9:3 not increased the joy. Because it seems more compatible with the general tone of the passage, many translators and commentators (ancient and modern) have eliminated the word “not.” However, the very fact that “not” seems so incompatible would make it unlikely that any copyist would (either intentionally or accidentally) insert the word into the passage. Thus, it is probably correct as it stands here. The meaning seems to be that, even though God had greatly multiplied the nation, as promised to Abraham (Genesis 22:17), there had been no increase in true joy among the people. Though they had been blessed and made free physically, they were still in bondage spiritually (see Isaiah 9:8-21).