1 But there will be no more gloom
2 The people who walk in darkness will see a bright light.
3 You will expand the nation and increase its happiness.
4 You will break the yoke that burdens them,
5 Every warrior’s boot marching to the sound of battle
6 A child will be born for us.
7 His government and peace will have unlimited growth.
8 The Lord sent a message against Jacob.
9 All the people of Ephraim
10 “Bricks have fallen,
11 The Lord will set Rezin’s oppressors against Israel
12 the Arameans from the east and the Philistines from the west.
13 But the people have not returned to the one who struck them,
14 So in one day the Lord will cut off from Israel
15 Respected and honored leaders are the head.
16 Those who guide these people lead them astray.
17 That is why the Lord isn’t happy with their young men,
18 Surely wickedness burns like fire.
19 The land is scorched by the fury of the Lord of Armies,
20 On the right, one gobbles up food and is still hungry.
21 Manasseh is against Ephraim.