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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 Lebanon; 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. |
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