Zechariah 10

The LORD Will Care for Judah

1 Ask the LORD for rain in the springtime. It is the LORD who makes the storm clouds. He gives showers of rain to everyone, and plants in the field to each person.

2 For the idols speak lies, the diviners see false visions, they tell empty dreams and give false comfort. So the people wander like sheep oppressed because they have no shepherd.

3 My anger burns against the shepherds, and I will punish the leaders. The LORD of armies will care for His flock, the house of Judah, and make them like a proud horse in battle.

4 From Judah will come the cornerstone, from Him the tent peg, from Him the battle bow, from Him every ruler.

5 They will be like warriors in battle trampling their enemies into the mud of the streets. They will fight because the LORD is with them, and the riders on horses will be put to shame.

Restoration for Israel and Judah

6 I will strengthen the house of Judah and save the house of Joseph. I will restore them because I have compassion on them. They will be as though I had not rejected them, because I am the LORD their God and I will answer them.

7 Ephraim will be like a mighty warrior, and their hearts will rejoice as if with wine. Their children will see it and be glad. Their hearts will rejoice in the LORD.

8 I will whistle for them and gather them, because I have redeemed them. They will be as numerous as they once were.

9 Though I scattered them among the nations, they will remember Me in distant lands. They and their children will survive and return.

10 I will bring them back from Egypt and gather them from Assyria. I will bring them to Gilead and Lebanon, and there will not be enough room for them.

11 They will pass through the sea of trouble. The waves of the sea will be struck down, 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 I will strengthen them in the LORD, and they will walk in His name, declares the LORD.