Isaiah 61

61:1-3 The servant here proclaims the good news that his ministry will restore Zion. The Lord Jesus applied these words to his own mission (Luke 4:18-19).61:1 The presence of God’s Spirit ensures the success of the servant’s mission (see 11:1-5; 42:1). • The servant will restore and heal the marginalized poor and the brokenhearted (see 25:4).

61:2 The time of the Lord’s favor is the day of God’s salvation (see 49:8). • the day of God’s anger: God now turns his wrath against the enemies of his people. It will be a day of righteous vengeance (see 34:8; 63:3-4).

61:3 Putting ashes on one’s head was a sign of mourning (note the reversal of the judgment stated in 3:16-25). Mourning would be replaced by joy. The words translated crown of beauty and ashes form a wordplay in Hebrew. • joyous blessing (literally oil of gladness): A face covered with oil was a sign of blessing and well-being (see Pss 45:8; 133:2). • The remnant would start out as small offshoots but would grow into great oaks (see Isa 60:21).

61:6 priests . . . ministers: The nation would fulfill its original calling (Exod 19:6).

61:7 The people had suffered God’s wrath for their sins (40:2); now they would receive a double share of God’s blessing.

61:8 Those who belong to the community of God’s people are to imitate the character of God, who loves justice (see Mic 6:8) and hates wrongdoing (Isa 33:15).

61:9 Their descendants: The covenant will be effective from generation to generation. • The Lord has blessed them in fulfillment of his promise to Abraham (Gen 12:1-2; see Isa 65:23).

61:10 clothing of salvation . . . robe of righteousness: With great joy God will clothe his people with the benefits of his salvation and righteousness (see 51:5; 56:1), like a bridegroom . . . or a bride (see 49:18; 62:5; Jer 2:32; 7:34; 16:9; 25:10; 33:11).