2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a powerful light.

≈The light has shone on those who’ve lived in a land of darkness.[ref]

3 You have multiplied the nation itself.

You’ve increased its happiness.

≈They celebrate in front of you

like the happiness at harvest time.

≈Like their excitement when dividing the plunder,

4 because you’ve shattered the chains on its neck,

and the stick whacking its shoulders.

You’ve broken the rod of his oppressor

like when you defeated Midyan.

5 Yes, every warrior’s boot treading loudly will be burnt,

along with every piece of clothing with blood on it,

6 because a child is born for us.

A son is given to us

≈and the government will be on his shoulder.

He’ll be called ‘Amazing adviser’,

‘Greatest God’, ‘Forever father’, ‘Prince of peace’.

7 His government will be without borders—

with peace that’s never broken.

He’ll rule on David’s throne, and over his kingdom,

to establish it and sustain it with justice and with fairness from now onwards.

The zeal of army commander Yahweh will do that.[ref]