Jeremiah 27

Jeremiah 27:1

Nations and Kings Serve Israel

The question in Isaiah 60:8 might well be realized in the large numbers of passengers arriving in the land with planes in our time. This makes it possible for large numbers of Jews to return to their land in a brief period of time. Yet in our days they are only a foretaste of the great return to the land that will take place after the Lord Jesus has come to earth, defeated the enemies and established His kingdom.

They will also come by ship from far away countries (Isaiah 60:9). The LORD will signal those lands to let His people go. This will not be by political decisions, but in a conscious act for the honor of the Name of the LORD, the God of Israel. They will provide them with gold and silver. At the same time, the nations will personally help to rebuild the walls of the city (Isaiah 60:10; cf. Zechariah 6:15). The help of King Hiram of Tyre in the construction of the temple is a foreshadowing of the help the nations will give in the future in the building of the state of Israel (2 Chronicles 2:3-16).

Everything serves as a proof that the time of anger and discipline is over and that the LORD takes care of them now with pleasure. Therefore, the gates will be constantly open (Isaiah 60:11), indicating that there is no more evil to fear and that peace has come. The nations will be free to enter in order to pay homage to this people who were so tormented and oppressed at the time (cf. Revelation 21:25-26).

Isaiah 60:12 shows that God’s judgment during the realm of peace will come on nations that reveal a rebellious spirit and refuse to support Israel (Zechariah 14:17-19). However, nations that do support Israel will be blessed. A principle that we also see when God blesses Potiphar because of Joseph (Genesis 39:5). This proves that it is not yet about the eternal state, but about a state on earth where the Lord Jesus rules and where He directly punishes evil.

In Isaiah 60:13 in an intermediate sentence the joy of the LORD is mentioned that He has in the prospect of the glory of His sanctuary, the beautiful temple of the realm of peace. He calls it the “place of My feet”, which is the ark in the temple (1 Chronicles 28:2; Psalms 99:5; Psalms 132:7), indicating that He will dwell there (Exodus 25:21-22). It is the place of His rest. The trees of Lebanon, here called “the glory of Lebanon”, will increase the splendor of the temple. Possibly we should think of planting them in the vicinity of the temple, or decorating avenues that lead to the temple.

Then the LORD in Isaiah 60:14 goes on to talk about the nations from whom they suffered so much in the great tribulation. Now their sons will come and bow down before them. Their fathers will be wiped out by the judgments in the day of the LORD. Also “all those who despised you” will bow down before them. These are the people who did not gather in a direct way against the LORD and His Anointed, but despised God’s people in the time of enmity. These groups will call Jerusalem “the city of the LORD, the Zion of the Holy One of Israel”. What a difference compared to the old days when people looked down on them!

Instead of being abandoned and hated like an unloved woman (cf. Deuteronomy 21:15), the LORD will make the city “an everlasting pride, a joy from generation to generation” (Isaiah 60:15). Joy will pass through the generations. The nations and their kings will make their life force available to this people, just as a mother gives milk to her child (Isaiah 60:16). Above all, they will no longer be blind, but will know that the LORD is their Savior and the Mighty One of Jacob their Redeemer.

Jeremiah 27:2

Nations and Kings Serve Israel

The question in Isaiah 60:8 might well be realized in the large numbers of passengers arriving in the land with planes in our time. This makes it possible for large numbers of Jews to return to their land in a brief period of time. Yet in our days they are only a foretaste of the great return to the land that will take place after the Lord Jesus has come to earth, defeated the enemies and established His kingdom.

They will also come by ship from far away countries (Isaiah 60:9). The LORD will signal those lands to let His people go. This will not be by political decisions, but in a conscious act for the honor of the Name of the LORD, the God of Israel. They will provide them with gold and silver. At the same time, the nations will personally help to rebuild the walls of the city (Isaiah 60:10; cf. Zechariah 6:15). The help of King Hiram of Tyre in the construction of the temple is a foreshadowing of the help the nations will give in the future in the building of the state of Israel (2 Chronicles 2:3-16).

Everything serves as a proof that the time of anger and discipline is over and that the LORD takes care of them now with pleasure. Therefore, the gates will be constantly open (Isaiah 60:11), indicating that there is no more evil to fear and that peace has come. The nations will be free to enter in order to pay homage to this people who were so tormented and oppressed at the time (cf. Revelation 21:25-26).

Isaiah 60:12 shows that God’s judgment during the realm of peace will come on nations that reveal a rebellious spirit and refuse to support Israel (Zechariah 14:17-19). However, nations that do support Israel will be blessed. A principle that we also see when God blesses Potiphar because of Joseph (Genesis 39:5). This proves that it is not yet about the eternal state, but about a state on earth where the Lord Jesus rules and where He directly punishes evil.

In Isaiah 60:13 in an intermediate sentence the joy of the LORD is mentioned that He has in the prospect of the glory of His sanctuary, the beautiful temple of the realm of peace. He calls it the “place of My feet”, which is the ark in the temple (1 Chronicles 28:2; Psalms 99:5; Psalms 132:7), indicating that He will dwell there (Exodus 25:21-22). It is the place of His rest. The trees of Lebanon, here called “the glory of Lebanon”, will increase the splendor of the temple. Possibly we should think of planting them in the vicinity of the temple, or decorating avenues that lead to the temple.

Then the LORD in Isaiah 60:14 goes on to talk about the nations from whom they suffered so much in the great tribulation. Now their sons will come and bow down before them. Their fathers will be wiped out by the judgments in the day of the LORD. Also “all those who despised you” will bow down before them. These are the people who did not gather in a direct way against the LORD and His Anointed, but despised God’s people in the time of enmity. These groups will call Jerusalem “the city of the LORD, the Zion of the Holy One of Israel”. What a difference compared to the old days when people looked down on them!

Instead of being abandoned and hated like an unloved woman (cf. Deuteronomy 21:15), the LORD will make the city “an everlasting pride, a joy from generation to generation” (Isaiah 60:15). Joy will pass through the generations. The nations and their kings will make their life force available to this people, just as a mother gives milk to her child (Isaiah 60:16). Above all, they will no longer be blind, but will know that the LORD is their Savior and the Mighty One of Jacob their Redeemer.

Jeremiah 27:3

Nations and Kings Serve Israel

The question in Isaiah 60:8 might well be realized in the large numbers of passengers arriving in the land with planes in our time. This makes it possible for large numbers of Jews to return to their land in a brief period of time. Yet in our days they are only a foretaste of the great return to the land that will take place after the Lord Jesus has come to earth, defeated the enemies and established His kingdom.

