“Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when the when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory.
The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine. You will enlarge the nation of Israel, and it people will rejoice. They rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, and like warriors dividing the plunder. For you will break the yoke of their slavery and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders. You will break the oppressors rod as you did when you destroyed the army of Milan. The books of the warrior and the uniforms bloodstained by war will all be burned. They will be fuel for the fire.
For a child will be born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest upon his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Might God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will run with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestors, David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!” (vv. 1-7)