Isaiah 61

Chapter 61

Good News for the Oppressed

1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me,
for the LORD has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted
and to proclaim that captives will be released
and prisoners will be freed.t2 He has sent me to tell those who mourn
that the time of the LORD’s favor has come,t
and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies.3 To all who mourn in Israel,t
he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,
a joyous blessing instead of mourning,
festive praise instead of despair.
In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks
that the LORD has planted for his own glory.4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins,
repairing cities destroyed long ago.
They will revive them,
though they have been deserted for many generations.5 Foreigners will be your servants.
They will feed your flocks
and plow your fields
and tend your vineyards.6 You will be called priests of the LORD,
ministers of our God.
You will feed on the treasures of the nations
and boast in their riches.7 Instead of shame and dishonor,
you will enjoy a double share of honor.
You will possess a double portion of prosperity in your land,
and everlasting joy will be yours.8 “For I, the LORD, love justice.
I hate robbery and wrongdoing.
I will faithfully reward my people for their suffering
and make an everlasting covenant with them.9 Their descendants will be recognized
and honored among the nations.
Everyone will realize that they are a people
the LORD has blessed.”10 I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God!
For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation
and draped me in a robe of righteousness.
I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit
or a bride with her jewels.11 The Sovereign LORD will show his justice to the nations of the world.
Everyone will praise him!
His righteousness will be like a garden in early spring,
with plants springing up everywhere.

ISAIAH 61

The Good News of Victory

1  t t The Spirit of the [Lord] God
has taken control of me!
The [Lord] has chosen and sent me
to tell the oppressed
the good news,
to heal the brokenhearted,
and to announce freedom
for prisoners and captives.

2  t This is the year
when the [Lord] God
will show kindness to us
and punish our enemies.
The [Lord] has sent me
to comfort those who mourn,

3 especially in Jerusalem.
He sent me to give them flowers
in place of their sorrow,
olive oil in place of tears,
and joyous praise
in place of broken hearts.
They will be called
“Trees of Justice,”
planted by the [Lord]
to honor his name.

4 Then they will rebuild cities
that have been in ruins
for many generations.

5 They will hire foreigners
to take care of their sheep
and their vineyards.

6 But they themselves will be
priests and servants
of the [Lord] our God.
The treasures of the nations
will belong to them,
and they will be famous.t

7 They were terribly insulted
and horribly mistreated;
now they will be greatly blessed
and joyful forever.

The [Lord] Loves Justice

8 I, the [Lord], love justice!
But I hate robbery
and injustice.t
My people, I solemnly promise
to reward you
with an eternal agreement.

9 Your descendants will be known
in every nation.
All who see them will realize
that they have been blessed,
by me, the [Lord].

Celebrate and Shout

10  t I celebrate and shout
because of my [Lord] God.
His saving power and justice
are the very clothes I wear.
They are more beautiful
than the jewelry worn
by a bride or groom.

11 The [Lord] will bring about
justice and praise
in every nation on earth,
like flowers blooming
in a garden.