They will also come by ship from far away countries (Isaiah 60:9). The LORD will signal those lands to let His people go. This will not be by political decisions, but in a conscious act for the honor of the Name of the LORD, the God of Israel. They will provide them with gold and silver. At the same time, the nations will personally help to rebuild the walls of the city (Isaiah 60:10; cf. Zechariah 6:15). The help of King Hiram of Tyre in the construction of the temple is a foreshadowing of the help the nations will give in the future in the building of the state of Israel (2 Chronicles 2:3-16).

Everything serves as a proof that the time of anger and discipline is over and that the LORD takes care of them now with pleasure. Therefore, the gates will be constantly open (Isaiah 60:11), indicating that there is no more evil to fear and that peace has come. The nations will be free to enter in order to pay homage to this people who were so tormented and oppressed at the time (cf. Revelation 21:25-26).

Isaiah 60:12 shows that God’s judgment during the realm of peace will come on nations that reveal a rebellious spirit and refuse to support Israel (Zechariah 14:17-19). However, nations that do support Israel will be blessed. A principle that we also see when God blesses Potiphar because of Joseph (Genesis 39:5). This proves that it is not yet about the eternal state, but about a state on earth where the Lord Jesus rules and where He directly punishes evil.

In Isaiah 60:13 in an intermediate sentence the joy of the LORD is mentioned that He has in the prospect of the glory of His sanctuary, the beautiful temple of the realm of peace. He calls it the “place of My feet”, which is the ark in the temple (1 Chronicles 28:2; Psalms 99:5; Psalms 132:7), indicating that He will dwell there (Exodus 25:21-22). It is the place of His rest. The trees of Lebanon, here called “the glory of Lebanon”, will increase the splendor of the temple. Possibly we should think of planting them in the vicinity of the temple, or decorating avenues that lead to the temple.

Then the LORD in Isaiah 60:14 goes on to talk about the nations from whom they suffered so much in the great tribulation. Now their sons will come and bow down before them. Their fathers will be wiped out by the judgments in the day of the LORD. Also “all those who despised you” will bow down before them. These are the people who did not gather in a direct way against the LORD and His Anointed, but despised God’s people in the time of enmity. These groups will call Jerusalem “the city of the LORD, the Zion of the Holy One of Israel”. What a difference compared to the old days when people looked down on them!

Instead of being abandoned and hated like an unloved woman (cf. Deuteronomy 21:15), the LORD will make the city “an everlasting pride, a joy from generation to generation” (Isaiah 60:15). Joy will pass through the generations. The nations and their kings will make their life force available to this people, just as a mother gives milk to her child (Isaiah 60:16). Above all, they will no longer be blind, but will know that the LORD is their Savior and the Mighty One of Jacob their Redeemer.

Jeremiah 27:4

Nations and Kings Serve Israel

The question in Isaiah 60:8 might well be realized in the large numbers of passengers arriving in the land with planes in our time. This makes it possible for large numbers of Jews to return to their land in a brief period of time. Yet in our days they are only a foretaste of the great return to the land that will take place after the Lord Jesus has come to earth, defeated the enemies and established His kingdom.

They will also come by ship from far away countries (Isaiah 60:9). The LORD will signal those lands to let His people go. This will not be by political decisions, but in a conscious act for the honor of the Name of the LORD, the God of Israel. They will provide them with gold and silver. At the same time, the nations will personally help to rebuild the walls of the city (Isaiah 60:10; cf. Zechariah 6:15). The help of King Hiram of Tyre in the construction of the temple is a foreshadowing of the help the nations will give in the future in the building of the state of Israel (2 Chronicles 2:3-16).

Everything serves as a proof that the time of anger and discipline is over and that the LORD takes care of them now with pleasure. Therefore, the gates will be constantly open (Isaiah 60:11), indicating that there is no more evil to fear and that peace has come. The nations will be free to enter in order to pay homage to this people who were so tormented and oppressed at the time (cf. Revelation 21:25-26).

Isaiah 60:12 shows that God’s judgment during the realm of peace will come on nations that reveal a rebellious spirit and refuse to support Israel (Zechariah 14:17-19). However, nations that do support Israel will be blessed. A principle that we also see when God blesses Potiphar because of Joseph (Genesis 39:5). This proves that it is not yet about the eternal state, but about a state on earth where the Lord Jesus rules and where He directly punishes evil.

In Isaiah 60:13 in an intermediate sentence the joy of the LORD is mentioned that He has in the prospect of the glory of His sanctuary, the beautiful temple of the realm of peace. He calls it the “place of My feet”, which is the ark in the temple (1 Chronicles 28:2; Psalms 99:5; Psalms 132:7), indicating that He will dwell there (Exodus 25:21-22). It is the place of His rest. The trees of Lebanon, here called “the glory of Lebanon”, will increase the splendor of the temple. Possibly we should think of planting them in the vicinity of the temple, or decorating avenues that lead to the temple.

Then the LORD in Isaiah 60:14 goes on to talk about the nations from whom they suffered so much in the great tribulation. Now their sons will come and bow down before them. Their fathers will be wiped out by the judgments in the day of the LORD. Also “all those who despised you” will bow down before them. These are the people who did not gather in a direct way against the LORD and His Anointed, but despised God’s people in the time of enmity. These groups will call Jerusalem “the city of the LORD, the Zion of the Holy One of Israel”. What a difference compared to the old days when people looked down on them!

Instead of being abandoned and hated like an unloved woman (cf. Deuteronomy 21:15), the LORD will make the city “an everlasting pride, a joy from generation to generation” (Isaiah 60:15). Joy will pass through the generations. The nations and their kings will make their life force available to this people, just as a mother gives milk to her child (Isaiah 60:16). Above all, they will no longer be blind, but will know that the LORD is their Savior and the Mighty One of Jacob their Redeemer.

Jeremiah 27:5

Nations and Kings Serve Israel

The question in Isaiah 60:8 might well be realized in the large numbers of passengers arriving in the land with planes in our time. This makes it possible for large numbers of Jews to return to their land in a brief period of time. Yet in our days they are only a foretaste of the great return to the land that will take place after the Lord Jesus has come to earth, defeated the enemies and established His kingdom.

They will also come by ship from far away countries (Isaiah 60:9). The LORD will signal those lands to let His people go. This will not be by political decisions, but in a conscious act for the honor of the Name of the LORD, the God of Israel. They will provide them with gold and silver. At the same time, the nations will personally help to rebuild the walls of the city (Isaiah 60:10; cf. Zechariah 6:15). The help of King Hiram of Tyre in the construction of the temple is a foreshadowing of the help the nations will give in the future in the building of the state of Israel (2 Chronicles 2:3-16).

Everything serves as a proof that the time of anger and discipline is over and that the LORD takes care of them now with pleasure. Therefore, the gates will be constantly open (Isaiah 60:11), indicating that there is no more evil to fear and that peace has come. The nations will be free to enter in order to pay homage to this people who were so tormented and oppressed at the time (cf. Revelation 21:25-26).

