1. (8:23) The gloom will be dispelled for those who were anxious.In earlier times he humiliatedthe land of Zebulun,and the land of Naphtali;but now he brings honorto the way of the sea,the region beyond the Jordan,and Galilee of the nations.
2. (9:1) The people walking in darknesssee a bright light;light shines on those who live in a land of deep darkness.
3. You have enlarged the nation;you give them great joy.They rejoice in your presenceas harvesters rejoice;as warriors celebrate when they divide up the plunder.
4. For their oppressive yokeand the club that strikes their shoulders,the cudgel the oppressor uses on them,you have shattered, as in the day of Midian’s defeat.
5. Indeed every boot that marches and shakes the earthand every garment dragged through bloodis used as fuel for the fire.
6. For a child has been born to us,a son has been given to us.He shoulders responsibilityand is called:Extraordinary Strategist,Mighty God,Everlasting Father,Prince of Peace.
7. His dominion will be vastand he will bring immeasurable prosperity.He will rule on David’s throneand over David’s kingdom,establishing it and strengthening itby promoting justice and fairness,from this time forward and forevermore.The Lord’s intense devotion to his people will accomplish this.
8. The sovereign master decreed judgment on Jacob,and it fell on Israel.
9. All the people were aware of it,the people of Ephraim and those living in Samaria.Yet with pride and an arrogant attitude, they said,