Birth of the Prince of Peace
1 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. 9:1 Mt 4:15 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; 9:2 Mt 4:16; Eph 5:8
a light has dawned
on those living in the land of darkness. 9:2 Lk 1:79
3 You have enlarged the nation
and increased its joy. 9:3 Alt Hb tradition reads have not increased joy, 9:3 Is 26:15
The people have rejoiced before you
as they rejoice at harvest time
and as they rejoice when dividing spoils. 9:3 1Sm 30:16
4 For you have shattered their oppressive yoke 9:4 Is 10:27; 14:25
and the rod on their shoulders,
the staff of their oppressor,
just as you did on the day of Midian. 9:4 Jdg 7:25; Is 10:26
5 For every trampling boot of battle
and the bloodied garments of war
will be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 For a child will be born for us,
a son will be given to us, 9:6 Is 7:14; 11:1–2; 53:2; Lk 2:11; Jn 3:16
and the government will be on his shoulders. 9:6 Is 22:22; Mt 28:18; 1Co 15:25
He will be named
Wonderful Counselor, 9:6 Is 28:29 Mighty God, 9:6 Dt 10:17; Neh 9:32; Is 10:21
Eternal Father, 9:6 Is 63:16; 64:8 Prince of Peace. 9:6 Is 26:3,12; 54:10; 66:12