Zechariah 10

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.

In times of need, seek the Lord's blessings. He will respond with radiant clouds, showering rain to nourish every blade of grass in the field.

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.

False idols have only offered empty promises, and those who claim to see the future have lied and shared deceitful dreams. Their comfort is meaningless. So, they wandered aimlessly, lost and confused, for they had no guide.

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.

My anger burned against the shepherds, and I punished the goats who led them. The Lord, our mighty leader, looked after his people of Judah, strengthening them like a majestic horse in battle.

Out of him came forth the corner, out of him the nail, out of him the battle bow, out of him every oppressor together.

From him emerged the foundation, from him the binding force, from him the weapon of conflict, from him every tyrant united.

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.

They will be strong, crushing their foes in the dirt of the battlefield. They will fight bravely, for God is with them, leaving their mounted enemies in utter confusion.

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.

I promise to empower Judah, rescue Joseph, and restore them to their rightful place, out of my deep love and mercy for them. It will be as if they were never abandoned, for I am their God, always listening to their prayers.

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.

The people of Ephraim will be strong and joyful, their happiness bubbling like fine wine. Their children will witness this joy and share in it, their hearts filled with gladness because of the Lord.

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

I will call out to them with love, drawing them close, for I have saved them. They will flourish and grow, just as they have in the past.

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.

I will scatter them among all nations, and even in distant lands they will remember me. They will raise their children there and then return home.

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 rescue them from Egypt and gather them from Assyria, leading them home to Gilead and Lebanon. Their numbers will be so great, there won't be enough room for them all.

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.

He will bravely endure hardship, conquering the tumultuous sea. The river's depths will vanish, humbling Assyria's arrogance and ending Egypt's reign.

And I will strengthen them in the LORD; and they shall walk up and down in his name, saith the LORD.

I will empower them through God's grace; they will live their lives guided by His name, promises the Lord.