¶ Even like as in time past it hath been well seen, that the land of Zabulon and the land of Nephtali (where thorow the sea way goeth over Iordan in to the land of Galilee) was at the first in little trouble, but afterward sore vexed.
Nevertheless the people that have dwelt in darkness, shall see a great light. As for them that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them shall the light shine.
Shalt thou multiply the people, and not increase the joy also? They shall rejoice before thee even as men make merry in harvest, and as men that have gotten the victory, when they deal the spoil.
For thou shalt break the yoke of the people's burthen: the staff of his shoulder and the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Madian.
Moreover all temerarious and seditious power (yea where there is but a coat filled with blood) shall be burnt, and fed the fire.
For unto us a child shall be born, and unto us a son shall be given. Upon his shoulders shall the kingdom lie, and he shall be called with his own name: the wonderous giver of counsel, the mighty God, the everlasting father, the Prince of peace,
he shall make no end to increase the kingdom and peace, and shall sit upon the seat of David and in his kingdom, to set up the same, to stablish it with equity and righteousness, from thence forth for evermore. This shall the jealousy of the LORD of hosts bring to pass.
¶ The Lord sent a word in to Iacob, the same is come in to Israel.
And the people also of Ephraim, and they that dwell in Samaria, can say with pride and high stomachs, on this manner:
The tile work is fallen down, but we will build it with harder stones. The Mulberry timber is broken, but we shall set it up again with Cedar.
Nevertheless, the LORD shall prepare Razin the enemy against them, and so order their adversaries,
that the Sirians shall lay hold upon them before, and the Philistines behind, and so devour Israel with open mouth. After all this, the wrath of the Lord shall not cease, but yet his hand shall be stretched out still.
For the people turneth not unto him, that chastiseth them, neither do they seek the LORD of Hosts.
Therefore the LORD shall root out of Israel both head and tail, branch and twig in one day.
By the head, is understond the Senator and honorable man, and by the tail, the Prophet that preacheth lies.
For all they which enforme the people that they be in a right cause, such be deceivers. Such as men think also to be perfect among these, are but cast away.
Therefore shall the Lord have no pleasure in their young men, neither favour their fatherless and widows. For they are all together hypocrites and wicked, and all their mouths speak folly. After all this shall not the Lord's wrath cease, but yet his hand shall be stretched out still.
For the ungodly burn, as a fire in the briers and thorns: And as it were out of a fire in a wood or a red bush, so ascendeth the smoke of their pride.
For this cause shall the wrath of the LORD of Hosts fall upon the land, and the people shall be consumed, as it were with fire, no man shall spare his brother.
If a man do turn him to the right hand, he shall famish, or to the left hand to eat, he shall not have enough. Every man shall eat the flesh of his own arm:
Manasses shall eat Ephraim and Ephraim Manasses, and they both shall eat Iuda. After all this shall not the Lord's wrath cease, but yet shall his hand be stretched out still.
Praise the Everlasting Lord for His Faithful Word.