1. Nonetheless, those who were in distress won’t be exhausted. At an earlier time, God cursed the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but later he glorified the way of the sea, the far side of the Jordan, and the Galilee of the nations.
2. The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.On those living in a pitch-dark land, light has dawned.
3. You have made the nation great;you have increased its joy.They rejoiced before you as with joy at the harvest,as those who divide plunder rejoice.
4. As on the day of Midian, you’ve shattered the yoke that burdened them,the staff on their shoulders,and the rod of their oppressor.
5. Because every boot of the thundering warriors,and every garment rolled in bloodwill be burned, fuel for the fire.
6. A child is born to us, a son is given to us,and authority will be on his shoulders.He will be namedWonderful Counselor, Mighty God,Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
7. There will be vast authority and endless peacefor David’s throne and for his kingdom,establishing and sustaining itwith justice and righteousnessnow and forever.The zeal of the Lord of heavenly forces will do this.
8. The Lord sent a word against Jacob;it fell upon Israel;
9. the people all knew it—Ephraim and the one who rules in Samaria.But with a proud and arrogant heart they said,
10. "Bricks have fallen,but let’s rebuild with stones.Sycamores were cut down,but let’s replace them with cedars."
11. So the Lord raised up their foes against them,and stirred up their enemies—
12. Aram from the east and the Philistines from the west—and they devoured Israel with an open mouth.Even then God’s anger didn’t turn away;God’s hand was still extended.