Isaiah 60:12 shows that God’s judgment during the realm of peace will come on nations that reveal a rebellious spirit and refuse to support Israel (Zechariah 14:17-19). However, nations that do support Israel will be blessed. A principle that we also see when God blesses Potiphar because of Joseph (Genesis 39:5). This proves that it is not yet about the eternal state, but about a state on earth where the Lord Jesus rules and where He directly punishes evil.

In Isaiah 60:13 in an intermediate sentence the joy of the LORD is mentioned that He has in the prospect of the glory of His sanctuary, the beautiful temple of the realm of peace. He calls it the “place of My feet”, which is the ark in the temple (1 Chronicles 28:2; Psalms 99:5; Psalms 132:7), indicating that He will dwell there (Exodus 25:21-22). It is the place of His rest. The trees of Lebanon, here called “the glory of Lebanon”, will increase the splendor of the temple. Possibly we should think of planting them in the vicinity of the temple, or decorating avenues that lead to the temple.

Then the LORD in Isaiah 60:14 goes on to talk about the nations from whom they suffered so much in the great tribulation. Now their sons will come and bow down before them. Their fathers will be wiped out by the judgments in the day of the LORD. Also “all those who despised you” will bow down before them. These are the people who did not gather in a direct way against the LORD and His Anointed, but despised God’s people in the time of enmity. These groups will call Jerusalem “the city of the LORD, the Zion of the Holy One of Israel”. What a difference compared to the old days when people looked down on them!

Instead of being abandoned and hated like an unloved woman (cf. Deuteronomy 21:15), the LORD will make the city “an everlasting pride, a joy from generation to generation” (Isaiah 60:15). Joy will pass through the generations. The nations and their kings will make their life force available to this people, just as a mother gives milk to her child (Isaiah 60:16). Above all, they will no longer be blind, but will know that the LORD is their Savior and the Mighty One of Jacob their Redeemer.

Jeremiah 27:6

The Glory of the City

Then Israel will be the richest land in the world. The city will be rebuilt with imperishable metals, on which weather and wind will have no influence (Isaiah 60:17). It is glorious and strong. Life in the city is determined by peace and righteousness. It will be pleasant to live there. Violence and destruction are absent (Isaiah 60:18). The walls of the city are called “salvation” because the city is impregnable and its inhabitants are perfectly safe. The gates of the city are called “praise” because God will continually glorify His Name there.

Sun and moon will still exist, but will no longer be necessary because of the great radiance that the presence of the LORD in the Shechina, the cloud of the glory in which He dwells, will cause and in which the church is also involved (Isaiah 60:19-20; cf. Revelation 22:5; Matthew 17:2; Acts 26:13). This will truly be the victory of light over darkness. In such a state there is no longer room for such things as mourning and sadness. They will flee away to make room for everlasting joy (Isaiah 35:10). Joy is always experienced more intensely after a period of sorrow and trial.

Jeremiah 27:7

The Glory of the City

Then Israel will be the richest land in the world. The city will be rebuilt with imperishable metals, on which weather and wind will have no influence (Isaiah 60:17). It is glorious and strong. Life in the city is determined by peace and righteousness. It will be pleasant to live there. Violence and destruction are absent (Isaiah 60:18). The walls of the city are called “salvation” because the city is impregnable and its inhabitants are perfectly safe. The gates of the city are called “praise” because God will continually glorify His Name there.

Sun and moon will still exist, but will no longer be necessary because of the great radiance that the presence of the LORD in the Shechina, the cloud of the glory in which He dwells, will cause and in which the church is also involved (Isaiah 60:19-20; cf. Revelation 22:5; Matthew 17:2; Acts 26:13). This will truly be the victory of light over darkness. In such a state there is no longer room for such things as mourning and sadness. They will flee away to make room for everlasting joy (Isaiah 35:10). Joy is always experienced more intensely after a period of sorrow and trial.

Jeremiah 27:8

The Glory of the City

Then Israel will be the richest land in the world. The city will be rebuilt with imperishable metals, on which weather and wind will have no influence (Isaiah 60:17). It is glorious and strong. Life in the city is determined by peace and righteousness. It will be pleasant to live there. Violence and destruction are absent (Isaiah 60:18). The walls of the city are called “salvation” because the city is impregnable and its inhabitants are perfectly safe. The gates of the city are called “praise” because God will continually glorify His Name there.

Sun and moon will still exist, but will no longer be necessary because of the great radiance that the presence of the LORD in the Shechina, the cloud of the glory in which He dwells, will cause and in which the church is also involved (Isaiah 60:19-20; cf. Revelation 22:5; Matthew 17:2; Acts 26:13). This will truly be the victory of light over darkness. In such a state there is no longer room for such things as mourning and sadness. They will flee away to make room for everlasting joy (Isaiah 35:10). Joy is always experienced more intensely after a period of sorrow and trial.

Jeremiah 27:9

The Glory of the City

Then Israel will be the richest land in the world. The city will be rebuilt with imperishable metals, on which weather and wind will have no influence (Isaiah 60:17). It is glorious and strong. Life in the city is determined by peace and righteousness. It will be pleasant to live there. Violence and destruction are absent (Isaiah 60:18). The walls of the city are called “salvation” because the city is impregnable and its inhabitants are perfectly safe. The gates of the city are called “praise” because God will continually glorify His Name there.

Sun and moon will still exist, but will no longer be necessary because of the great radiance that the presence of the LORD in the Shechina, the cloud of the glory in which He dwells, will cause and in which the church is also involved (Isaiah 60:19-20; cf. Revelation 22:5; Matthew 17:2; Acts 26:13). This will truly be the victory of light over darkness. In such a state there is no longer room for such things as mourning and sadness. They will flee away to make room for everlasting joy (Isaiah 35:10). Joy is always experienced more intensely after a period of sorrow and trial.

Jeremiah 27:10

Everything Is the Work of the LORD

In the realm of peace, the whole people of God on earth are only “righteous” ones (Isaiah 60:21). The ungodly mass has perished because of the judgments of God. What is left of God’s people are only those who, repenting of their sins, accepted the Messiah. This Israel of God will possess the land permanently.

In the past, Israel never possessed the entire inheritance, not even at the time of Solomon. But now the time has come for God’s promise to Israel to be fulfilled. They are the “branch” planted by the LORD. It is the word that is also used for Christ (Isaiah 11:1) and therefore indicates the unity of life between the people and their Messiah. They will radiate His glory to His glorification.

The people will bear exuberant fruit and grow into a mighty nation (Isaiah 60:22). “The smallest one” may mean a person with few or no children. “The least one” may mean the insignificant. The increase in population will also mean an increase in joyful fellowship. When the time comes, all this will happen at great speed. And it will certainly happen, for He, “the LORD”, will do it.

