4. You will break the yoke that burdens them,the bar that is across their shoulders,and the stick used by their oppressor,as ⌊you did in the battle against⌋ Midian.
5. Every warrior’s boot marching to the sound of battleand every garment rolled in bloodwill be burned as fuel in the fire.
6. A child will be born for us.A son will be given to us.The government will rest on his shoulders.He will be named:Wonderful Counselor,Mighty God,Everlasting Father,Prince of Peace.
7. His government and peace will have unlimited growth.He will establish David’s throne and kingdom.He will uphold it with justice and righteousness now and forever.The Lord of Armies is determined to do this!
8. The Lord sent a message against Jacob.The message is against Israel.
9. All the people of Ephraimand the people who live in Samaria will know it.With arrogant and conceited hearts they will say,
10. “Bricks have fallen,but we will rebuild with hand-cut stones.Fig trees have been cut down,but we will replace them with cedars.”
11. The Lord will set Rezin’s oppressors against Israeland will stir up its enemies—
12. the Arameans from the east and the Philistines from the west.They will devour Israel with open mouths.Even after all this, his anger will not disappear,and he is still ready to use his power.
13. But the people have not returned to the one who struck them,nor have they sought the Lord of Armies.
14. So in one day the Lord will cut off from Israelboth head and tail,both palm branches and cattails.
15. Respected and honored leaders are the head.Prophets who teach lies are the tail.
16. Those who guide these people lead them astray.Those who are guided by them will be destroyed.