1Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past, He lightly afflicted and humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali; but in the future, He will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea. 2The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; they who dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them has the light shined. 3You have enlarged the nation, and *increased their joy; they rejoice before You as those who rejoice in harvest, and as those who divide the spoil. 4For, as in the day of Midian’s defeat, You have broken the yoke that burdens them, and the rod of the oppressor from their shoulders. 5For in every battle of the warrior there is confused noise, and garments rolled in blood are destined to be burned as fuel for the fire. 6For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end. He shall reign upon the throne of David and 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.

8The LORD has spoken a word against Jacob, and His judgment has fallen upon Israel. 9And all the people shall know, even Ephraim and the inhabitant of Samaria, that say in the pride and arrogance of their heart, 10“The bricks have fallen down, but we will rebuild with hewn stones; the sycamores are cut down, but we will replace them with cedars.” 11But the LORD will strengthen Rezin against Israel, and stir up all their enemies; 12The Syrians in front, and the Philistines behind; and they shall devour Israel with an open mouth. Yet for all this, His anger is not turned away, but His hand is still raised to punish. 13For after all this, His people have not returned to Him Who struck them, nor do they seek the LORD Almighty. 14Therefore the LORD will cut off from Israel both head and tail, palm branch and reed, in a single day. 15The elders and dignitaries are the head; and the prophets who teach lies are the tail. 16For their guides lead them astray; and to their destruction. 17Therefore the LORD shall take no pleasure in the young men, nor shall He have mercy on the fatherless and widows; for everyone is a hypocrite and ungodly, and every mouth speaks folly. Yet for all this, His anger is not abated, but His hand (fist) is still raised (poised to strike). 18For wickedness burns like a fire; it shall burn the briers and thorns, and consume the thickets of the forest, so that a column of smoke rises. 19By the wrath of the LORD Almighty the land is scorched, and the people shall be fuel for the fire; no man shall spare even his own brother. 20On the right they shall devour, and still be hungry; and on the left, they shall eat and not be satisfied. They shall even eat their own offspring: 21Manasseh will feed on Ephraim; and Ephraim will feed on Manasseh; and together, they shall turn against Judah. Yet for all this, His anger is not turned away, but His hand is still raised.