Jeremiah 27:11

Everything Is the Work of the LORD

In the realm of peace, the whole people of God on earth are only “righteous” ones (Isaiah 60:21). The ungodly mass has perished because of the judgments of God. What is left of God’s people are only those who, repenting of their sins, accepted the Messiah. This Israel of God will possess the land permanently.

In the past, Israel never possessed the entire inheritance, not even at the time of Solomon. But now the time has come for God’s promise to Israel to be fulfilled. They are the “branch” planted by the LORD. It is the word that is also used for Christ (Isaiah 11:1) and therefore indicates the unity of life between the people and their Messiah. They will radiate His glory to His glorification.

The people will bear exuberant fruit and grow into a mighty nation (Isaiah 60:22). “The smallest one” may mean a person with few or no children. “The least one” may mean the insignificant. The increase in population will also mean an increase in joyful fellowship. When the time comes, all this will happen at great speed. And it will certainly happen, for He, “the LORD”, will do it.

Jeremiah 27:13

The Good News

Just as Isaiah 50 and Isaiah 53 showed us Christ and His suffering, this chapter reveals Him to us in the full grace of His Person regarding the blessing for Israel. Until the end of the previous chapter the LORD is the Speaker. Now comes a change of glory. We see that change in Isaiah 61:1 of this chapter in the change of the Speaker Who now speaks. It is no longer the LORD here, but it is Christ Who speaks here. This is apparent from what the Lord Jesus says in the synagogue in Nazareth, where He indicates that this Scripture of Isaiah which He has just read out is fulfilled in Him (Luke 4:17-21).

In this verse we find the triune God. The name “Lord GOD” is the translation of Adonai Yahweh. This Name appears four times in Isaiah 50 (Isaiah 50:4-9). The anointing takes place at the baptism of the Lord Jesus when the Holy Spirit descends upon Him in the form of a dove (Luke 3:21-22). The anointing is also mentioned at the announcement of the Servant of the LORD: “I have put My Spirit upon Him” (Isaiah 42:1). His anointing means His special equipment for His service as King, Priest and Prophet.

In this section of Isaiah we learn that Christ’s service is threefold: 1. a service of grace (Isaiah 61:1-2), 2. a service to judge (Isaiah 61:2b) and 3. a service to restore (Isaiah 61:2c).

It is remarkable that in Nazareth the Lord Jesus only reads the first part about grace and then declares: “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:18-21).

“Afflicted” has to do with humility, but here mainly as a result of “suffering”. The afflicted is someone who is shaped by suffering and has become small and dependent. An afflicted is broken and shattered by suffering, but also internally broken by the awareness of sin. Because of this he has humbled himself and is brokenhearted.

To “bind up the brokenhearted” is to bring enlightenment to those who are wounded in the heart (Psalms 147:3). The Gospel according to Luke recounts these tender acts of the Lord (Luke 4:40; Luke 7:13-15; Luke 13:11-13; Luke 17:11-19). It is the same with “proclaim liberty to captives”. It is about those who are bound with chains of sin and the devil. Many are bound and blinded by the religion of the Pharisees, scribes and Sadducees.

The Lord Jesus was sent “to proclaim the favorable year of the LORD” (Isaiah 61:2). The “year” does not stand for a certain period of time, but for a longer period of time. That period lasts as long as Christ preaches the gospel to Israel. Ultimately it means the year in which everything that God has promised to Israel will be given back to them (Leviticus 25:10; 13; Leviticus 27:24). That will be the true year of jubilation with exuberant joy about this favor.

The second service of Christ is to announce ‘the day of vengeance’. “The favorable year” is opposite to “the day of vengeance”. In His mercy, God will limit the exercise of His vengeance to a brief period of time. In the quote the Lord Jesus makes in the synagogue of this section, He ends with “the favorable year”. He does not speak about the day of vengeance. He did not come at His first coming on earth to announce the day of vengeance. Later He says that days of vengeance will come upon the people and that Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled (Luke 21:22-24).

Here in Isaiah it is about judging the enemies of Israel, especially the king of the North. This judgment is also one of the services that the Lord will perform. It is necessary to establish His kingdom in peace. The world will learn righteousness, not by grace, but by judgment (Isaiah 26:9b).

Isaiah 61:3 is about the third part of Christ’s service: comfort and restoration. This will be fulfilled after the time of “Jacob’s distress” (Jeremiah 30:7), when the God-fearing remnant will have gone through a time of unprecedented sadness. Then there will be garland instead of ashes. In Hebrew, the words “garland” and “ashes” consist of the same letters, but in a different order: pe’er and epr. That means that the LORD does not give joy instead of mourning, but even more, that He turns their mourning into joy. That which is the cause of their mourning today, will be the cause of their gladness!

The LORD, Who will come as their Redeemer at His second coming, will bring them comfort with joy, giving them a mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. All signs of mourning will be taken away, and instead signs of gladness will come. Like a mantle on a body, the praise of the redeemed will be the expression of the inner jubilation. As oil and wine to their healing (cf. Luke 10:34), the Lord will pronounce the “blessed” of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) to the faithful remnant. They will know forgiveness of their sins (Zechariah 13:1).

There wouldn’t be such joy if there hadn’t been such mourning first. Never does the sun shine brighter than after a dark cloud. There will also be worked a spiritual change by the LORD. They will be called “oaks of righteousness”. “Oaks” presuppose strength and greenness. Thus it is with “righteousness” that will characterize the people. They will not work this themselves, but it will be “the planting of the LORD” for His glorification (cf. Isaiah 60:21). The people are seen as a forest of large, powerful trees that cannot be felled by a storm or an axe.

Jeremiah 27:14

The Good News

Just as Isaiah 50 and Isaiah 53 showed us Christ and His suffering, this chapter reveals Him to us in the full grace of His Person regarding the blessing for Israel. Until the end of the previous chapter the LORD is the Speaker. Now comes a change of glory. We see that change in Isaiah 61:1 of this chapter in the change of the Speaker Who now speaks. It is no longer the LORD here, but it is Christ Who speaks here. This is apparent from what the Lord Jesus says in the synagogue in Nazareth, where He indicates that this Scripture of Isaiah which He has just read out is fulfilled in Him (Luke 4:17-21).

In this verse we find the triune God. The name “Lord GOD” is the translation of Adonai Yahweh. This Name appears four times in Isaiah 50 (Isaiah 50:4-9). The anointing takes place at the baptism of the Lord Jesus when the Holy Spirit descends upon Him in the form of a dove (Luke 3:21-22). The anointing is also mentioned at the announcement of the Servant of the LORD: “I have put My Spirit upon Him” (Isaiah 42:1). His anointing means His special equipment for His service as King, Priest and Prophet.

