Isaiah 8:22–9:3

²²They will look at the earth and see only distress and gloom. 

They will go in anguish and be forced into darkness. 

9TH CHAPTER^a

¹But there will be no more gloom 

for the land that is in distress. 

God humbled the lands of Zebulun and Naphtali in earlier times. 

But in the future he will bring glory to the road by the sea, 

to the land across the Jordan River, 

to Galilee, where foreigners live. 

A Child Will Be Born as the Prince of Peace

²The people who walk in darkness will see a bright light. 

The light will shine on those who live in the land of death’s shadow. 

³You will expand the nation and increase its happiness. 

It will be happy in your presence 

like those who celebrate the harvest 

or rejoice when dividing loot.