The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; Isaiah 61:1
The Restoration of Mankind (Isaiah 60-66)
The Book of Isaiah closes with an exalted vision of the distant future. When God’s purposes are finally achieved in history, all will be set right. Then the blessings God has yearned to pour out will flood the heavens and earth.
Isaiah 60-62
Chapter summary. The tone now shifts again as Isaiah describes the future glory of Jerusalem. Zion, another name for the Holy City and chosen people is called to awake. Still drowsy she is urged to look and see the glory of fulfilled hope. Nations that persecuted Israel will honor her, and nature herself will overflow as God’s presence transforms not only the city but also her people. Now Messiah speaks, declaring again His commission to avenge and comfort God’s people (61:1-3). The land and its people will be restored, as God clothed a personified Zion in garments of salvation. Still sustaining a sense of assured joy, the prophet commits himself to pray for Zion until the predicted day of deliverance comes (62:1). For her restoration is assured by the intrinsic power of her God. And so Isaiah foresees a great crowd of pilgrims approaching the Holy City. And the greatest wonder of all is that these people, the inhabitants of the Zion to come will be called “the Holy People, for all will be redeemed by the Lord.”
Key Verses. 61:1-2: The Good News has been preached; the day of vengeance is coming.
1 “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; 2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, 61:1-2
Personal application. The present gives no clue to the future.
Key concepts. Holy Spirit, Messiah, justice, Jerusalem