In this section of Isaiah we learn that Christ’s service is threefold: 1. a service of grace (Isaiah 61:1-2), 2. a service to judge (Isaiah 61:2b) and 3. a service to restore (Isaiah 61:2c).

It is remarkable that in Nazareth the Lord Jesus only reads the first part about grace and then declares: “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:18-21).

“Afflicted” has to do with humility, but here mainly as a result of “suffering”. The afflicted is someone who is shaped by suffering and has become small and dependent. An afflicted is broken and shattered by suffering, but also internally broken by the awareness of sin. Because of this he has humbled himself and is brokenhearted.

To “bind up the brokenhearted” is to bring enlightenment to those who are wounded in the heart (Psalms 147:3). The Gospel according to Luke recounts these tender acts of the Lord (Luke 4:40; Luke 7:13-15; Luke 13:11-13; Luke 17:11-19). It is the same with “proclaim liberty to captives”. It is about those who are bound with chains of sin and the devil. Many are bound and blinded by the religion of the Pharisees, scribes and Sadducees.

The Lord Jesus was sent “to proclaim the favorable year of the LORD” (Isaiah 61:2). The “year” does not stand for a certain period of time, but for a longer period of time. That period lasts as long as Christ preaches the gospel to Israel. Ultimately it means the year in which everything that God has promised to Israel will be given back to them (Leviticus 25:10; 13; Leviticus 27:24). That will be the true year of jubilation with exuberant joy about this favor.

The second service of Christ is to announce ‘the day of vengeance’. “The favorable year” is opposite to “the day of vengeance”. In His mercy, God will limit the exercise of His vengeance to a brief period of time. In the quote the Lord Jesus makes in the synagogue of this section, He ends with “the favorable year”. He does not speak about the day of vengeance. He did not come at His first coming on earth to announce the day of vengeance. Later He says that days of vengeance will come upon the people and that Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled (Luke 21:22-24).

Here in Isaiah it is about judging the enemies of Israel, especially the king of the North. This judgment is also one of the services that the Lord will perform. It is necessary to establish His kingdom in peace. The world will learn righteousness, not by grace, but by judgment (Isaiah 26:9b).

Isaiah 61:3 is about the third part of Christ’s service: comfort and restoration. This will be fulfilled after the time of “Jacob’s distress” (Jeremiah 30:7), when the God-fearing remnant will have gone through a time of unprecedented sadness. Then there will be garland instead of ashes. In Hebrew, the words “garland” and “ashes” consist of the same letters, but in a different order: pe’er and epr. That means that the LORD does not give joy instead of mourning, but even more, that He turns their mourning into joy. That which is the cause of their mourning today, will be the cause of their gladness!

The LORD, Who will come as their Redeemer at His second coming, will bring them comfort with joy, giving them a mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. All signs of mourning will be taken away, and instead signs of gladness will come. Like a mantle on a body, the praise of the redeemed will be the expression of the inner jubilation. As oil and wine to their healing (cf. Luke 10:34), the Lord will pronounce the “blessed” of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) to the faithful remnant. They will know forgiveness of their sins (Zechariah 13:1).

There wouldn’t be such joy if there hadn’t been such mourning first. Never does the sun shine brighter than after a dark cloud. There will also be worked a spiritual change by the LORD. They will be called “oaks of righteousness”. “Oaks” presuppose strength and greenness. Thus it is with “righteousness” that will characterize the people. They will not work this themselves, but it will be “the planting of the LORD” for His glorification (cf. Isaiah 60:21). The people are seen as a forest of large, powerful trees that cannot be felled by a storm or an axe.

Jeremiah 27:15

The Good News

Just as Isaiah 50 and Isaiah 53 showed us Christ and His suffering, this chapter reveals Him to us in the full grace of His Person regarding the blessing for Israel. Until the end of the previous chapter the LORD is the Speaker. Now comes a change of glory. We see that change in Isaiah 61:1 of this chapter in the change of the Speaker Who now speaks. It is no longer the LORD here, but it is Christ Who speaks here. This is apparent from what the Lord Jesus says in the synagogue in Nazareth, where He indicates that this Scripture of Isaiah which He has just read out is fulfilled in Him (Luke 4:17-21).

In this verse we find the triune God. The name “Lord GOD” is the translation of Adonai Yahweh. This Name appears four times in Isaiah 50 (Isaiah 50:4-9). The anointing takes place at the baptism of the Lord Jesus when the Holy Spirit descends upon Him in the form of a dove (Luke 3:21-22). The anointing is also mentioned at the announcement of the Servant of the LORD: “I have put My Spirit upon Him” (Isaiah 42:1). His anointing means His special equipment for His service as King, Priest and Prophet.

In this section of Isaiah we learn that Christ’s service is threefold: 1. a service of grace (Isaiah 61:1-2), 2. a service to judge (Isaiah 61:2b) and 3. a service to restore (Isaiah 61:2c).

It is remarkable that in Nazareth the Lord Jesus only reads the first part about grace and then declares: “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:18-21).

“Afflicted” has to do with humility, but here mainly as a result of “suffering”. The afflicted is someone who is shaped by suffering and has become small and dependent. An afflicted is broken and shattered by suffering, but also internally broken by the awareness of sin. Because of this he has humbled himself and is brokenhearted.

To “bind up the brokenhearted” is to bring enlightenment to those who are wounded in the heart (Psalms 147:3). The Gospel according to Luke recounts these tender acts of the Lord (Luke 4:40; Luke 7:13-15; Luke 13:11-13; Luke 17:11-19). It is the same with “proclaim liberty to captives”. It is about those who are bound with chains of sin and the devil. Many are bound and blinded by the religion of the Pharisees, scribes and Sadducees.

The Lord Jesus was sent “to proclaim the favorable year of the LORD” (Isaiah 61:2). The “year” does not stand for a certain period of time, but for a longer period of time. That period lasts as long as Christ preaches the gospel to Israel. Ultimately it means the year in which everything that God has promised to Israel will be given back to them (Leviticus 25:10; 13; Leviticus 27:24). That will be the true year of jubilation with exuberant joy about this favor.

The second service of Christ is to announce ‘the day of vengeance’. “The favorable year” is opposite to “the day of vengeance”. In His mercy, God will limit the exercise of His vengeance to a brief period of time. In the quote the Lord Jesus makes in the synagogue of this section, He ends with “the favorable year”. He does not speak about the day of vengeance. He did not come at His first coming on earth to announce the day of vengeance. Later He says that days of vengeance will come upon the people and that Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled (Luke 21:22-24).

Here in Isaiah it is about judging the enemies of Israel, especially the king of the North. This judgment is also one of the services that the Lord will perform. It is necessary to establish His kingdom in peace. The world will learn righteousness, not by grace, but by judgment (Isaiah 26:9b).

