Isaiah 8:22–9:7

²²or they will look to the earth, but they will see only distress and darkness, the gloom of anguish, and they will be thrust into thick darkness.^b*

The Righteous Reign of the Coming King

^9cBut there will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.^*

^2dThe people who walked in darkness

have seen a great light;

those who lived in a land of deep darkness—

on them light has shined.^*

³You have multiplied exultation;^e

you have increased its joy;

they rejoice before you

as with joy at the harvest,

as people exult when dividing plunder.^*

⁴For the yoke of their burden

and the bar across their shoulders,

the rod of their oppressor,

you have broken as on the day of Midian.^*

⁵For all the boots of the tramping warriors

and all the garments rolled in blood

shall be burned as fuel for the fire.^*

⁶For a child has been born for us,

a son given to us;

authority rests upon his shoulders,

and he is named

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.^*

⁷Great will be his authority,^f

and there shall be endless peace

for the throne of David and his kingdom.

He will establish and uphold it

with justice and with righteousness

from this time onward and forevermore.

The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.^*