Isaiah 61 – “Prophetic Predictions”

Hebrew-English Text
I. Summary
The prophet clarifies his mission, predicts an era of prosperity, and praises God for bringing victory.

II. Photo
The prophet praises God: “He has clothed me with garments of triumph, wrapped me in a robe of victory, like a bridegroom adorned with a turban, like a bride bedecked with her finery.” (v. 10b)

III. Important Verses
1: The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, Because the LORD has anointed me; He has sent me as a herald of joy to the humble, To bind up the wounded of heart, To proclaim release to the captives, Liberation to the imprisoned.
4-5: And they shall build the ancient ruins, Raise up the desolations of old, And renew the ruined cities, The desolations of many ages. Strangers shall stand and pasture your flocks, Aliens shall be your plowmen and vine-trimmers;
6: While you shall be called “Priests of the LORD,” And termed “Servants of our God.” You shall enjoy the wealth of nations And revel in their riches.
8-9: For I the LORD love justice, I hate robbery with a burnt offering. I will pay them their wages faithfully, And make a covenant with them for all time. Their offspring shall be known among the nations, Their descendants in the midst of the peoples. All who see them shall recognize That they are a stock the LORD has blessed.

IV. Outline

1-3. The prophet was appointed to comfort the people
4-8. Divine promises
    4. Rebuilding the cities
    5-6. Foreigners will work for Israel the “priests”
    7. Prosperity in the land
    8a. Rationale: God is righteous
    8b. God will make the people known amongst the nations
10-11. Anticipated praise

V. Comment
No comment today. Stay tuned.

VI. Works Used
(see “Commentaries” page)
Collins, John J. “Introduction to the Hebrew Bible,” (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2004).
Sweeney, Marvin A. “Isaiah 1-39 with an Introduction to Prophetic Literature” The Forms of Old Testament Literature vol. 16 (Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans, 1996).
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