Isaiah 61

1. The Spirit of the Lord God (Adonai Jahveh) is upon me. The speaker is the Servant of the Eternal, who announces His own saving work (3).

the Lord hath anointed me. See note on Exod. xxx. 25, and refs.

2 the acceptable year of the Lord. “A year of the Lord’s good pleasure.”

the day of vengeance of our God. God’s work of deliverance illustrates His justice as well as His mercy, and therefore involves “vengeance” upon the oppressors of His people, as well as salvation for those who humble themselves before Him.

3 beauty. Or, “a garland” (R.V.) or “turban.” Mourners laid aside their head-dress and other ornaments, abstained from using the “oil of joy,” and put dust and ashes on their heads: see Josh. vii. 6, and refs.; and 2 Sam. xii. 20. “For (instead of) ashes.” For a modern and practical application of this, see the Life of George Cadbury, by A. G. Gardiner, where he quotes it in reference to his founding of the garden city.

4 they shall build the old wastes. See notes on xlix. 8; lviii. 12.

5 strangers shall stand and feed your flocks. The Church, imparting spiritual blessings to the world (6), shall receive its services and wealth.

6 the Priests of the Lord. The ancient ideal (Exod. xix. 6) fulfilled in the universal priesthood of believers (1 Pet. ii. 5, 9).

7. For your shame, etc. See note on xl. 2.

8. I hate robbery for burnt offering. R.V. renders, “I hate robbery with iniquity; and I will give them their recompense in truth”; i.e., I hate rapine, accompanied, as it always is, with iniquity; and I will give My people an ample recompense for all they have suffered: see note on xl. 10.

11 as the earth bringeth forth her bud. Messiah’s coming shall be to the world like rain to the earth, making it bring forth the fruits of righteousness and praise: comp. Psa. lxxii. 6, 7.