Isaiah Chapter 61 Verse-by-Verse Commentary
Isaiah 61:1–3
The Spirit of Adonai ELOHIM is upon me, because ADONAI has anointed me to announce good news to the poor. He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted; to proclaim freedom to the captives, to let out into light those bound in the dark; to proclaim the year of the favor of ADONAI and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, yes, provide for those in Tziyon who mourn, giving them garlands instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, a cloak of praise instead of a heavy spirit, so that they will be called oaks of righteousness planted by ADONAI, in which he takes pride.
In this passage we see the mission of Yeshua Messiah at the time of his return as he is anointed by God to bring the news of redemption to those that are suffering for their faith in God and to heal those that are brokenhearted because of the unrighteousness of the world. We also see that his return will be to set his people free from the bondage of sin in order to fulfill their God given purpose. Yeshua will proclaim the start of the period of time known as the Days of Messiah when all things will be put into the proper order of God and so they will be acceptable to him. Those things that are opposed to the will of God will be judged while those that mourn are comforted. Those that mourn refers to the people that are grieved by the unrighteousness of the world around them and these people are going to be changed in ways that glorify God.
Isaiah 61:4
They will rebuild the ancient ruins, restore sites long destroyed; they will renew the ruined cities, destroyed many generations ago.
These people will be a part of the restoration of the places and things that were destroyed by the enemy.
Isaiah 61:5–7
Strangers will stand and feed your flocks, foreigners plow your land and tend your vines; but you will be called cohanim of ADONAI, spoken of as ministers to our God. You will feed on the wealth of nations, and revel in their riches. Because of your shame, which was doubled, and because they cried, "They deserve disgrace," therefore in their land what they own will be doubled, and joy forever will be theirs.
Other peoples will also take part in this restoration of the land of Israel and the house of Jacob will be priests and servants of God. Instead of wanting to destroy Israel there is a change of attitude and the nations bring their wealth to build up the people of the nation. The shame of the people will be replaced by an abundant blessing and a kingdom gladness because they were participants in the plans of God.
Isaiah 61:8–9
"For I, ADONAI, love justice; I hate robbery for burnt offerings. So I will be faithful to reward them and make an eternal covenant with them." Their descendants will be known among the nations, their offspring among the peoples; all who see them will acknowledge that they are the seed ADONAI has blessed.
This passage speaks of the fact that God hates those who embrace the idea that sin is alright because they have the means to offer a sacrifice for payment. Those that embrace the things that God loves and reject the things that he hates will have a kingdom covenant with God. This is speaking of Gentile believers and the fact that they will be blessed by God.
Isaiah 61:10–11
I am so joyful in ADONAI! My soul rejoices in my God, for he has clothed me in salvation, dressed me with a robe of triumph, like a bridegroom wearing a festive turban, like a bride adorned with her jewels. For just as the earth brings forth its plants, or a garden makes its plants spring up, so ADONAI, God, will cause victory and glory to spring up before all nations.
Isaiah's response to the prophecy that Israel is going to be clothed in the righteousness of God is joy and praise.