7. The authority of his rule will continue to grow. The peace he brings will never end. He will rule on David's throne and over his kingdom. He will make the kingdom strong and secure. His rule will be based on what is fair and right. It will last forever. The Lord's great love will make sure that happens. He rules over all.
8. The Lord has sent a message against Jacob's people. He will punish Israel.
9. All of the people will know about it. Ephraim's people and those who live in Samaria will know about it. Their hearts are very proud. They say,
10. "The brick buildings have fallen down. But we will rebuild them with blocks of stone. The fig trees have been chopped down. But we'll plant cedar trees in place of them."
11. In spite of that, the Lord has made Rezin's enemies stronger. He has stirred up Assyria to fight against Israel.
12. Arameans from the east have opened their mouths and swallowed Israel up. So have Philistines from the west. Even then, the Lord is still angry. His hand is still raised against them.
13. But his people have not returned to the One who struck them down. They haven't turned for help to the Lord who rules over all.
14. So he will cut off from Israel heads and tails alike. In a single day he will cut off palm branches and tall grass alike. The palm branches are the people who rule over others. The tall grass is the people who bow down to them.