1 But there’ll be no darkness for those who were in trouble. Earlier he did bring the lands of Zebulun and Naphtali into disrepute, but the time is coming when he’ll make that whole area glorious— the road along the Sea, the country past the Jordan, international Galilee.
2-7 The people who walked in darknesshave seen a great light.For those who lived in a land of deep shadows—light! sunbursts of light!You repopulated the nation,you expanded its joy.Oh, they’re so glad in your presence!Festival joy!The joy of a great celebration,sharing rich gifts and warm greetings.The abuse of oppressors and cruelty of tyrants—all their whips and cudgels and curses—Is gone, done away with, a deliveranceas surprising and sudden as Gideon’s old victory over Midian.The boots of all those invading troops,along with their shirts soaked with innocent blood,Will be piled in a heap and burned,a fire that will burn for days!For a child has been born—for us!the gift of a son—for us!He’ll take overthe running of the world.His names will be: Amazing Counselor,Strong God,Eternal Father,Prince of Wholeness.His ruling authority will grow,and there’ll be no limits to the wholeness he brings.He’ll rule from the historic David throneover that promised kingdom.He’ll put that kingdom on a firm footingand keep it goingWith fair dealing and right living,beginning now and lasting always.The zeal of God-of-the-Angel-Armieswill do all this.
8-10 The Master sent a message against Jacob.It landed right on Israel’s doorstep.All the people soon heard the message,Ephraim and the citizens of Samaria.But they were a proud and arrogant bunch.They dismissed the message, saying,“Things aren’t that bad.We can handle anything that comes.If our buildings are knocked down,we’ll rebuild them bigger and finer.If our forests are cut down,we’ll replant them with finer trees.”
11-12 So God incited their adversaries against them,stirred up their enemies to attack:From the east, Arameans; from the west, Philistines.They made hash of Israel.But even after that, he was still angry,his fist still raised, ready to hit them again.