Isaiah 9:1–4

BIRTH OF THE PRINCE OF PEACE

9 Nevertheless, the gloom of the distressed land will not be like that of the former times when he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali.ab But in the future he will bring honor to the way of the sea, to the land east of the Jordan, and to Galilee of the nations.

2 The people walking in darkness

have seen a great light;ac

a light has dawned

on those living in the land of darkness.ad

3 You have enlarged the nation

and increased its joy.B,ae

The people have rejoiced before you

as they rejoice at harvest time

and as they rejoice when dividing spoils.a

4 For you have shattered their oppressive yokeb

and the rod on their shoulders,

the staff of their oppressor,

just as you did on the day of Midian.c