Isaiah 61:3 is about the third part of Christ’s service: comfort and restoration. This will be fulfilled after the time of “Jacob’s distress” (Jeremiah 30:7), when the God-fearing remnant will have gone through a time of unprecedented sadness. Then there will be garland instead of ashes. In Hebrew, the words “garland” and “ashes” consist of the same letters, but in a different order: pe’er and epr. That means that the LORD does not give joy instead of mourning, but even more, that He turns their mourning into joy. That which is the cause of their mourning today, will be the cause of their gladness!

The LORD, Who will come as their Redeemer at His second coming, will bring them comfort with joy, giving them a mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. All signs of mourning will be taken away, and instead signs of gladness will come. Like a mantle on a body, the praise of the redeemed will be the expression of the inner jubilation. As oil and wine to their healing (cf. Luke 10:34), the Lord will pronounce the “blessed” of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) to the faithful remnant. They will know forgiveness of their sins (Zechariah 13:1).

There wouldn’t be such joy if there hadn’t been such mourning first. Never does the sun shine brighter than after a dark cloud. There will also be worked a spiritual change by the LORD. They will be called “oaks of righteousness”. “Oaks” presuppose strength and greenness. Thus it is with “righteousness” that will characterize the people. They will not work this themselves, but it will be “the planting of the LORD” for His glorification (cf. Isaiah 60:21). The people are seen as a forest of large, powerful trees that cannot be felled by a storm or an axe.

Jeremiah 27:16

Restoration of Israel

These verses predict the future restoration of Israel and its exaltation to a place of dignity, honor and authority over the nations. Places that are deserted and desolate will be fertile and densely populated (Isaiah 61:4). Already now the remains of cities are being excavated, but then they will be completely rebuilt. Those who have oppressed them will serve them and work as shepherds of their flocks and farmers (Isaiah 61:5). They will gladly do so because they want to share in the blessing of this people (cf. Isaiah 14:1-2). That blessing comes from God. The people will see by the blessing that God is with His people (Isaiah 60:10; Zechariah 6:15).

It is to be hoped that people will be equally attracted by our revelation of the blessing God has given us. Every revelation in the realm of peace has for us its counterpart in the spiritual realization of what our spiritual blessings are. It is also meant to show that God is with us, that the attention is focused on Him. That will attract people to belong to that God.

Israel itself will be what God purposed from the beginning for His people, that they should be a priestly people, a kingdom of priests (Isaiah 61:6; Exodus 19:6a). Just as the descendants of Aaron performed priestly service for all the people of Israel, so in the future all the people of Israel will perform priestly service for the nations. We are already in that position, but it is God’s desire that we also practice it.

All the nations that have always used their wealth for self-enrichment will bring this wealth to Israel. Israel will enjoy it. Just as the priests used to live from all that the people of Israel brought them, tithes and sacrifices, so Israel as a whole will live from all that the nations will bring them. Everything that the Gentiles have boasted of and appropriated from the earth will pass to Israel under the blessing and powerful ministry of Christ.

This subject is described by Paul in Romans 11 (Romans 11:13-32). If the fall and current loss of Israel means the riches of the nations through the gospel of grace, much greater will be the result of their fullness, that is, Israel’s full national prosperity and welfare. As a servant of God, the people of Israel will perform as it were Levite service for the nations (Isaiah 2:3), so that the nations will receive education regarding the ways and thoughts of the LORD.

They will gain a double possession in the land that will extend far beyond the original boundaries (Isaiah 61:7). It will go with them, just as it went with Job who received double after a time of calamity (Job 42:10-12). Whereas before they have been in confusion, objects of reproach and contempt, they will now be filled with an exceptional and infinite joy. There will be double compensation for all their past suffering, just as they have received double for all their sins (Isaiah 40:2).

In Isaiah 61:8 the LORD makes it clear that in all blessings God’s own features will be maintained. He declares that He loves justice and that He hates wrongful robbery. By this He refers to the cruel treatment Israel has received from their opponents. In direct contrast to this He “will faithfully give them their recompense”. He will make sure that their work will be pleasing to Him and will be done in faithfulness. For the faithfulness with which they have served the LORD, they will be rewarded by Him (Matthew 10:40-42).

He will make an everlasting covenant with them with the result that the nations will recognize them as a people blessed by the LORD (Isaiah 61:9). Their offspring will be glorious among all nations – a complete change from the present situation.

Jeremiah 27:17

Restoration of Israel

These verses predict the future restoration of Israel and its exaltation to a place of dignity, honor and authority over the nations. Places that are deserted and desolate will be fertile and densely populated (Isaiah 61:4). Already now the remains of cities are being excavated, but then they will be completely rebuilt. Those who have oppressed them will serve them and work as shepherds of their flocks and farmers (Isaiah 61:5). They will gladly do so because they want to share in the blessing of this people (cf. Isaiah 14:1-2). That blessing comes from God. The people will see by the blessing that God is with His people (Isaiah 60:10; Zechariah 6:15).

It is to be hoped that people will be equally attracted by our revelation of the blessing God has given us. Every revelation in the realm of peace has for us its counterpart in the spiritual realization of what our spiritual blessings are. It is also meant to show that God is with us, that the attention is focused on Him. That will attract people to belong to that God.

Israel itself will be what God purposed from the beginning for His people, that they should be a priestly people, a kingdom of priests (Isaiah 61:6; Exodus 19:6a). Just as the descendants of Aaron performed priestly service for all the people of Israel, so in the future all the people of Israel will perform priestly service for the nations. We are already in that position, but it is God’s desire that we also practice it.

All the nations that have always used their wealth for self-enrichment will bring this wealth to Israel. Israel will enjoy it. Just as the priests used to live from all that the people of Israel brought them, tithes and sacrifices, so Israel as a whole will live from all that the nations will bring them. Everything that the Gentiles have boasted of and appropriated from the earth will pass to Israel under the blessing and powerful ministry of Christ.

This subject is described by Paul in Romans 11 (Romans 11:13-32). If the fall and current loss of Israel means the riches of the nations through the gospel of grace, much greater will be the result of their fullness, that is, Israel’s full national prosperity and welfare. As a servant of God, the people of Israel will perform as it were Levite service for the nations (Isaiah 2:3), so that the nations will receive education regarding the ways and thoughts of the LORD.

They will gain a double possession in the land that will extend far beyond the original boundaries (Isaiah 61:7). It will go with them, just as it went with Job who received double after a time of calamity (Job 42:10-12). Whereas before they have been in confusion, objects of reproach and contempt, they will now be filled with an exceptional and infinite joy. There will be double compensation for all their past suffering, just as they have received double for all their sins (Isaiah 40:2).

In Isaiah 61:8 the LORD makes it clear that in all blessings God’s own features will be maintained. He declares that He loves justice and that He hates wrongful robbery. By this He refers to the cruel treatment Israel has received from their opponents. In direct contrast to this He “will faithfully give them their recompense”. He will make sure that their work will be pleasing to Him and will be done in faithfulness. For the faithfulness with which they have served the LORD, they will be rewarded by Him (Matthew 10:40-42).

