Bible Commentaries

Isaiah 61:1-11. Messiah‘s offices: Restoration of Israel.

Messiah announces His twofold commission to bring gospel mercy at His first coming, and judgments on unbelievers and comfort to Zion at His second coming (Isaiah 61:1-9); the language can be applied to Isaiah, comforting by his prophecies the exiles in Babylon, only in a subordinate sense.

is upon me; because … hath anointed me — quoted by Jesus as His credentials in preaching (Luke 4:18-21). The Spirit is upon Me in preaching, because Jehovah hath anointed Me from the womb (Luke 1:35), and at baptism, with the Spirit “without measure,” and permanently “abiding” on Me (Isaiah 11:2; John 1:32; John 3:34; Psalm 45:7; with which compare 1 Kings 1:39, 1 Kings 1:40; 1 Kings 19:16; Exodus 29:7). “Anointed” as Messiah, Prophet, Priest, and King.

good tidings — as the word “gospel” means.

the meek — rather, “the poor,” as Luke 4:18 has it; that is, those afflicted with calamity, poor in circumstances and in spirit (Matthew 11:5).

proclaim liberty — (John 8:31-36). Language drawn from the deliverance of the Babylonian captives, to describe the deliverance from sin and death (Hebrews 2:15); also from the “liberty proclaimed” to all bond-servants in the year of jubilee (Isaiah 61:2; Leviticus 25:10; Jeremiah 34:8, Jeremiah 34:9).

opening of the prison — The Hebrew rather is, “the most complete opening,” namely, of the eyes to them that are bound, that is, deliverance from prison, for captives are as it were blind in the darkness of prison (Isaiah 14:17; Isaiah 35:5; Isaiah 42:7) [Ewald]. So Luke 4:18 and the Septuagint interpret it; Luke 4:18, under inspiration, adds to this, for the fuller explanation of the single clause in the Hebrew, “to set at liberty them that are bruised”; thus expressing the double “opening” implied; namely, that of the eyes (John 9:39), and that of the prison (Romans 6:18; Romans 7:24, Romans 7:25; Hebrews 2:15). His miracles were acted parables.

acceptable year — the year of jubilee on which “liberty was proclaimed to the captives” (Isaiah 61:1; 2 Corinthians 6:2).

day of vengeance — The “acceptable time of grace” is a “year”; the time of “vengeance” but “a day” (so Isaiah 34:8; Isaiah 63:4; Malachi 4:1). Jesus (Luke 4:20, Luke 4:21) “closed the book” before this clause; for the interval from His first to His second coming is “the acceptable year”; the day of vengeance” will not be till He comes again (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).

our God — The saints call Him “our God”; for He cometh to “avenge” them (Revelation 6:10; Revelation 19:2).

all that mourn — The “all” seems to include the spiritual Israelite mourners, as well as the literal, who are in Isaiah 61:3 called “them that mourn in Zion,” and to whom Isaiah 57:18 refers.

to give — The double verb, with the one and the same accusative, imparts glowing vehemence to the style.

beauty for ashes — There is a play on the sound and meaning of the Hebrew words, {(peer, epher}, literally, “ornamental headdress” or tiara (Ezekiel 24:17), worn in times of joy, instead of a headdress of “ashes,” cast on the head in mourning (2 Samuel 13:19).

oil of joy — Perfumed ointment was poured on the guests at joyous feasts (Psalm 23:5; Psalm 45:7, Psalm 45:8; Amos 6:6). On occasions of grief its use was laid aside (2 Samuel 14:2).

garment of praise — bright-colored garments, indicative of thankfulness, instead of those that indicate despondency, as sackcloth (John 16:20).

trees of righteousness — Hebrew, {terebinth} trees; symbolical of men strong in righteousness, instead of being, as heretofore, bowed down as a reed with sin and calamity (Isaiah 1:29, Isaiah 1:30; Isaiah 42:)3; 1 Kings 14:15; Psalm 1:3; Psalm 92:12-14; Jeremiah 17:8).

planting of … Lord — (See on Isaiah 60:21).

that he might be glorified — (John 15:8).

old wastes — Jerusalem and the cities of Judah which long lay in ruins (see on Isaiah 58:12).

stand — shall wait on you as servants (Isaiah 14:1, Isaiah 14:2; Isaiah 60:10).

But ye — as contrasted with the “strangers.” Ye shall have no need to attend to your flocks and lands: strangers will do that for you; your exclusive business will be the service of Jehovah as His “priests” (Exodus 19:6, which remains yet to be realized; compare as to the spiritual Israel, Isaiah 66:21; 1 Peter 2:5, 1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 1:6; Revelation 5:10).

Ministers — (Ezekiel 44:11).

eat … riches of … Gentiles — (Isaiah 60:5-11).

in their glory … boast yourselves — rather, “in their splendor ye shall be substituted in their stead”; ye shall substitute yourselves [Maurer].

double — Instead of your past share, ye shall have not merely as much, but “double” as much reward (Isaiah 40:2; Zechariah 9:12; compare the third clause in this verse).

confusion — rather, “humiliation,” or “contumely.”

rejoice — They shall celebrate with jubilation their portion [Maurer]. Transition from the second to the third person.

in their land — marking the reference to literal Israel, not to the Church at large.

everlasting joy — (Isaiah 35:10).

judgment — justice, which requires that I should restore My people, and give them double in compensation for their sufferings.

robbery for burnt offering — rather, from a different Hebrew root, the spoil of iniquity [Horsley]. So in Job 5:6. Hating, as I do, the rapine, combined with iniquity, perpetrated on My people by their enemies, I will vindicate Israel.

direct … work in truth — rather, “I will give them the reward of their work” (compare Isaiah 40:10, Margin; Isaiah 49:4, Margin; Isaiah 62:11, Margin) in faithfulness.

known — honorably; shall be illustrious (Psalm 67:2).

people — rather, “peoples.”

seed … blessed — (Isaiah 65:23).

Zion (Isaiah 61:3) gives thanks for God‘s returning favor (compare Luke 1:46, Luke 1:47; Habakkuk 3:18).

salvation … righteousness — inseparably connected together. The “robe” is a loose mantle thrown over the other parts of the dress (Psalm 132:9, Psalm 132:16; Psalm 149:4; Revelation 21:2; Revelation 19:8).

decketh himself with ornaments — rather “maketh himself a priestly headdress,” that is, a magnificent headdress, such as was worn by the high priest, namely, a miter and a plate, or crown of gold worn in front of it [Aquila, etc.]; appropriate to the “kingdom of priests,” dedicated to the offering of spiritual sacrifices to God continually (Exodus 19:6; Revelation 5:10; Revelation 20:6).

jewels — rather, “ornaments” in general [Barnes].

(Isaiah 45:8, Isaiah 55:10, Isaiah 55:11; Psalm 72:3; Psalm 85:11).

bud — the tender shoots.

praise — (Isaiah 60:18; Isaiah 62:7).