The chapter opens with the great light breaking upon those in the shadow of death — the yoke broken as in the day of Midian, where Gideon's small remnant overthrew an overwhelming host. The child born, the son given, bears government upon his shoulder and the names Wonderful, Counsellor, mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace — Jehovah Himself condescending to take flesh and sit upon David's throne forever. From verse 8 the prophecy turns sharp against Ephraim and Samaria, whose pride answers chastening with defiance: bricks for hewn stones, sycamores for cedars. Head and tail are cut off in one day — the honoured elder and the prophet who teaches lies. The refrain four times: his hand is stretched out still. Manasseh devours Ephraim, Ephraim Manasseh, both against Judah — the birthright tribes turned upon themselves before the gathering can come.
