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.
Ask for the blessings God has promised and He will give them.
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.
3 Mine anger was kindled against the shepherds, and I punished the goats: …
The false prophets led the people astray so God punished those prophets.
…for the LORD of hosts has visited His flock the house of Judah, and has made them as His goodly horse in the battle.
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.
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.
We are again discussing the Maccabees and their many victories.
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.
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.
8 I will hiss for them, and gather them; for I have redeemed them: and they shall increase as they have increased.
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.
Again, God promises to bring all His people from all over the world.
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.
“There are going to be so many of you there won’t be enough houses!” A growing population is a growing economy. Everyone is richer.
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 scepter of Egypt shall depart away.
12 And I will strengthen them in the LORD; and they shall walk up and down in His name, says the LORD.
Assyria and Egypt both suffered under Alexander and Rome. Israel did fine under Alexander (though not so much under his heirs), and at first under Rome.