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.