2 Before those people lived in darkness,but now they have seen a great light.They lived in a dark land,but a light has shined on them.
3 God, you have caused the nation to growand made the people happy.And they have shown their happiness to you,like the joy during harvest time,like the joy of peopletaking what they have won in war.
4 Like the time you defeated Midian,you have taken away their heavy loadand the heavy pole from their backsand the rod the enemy used to punish them.
5 Every boot that marched in battleand every uniform stained with bloodhas been thrown into the fire.
6 A child has been born to us;God has given a son to us.He will be responsible for leading the people.His name will be Wonderful Counselor, Powerful God,Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace.
7 Power and peace will be in his kingdomand will continue to grow forever.He will rule as king on David’s throneand over David’s kingdom.He will make it strongby ruling with justice and goodnessfrom now on and forever.The Lord All-Powerful will do thisbecause of his strong love for his people.
8 The Lord sent a message against the people of Jacob;it says that God will judge Israel.