He will make an everlasting covenant with them with the result that the nations will recognize them as a people blessed by the LORD (Isaiah 61:9). Their offspring will be glorious among all nations – a complete change from the present situation.

Jeremiah 27:18

Restoration of Israel

These verses predict the future restoration of Israel and its exaltation to a place of dignity, honor and authority over the nations. Places that are deserted and desolate will be fertile and densely populated (Isaiah 61:4). Already now the remains of cities are being excavated, but then they will be completely rebuilt. Those who have oppressed them will serve them and work as shepherds of their flocks and farmers (Isaiah 61:5). They will gladly do so because they want to share in the blessing of this people (cf. Isaiah 14:1-2). That blessing comes from God. The people will see by the blessing that God is with His people (Isaiah 60:10; Zechariah 6:15).

It is to be hoped that people will be equally attracted by our revelation of the blessing God has given us. Every revelation in the realm of peace has for us its counterpart in the spiritual realization of what our spiritual blessings are. It is also meant to show that God is with us, that the attention is focused on Him. That will attract people to belong to that God.

Israel itself will be what God purposed from the beginning for His people, that they should be a priestly people, a kingdom of priests (Isaiah 61:6; Exodus 19:6a). Just as the descendants of Aaron performed priestly service for all the people of Israel, so in the future all the people of Israel will perform priestly service for the nations. We are already in that position, but it is God’s desire that we also practice it.

All the nations that have always used their wealth for self-enrichment will bring this wealth to Israel. Israel will enjoy it. Just as the priests used to live from all that the people of Israel brought them, tithes and sacrifices, so Israel as a whole will live from all that the nations will bring them. Everything that the Gentiles have boasted of and appropriated from the earth will pass to Israel under the blessing and powerful ministry of Christ.

This subject is described by Paul in Romans 11 (Romans 11:13-32). If the fall and current loss of Israel means the riches of the nations through the gospel of grace, much greater will be the result of their fullness, that is, Israel’s full national prosperity and welfare. As a servant of God, the people of Israel will perform as it were Levite service for the nations (Isaiah 2:3), so that the nations will receive education regarding the ways and thoughts of the LORD.

They will gain a double possession in the land that will extend far beyond the original boundaries (Isaiah 61:7). It will go with them, just as it went with Job who received double after a time of calamity (Job 42:10-12). Whereas before they have been in confusion, objects of reproach and contempt, they will now be filled with an exceptional and infinite joy. There will be double compensation for all their past suffering, just as they have received double for all their sins (Isaiah 40:2).

In Isaiah 61:8 the LORD makes it clear that in all blessings God’s own features will be maintained. He declares that He loves justice and that He hates wrongful robbery. By this He refers to the cruel treatment Israel has received from their opponents. In direct contrast to this He “will faithfully give them their recompense”. He will make sure that their work will be pleasing to Him and will be done in faithfulness. For the faithfulness with which they have served the LORD, they will be rewarded by Him (Matthew 10:40-42).

He will make an everlasting covenant with them with the result that the nations will recognize them as a people blessed by the LORD (Isaiah 61:9). Their offspring will be glorious among all nations – a complete change from the present situation.

Jeremiah 27:19

Restoration of Israel

These verses predict the future restoration of Israel and its exaltation to a place of dignity, honor and authority over the nations. Places that are deserted and desolate will be fertile and densely populated (Isaiah 61:4). Already now the remains of cities are being excavated, but then they will be completely rebuilt. Those who have oppressed them will serve them and work as shepherds of their flocks and farmers (Isaiah 61:5). They will gladly do so because they want to share in the blessing of this people (cf. Isaiah 14:1-2). That blessing comes from God. The people will see by the blessing that God is with His people (Isaiah 60:10; Zechariah 6:15).

It is to be hoped that people will be equally attracted by our revelation of the blessing God has given us. Every revelation in the realm of peace has for us its counterpart in the spiritual realization of what our spiritual blessings are. It is also meant to show that God is with us, that the attention is focused on Him. That will attract people to belong to that God.

Israel itself will be what God purposed from the beginning for His people, that they should be a priestly people, a kingdom of priests (Isaiah 61:6; Exodus 19:6a). Just as the descendants of Aaron performed priestly service for all the people of Israel, so in the future all the people of Israel will perform priestly service for the nations. We are already in that position, but it is God’s desire that we also practice it.

All the nations that have always used their wealth for self-enrichment will bring this wealth to Israel. Israel will enjoy it. Just as the priests used to live from all that the people of Israel brought them, tithes and sacrifices, so Israel as a whole will live from all that the nations will bring them. Everything that the Gentiles have boasted of and appropriated from the earth will pass to Israel under the blessing and powerful ministry of Christ.

This subject is described by Paul in Romans 11 (Romans 11:13-32). If the fall and current loss of Israel means the riches of the nations through the gospel of grace, much greater will be the result of their fullness, that is, Israel’s full national prosperity and welfare. As a servant of God, the people of Israel will perform as it were Levite service for the nations (Isaiah 2:3), so that the nations will receive education regarding the ways and thoughts of the LORD.

They will gain a double possession in the land that will extend far beyond the original boundaries (Isaiah 61:7). It will go with them, just as it went with Job who received double after a time of calamity (Job 42:10-12). Whereas before they have been in confusion, objects of reproach and contempt, they will now be filled with an exceptional and infinite joy. There will be double compensation for all their past suffering, just as they have received double for all their sins (Isaiah 40:2).

In Isaiah 61:8 the LORD makes it clear that in all blessings God’s own features will be maintained. He declares that He loves justice and that He hates wrongful robbery. By this He refers to the cruel treatment Israel has received from their opponents. In direct contrast to this He “will faithfully give them their recompense”. He will make sure that their work will be pleasing to Him and will be done in faithfulness. For the faithfulness with which they have served the LORD, they will be rewarded by Him (Matthew 10:40-42).

He will make an everlasting covenant with them with the result that the nations will recognize them as a people blessed by the LORD (Isaiah 61:9). Their offspring will be glorious among all nations – a complete change from the present situation.

Jeremiah 27:20

Restoration of Israel

These verses predict the future restoration of Israel and its exaltation to a place of dignity, honor and authority over the nations. Places that are deserted and desolate will be fertile and densely populated (Isaiah 61:4). Already now the remains of cities are being excavated, but then they will be completely rebuilt. Those who have oppressed them will serve them and work as shepherds of their flocks and farmers (Isaiah 61:5). They will gladly do so because they want to share in the blessing of this people (cf. Isaiah 14:1-2). That blessing comes from God. The people will see by the blessing that God is with His people (Isaiah 60:10; Zechariah 6:15).

