea of affliction, and will smite 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 sceptre of Egypt shall depart.

And will pass through the sea of distress and affliction; and He will smite down the waves of the sea, and all the depths of the Nile shall be dried up and put to shame; and the pride of Assyria shall be brought down and the scepter or rod shall pass away.

12 A nd I will strengthen them in Jehovah; and they shall walk up and down in his name, saith Jehovah.

And I will strengthen in the Lord, and they shall walk up and down and glory in His name, says the Lord.