| [an error occurred while processing this directive] | New International Version |
| 1[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 1Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan-- |
| 2[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 2The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. |
| 3[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 3You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. |
| 4[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 4For as in the day of Midian's defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. |
| 5[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 5Every warrior's boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. |
| 6[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 6For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. |
| 7[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 7Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. |
| 8[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 8The Lord has sent a message against Jacob; it will fall on Israel. |
| 9[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 9All the people will know it-- Ephraim and the inhabitants of Samaria-- who say with pride and arrogance of heart, |
| 10[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 10"The bricks have fallen down, but we will rebuild with dressed stone; the fig trees have been felled, but we will replace them with cedars." |
| 11[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 11But the LORD has strengthened Rezin's foes against them and has spurred their enemies on. |
| 12[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 12Arameans from the east and Philistines from the west have devoured Israel with open mouth. Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away, his hand is still upraised. |
| 13[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 13But the people have not returned to him who struck them, nor have they sought the LORD Almighty. |
| 14[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 14So the LORD will cut off from Israel both head and tail, both palm branch and reed in a single day; |
| 15[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 15the elders and dignitaries are the head, the prophets who teach lies are the tail. |
| 16[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 16Those who guide this people mislead them, and those who are guided are led astray. |
| 17[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 17Therefore the Lord will take no pleasure in the young men, nor will he pity the fatherless and widows, for everyone is ungodly and wicked, every mouth speaks folly. Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away, his hand is still upraised. |
| 18[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 18Surely wickedness burns like a fire; it consumes briers and thorns, it sets the forest thickets ablaze, so that it rolls upward in a column of smoke. |
| 19[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 19By the wrath of the LORD Almighty the land will be scorched and the people will be fuel for the fire; they will not spare one another. |
| 20[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 20On the right they will devour, but still be hungry; on the left they will eat, but not be satisfied. Each will feed on the flesh of their own offspring: |
| 21[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 21Manasseh will feed on Ephraim, and Ephraim on Manasseh; together they will turn against Judah. Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away, his hand is still upraised. |
| [an error occurred while processing this directive] | New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. |
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