Isaiah 61

Chap. LXI. Ver. i—11. Messiah announces his office, and the Church rejoices in his work.—The same subject is continued; and, to give it the greater solemnity, the Messiah is introduced describing his own character and office, and confirming the large promises made before. In consequence of this, verse 10, the Jewish church is represented praising God for the honour done her, by her restoration to his favour, and the accession of the Gentiles, which is beautifully described in a happy allusion to the rich pontifical dress of the Jewish high priest. ‘The acceptable year of the Lord,’ mentioned, verse 2, certainly alludes to the year of Jubilee among the Hebrews, which afforded a fine image of the Gospel dispensation.

(See our exposition of (Leviticus 25:1-22).) And we can have no hesitation in applying the words to our Saviour, since he has claimed them for his own. ((Luke 4:18).) The 10th verse of this chapter seems to allude to an ancient and instructive custom of covering accused or obnoxious persons with the mantle of the Emperor: so Julian covered a certain prefect “with the imperial mantle” to protect him. (See Orient. Lit. No. 946.) And thus it is that the Lord our Redeemer covers his people with his imperial robe of righteousness, and adorns them with the diadem of his merits. (See (Revelation 4:4).).

Notes on the verses

LXI. Ver. 1. Liberty, &c.—(The proclaiming of perfect liberty to the bound, and the year of acceptance with Jehovah, is a manifest allusion to the proclaiming of the year of Jubilee by sound of trumpet: and our Saviour, by applying this text to himself, plainly declares the typical design of that institution.)—Bagster. e. Ver. 3. Beauty for ashes.—(Rather, as Bishop Leighton renders, “a beautiful crown instead of ashes.” In times of mourning the Jews put on sackcloth, or coarse sordid raiment, and spread dust and ashes on their heads; and on the contrary, splendid clothing, and ointment poured on the head, were the signs of joy.)—Bagster.; Ver. 5. Strangers (i. e. foreigners) shall feed your flocks, &c.—Meaning, that those who had formerly made slaves of them, should now become their shepherds, and farming men. Ver.

10. Decketh himself.—[Or, as Bishop Leighton renders, ‘as the bridegroom decketh himself with a priestly crown.” An allusion, he observes, to the magnificent dress of the high priest, when performing his functions; and particularly to the mitre, and crown, or plate of gold, in the front of it. (Exodus 28:40).]—Bagster. r