It is to be hoped that people will be equally attracted by our revelation of the blessing God has given us. Every revelation in the realm of peace has for us its counterpart in the spiritual realization of what our spiritual blessings are. It is also meant to show that God is with us, that the attention is focused on Him. That will attract people to belong to that God.

Israel itself will be what God purposed from the beginning for His people, that they should be a priestly people, a kingdom of priests (Isaiah 61:6; Exodus 19:6a). Just as the descendants of Aaron performed priestly service for all the people of Israel, so in the future all the people of Israel will perform priestly service for the nations. We are already in that position, but it is God’s desire that we also practice it.

All the nations that have always used their wealth for self-enrichment will bring this wealth to Israel. Israel will enjoy it. Just as the priests used to live from all that the people of Israel brought them, tithes and sacrifices, so Israel as a whole will live from all that the nations will bring them. Everything that the Gentiles have boasted of and appropriated from the earth will pass to Israel under the blessing and powerful ministry of Christ.

This subject is described by Paul in Romans 11 (Romans 11:13-32). If the fall and current loss of Israel means the riches of the nations through the gospel of grace, much greater will be the result of their fullness, that is, Israel’s full national prosperity and welfare. As a servant of God, the people of Israel will perform as it were Levite service for the nations (Isaiah 2:3), so that the nations will receive education regarding the ways and thoughts of the LORD.

They will gain a double possession in the land that will extend far beyond the original boundaries (Isaiah 61:7). It will go with them, just as it went with Job who received double after a time of calamity (Job 42:10-12). Whereas before they have been in confusion, objects of reproach and contempt, they will now be filled with an exceptional and infinite joy. There will be double compensation for all their past suffering, just as they have received double for all their sins (Isaiah 40:2).

In Isaiah 61:8 the LORD makes it clear that in all blessings God’s own features will be maintained. He declares that He loves justice and that He hates wrongful robbery. By this He refers to the cruel treatment Israel has received from their opponents. In direct contrast to this He “will faithfully give them their recompense”. He will make sure that their work will be pleasing to Him and will be done in faithfulness. For the faithfulness with which they have served the LORD, they will be rewarded by Him (Matthew 10:40-42).

He will make an everlasting covenant with them with the result that the nations will recognize them as a people blessed by the LORD (Isaiah 61:9). Their offspring will be glorious among all nations – a complete change from the present situation.

Jeremiah 27:21

Restoration of Israel

These verses predict the future restoration of Israel and its exaltation to a place of dignity, honor and authority over the nations. Places that are deserted and desolate will be fertile and densely populated (Isaiah 61:4). Already now the remains of cities are being excavated, but then they will be completely rebuilt. Those who have oppressed them will serve them and work as shepherds of their flocks and farmers (Isaiah 61:5). They will gladly do so because they want to share in the blessing of this people (cf. Isaiah 14:1-2). That blessing comes from God. The people will see by the blessing that God is with His people (Isaiah 60:10; Zechariah 6:15).

It is to be hoped that people will be equally attracted by our revelation of the blessing God has given us. Every revelation in the realm of peace has for us its counterpart in the spiritual realization of what our spiritual blessings are. It is also meant to show that God is with us, that the attention is focused on Him. That will attract people to belong to that God.

Israel itself will be what God purposed from the beginning for His people, that they should be a priestly people, a kingdom of priests (Isaiah 61:6; Exodus 19:6a). Just as the descendants of Aaron performed priestly service for all the people of Israel, so in the future all the people of Israel will perform priestly service for the nations. We are already in that position, but it is God’s desire that we also practice it.

All the nations that have always used their wealth for self-enrichment will bring this wealth to Israel. Israel will enjoy it. Just as the priests used to live from all that the people of Israel brought them, tithes and sacrifices, so Israel as a whole will live from all that the nations will bring them. Everything that the Gentiles have boasted of and appropriated from the earth will pass to Israel under the blessing and powerful ministry of Christ.

This subject is described by Paul in Romans 11 (Romans 11:13-32). If the fall and current loss of Israel means the riches of the nations through the gospel of grace, much greater will be the result of their fullness, that is, Israel’s full national prosperity and welfare. As a servant of God, the people of Israel will perform as it were Levite service for the nations (Isaiah 2:3), so that the nations will receive education regarding the ways and thoughts of the LORD.

They will gain a double possession in the land that will extend far beyond the original boundaries (Isaiah 61:7). It will go with them, just as it went with Job who received double after a time of calamity (Job 42:10-12). Whereas before they have been in confusion, objects of reproach and contempt, they will now be filled with an exceptional and infinite joy. There will be double compensation for all their past suffering, just as they have received double for all their sins (Isaiah 40:2).

In Isaiah 61:8 the LORD makes it clear that in all blessings God’s own features will be maintained. He declares that He loves justice and that He hates wrongful robbery. By this He refers to the cruel treatment Israel has received from their opponents. In direct contrast to this He “will faithfully give them their recompense”. He will make sure that their work will be pleasing to Him and will be done in faithfulness. For the faithfulness with which they have served the LORD, they will be rewarded by Him (Matthew 10:40-42).

He will make an everlasting covenant with them with the result that the nations will recognize them as a people blessed by the LORD (Isaiah 61:9). Their offspring will be glorious among all nations – a complete change from the present situation.

Jeremiah 27:22

Rejoicing Greatly in the LORD

The Speaker in these verses is Christ Himself, though in identification with the remnant. On their behalf He declares His joy in the LORD (Isaiah 61:10). In that day, the joy of Christ corresponds perfectly to the joy of the believing remnant. He sees what will be realized in the coming day as already fulfilled.

The garments of salvation with which the God-fearing in Israel are clothed are His own garments. Just “as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland [or: the priestly turban], and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels”, so will the LORD reveal Himself in His glory and beauty in connection with His redeemed people. He decks himself with the garland, or turban, like a priest does. This speaks of the fact that the remnant is made suitable to appear before God as a priest.

Christ will then appear as the true Melchizedek and act in the triple capacity of King, Priest and Bridegroom. In view of the church He will also act as royal Priest (Hebrews 7:17; Hebrews 9:11) and as her heavenly Bridegroom (Ephesians 5:25-32).

Just as the earth brings forth its sprouts, and just as the garden causes the things sown in it to spring up, so will “the Lord GOD” cause “righteousness” and “praise” (or fame) to spring up before all nations. God causes the germination of the seed. The bearer of the seed is the Servant of the LORD.

All these processes are now active among all nations through the gospel, but the direct application here is to the condition of Israel in the millennial realm of peace. Then the prayer of Moses will be answered: “Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us” (Psalms 90:17a). Then Israel will show the glory of the LORD to the nations, namely ‘righteousness’ and ‘praise’.