1: Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; so
the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to
every one grass in the field. |
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2: For the idols have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a
lie, and have told false dreams; they comfort in vain: therefore they
went their way as a flock, they were troubled, because there was no
shepherd. |
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3:
Mine anger was kindled against the shepherds, and I punished
the goats: for the LORD of hosts hath visited his flock the house of
Judah, and hath made them as his goodly horse in the battle. |
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4: Out of him came forth the corner, out of him the nail, out of
him the battle bow, out of him every oppressor together. |
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5: And they shall be as mighty men, which tread 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. |
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6: And I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the
house of Joseph, and I will bring them again to place them; for I have
mercy upon them: and they shall be as though I had not cast them off:
for I am the LORD their God, and will hear them. |
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7: And they of Ephraim shall be like a mighty man, and their
heart shall rejoice as through wine: yea, their children shall see it,
and be glad; their heart shall rejoice in the LORD. |
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8: I will hiss for them, and gather them; for I have redeemed
them: and they shall increase as they have increased. |
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9: And I will sow them among the people: and they shall remember
me in far countries; and they shall live with their children, and turn
again. |
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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 Labanon; and place shall not be found for them. |
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11: And he shall pass through the sea with affliction, and shall
smite the waves in the sea, and all the deeps of the river shall dry up:
and the pride of Assyria shall be brought down, and the sceptre of Egypt
shall depart away. |
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12: And I will strengthen them in the LORD; and they shall walk
up and down in his name, saith the LORD. |