61:1 The Spirit of the Lord Yahweh The speaker seems to be the messianic Servant (see note on 49:1–7). The language echoes the messianic description of 11:2 and resembles the Servant language of 42:1 and 48:16 (compare 59:21).

Yahweh has anointed me Anointing symbolized conferring of holiness and authority. Kings, prophets, and priests could all be anointed to signify that they had been set apart and selected for that specific role. The Hebrew word for Messiah is related to the verb for anointing.

bring good news Connotes a messenger bringing a favorable announcement. Isaiah 41:27 announces that God would send a herald of good news.

61:2 the year of Yahweh’s favor Refers to the year when slaves were freed and land was returned to its original owners. It was supposed to occur every 50th year, and was announced by a trumpet blast on the Day of Atonement (Lev 25:9).

comfort all those in mourning In Isa 40:1, Yahweh calls out for someone to comfort Zion. The messianic Servant has answered that call. See note on 40:1.

61:3 oaks of righteousness Alludes to the planting of 60:21, and reverses the oak imagery of 1:29. Instead of worshiping oaks as symbols of idolatry, God’s people will be established and planted as symbols of righteousness.

61:4 they shall build the ancient ruins Jerusalem would be rebuilt after its destruction in war. See note on 58:12.

61:5 foreigners shall be your farmers Compare 14:2, where Israel’s former foreign oppressors will one day serve them as slaves. Also, 60:10 notes that foreigners will rebuild Jerusalem.

61:6 the priests of Yahweh Yahweh had initially established Israel to be a “kingdom of priests” (Exod 19:5–6). God’s chosen people were to serve as mediators between God and the nations. Israel’s failure to keep the covenant had impeded their ability to fulfill that role. Their redemption restores their status and reaffirms their calling. First Peter 2:9 extends this priesthood role to the followers of Christ.

the wealth of the nations Tribute brought to Yahweh, reversing the history of Israel and Judah paying tribute to foreign nations. See note on Isa 60:5.

61:8 I, Yahweh, love justice The lack of justice in Israel is a central element of the indictment against them in 1:23. Yahweh has established His concern for justice repeatedly in Isaiah (e.g., 1:27; 5:7, 16; 28:17; 30:18; 42:1).

an everlasting covenant See note on 55:3.

61:10 I will rejoice greatly in Yahweh The speaker shifts from Yahweh to either Zion or the Servant. If it is Zion, it is rejoicing in the salvation Yahweh has brought. If the Servant, he is rejoicing over the salvation made possible through him.

as a bridegroom adorns himself with a head wrap like a priest The bridegroom and bride imagery is later used to describe Christ and the Church. Here, the speaker identifies with both bride and bridegroom; the analogy focuses on the care and attention that went into the adornment.

61:11 makes its plants sprout An allusion to the messianic title of “branch,” “shoot,” or “sprout.” See 4:2; 11:1.