If you look in the last verse of the previous chapter when it talks about the dimness of anguish, we can know why he speaks of in v1. That dimness won't be as much as when The Lord afflicted these lands to be attacked by Assyria. The dimness is just like the darkness is terms of meaning apostasy because the great light is Christ, who shines and brings joy by lifting the yoke of oppression (v2-4). The battles will be a way to cleanse the earth to prepare for the Messianic Kingdom (v5).
Ok I love reading v6 because it reminds me of when I sang the Messiah in a choir years and years ago. It talks of the birth of Christ and his mighty everlasting leadership that will love on forever. He is just and even sends out a warning to the northern ten tribes called Israel (v7-8). Because of their pride and stoutness of heart, the enemies of Israel will be joined to devour Israel (v9-12). Despite this, The Lord is still willing to stretch out his hand to help if they would only take it! Alas they do not so The Lord continues to enact justice on their rebellion because of their wicked leaders (v13-16).
Their rising generation is raised wicked and The Lord cannot have mercy on the wicked though he would if they would turn to his stretched out hand (v17). The wicked will be the fiery destruction for themselves, not sparing their brothers, and never satisfied (v18-20). Manasseh and Ephraim will fight against Judah while The Lord waits with an out stretched hand (v21).
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