Isaiah 61:1-6

 Ob and In:

1. "Me" v.1-3a

He is the One with the Spirit of the LORD Who has chosen Him and has commissioned Him.

(NET)  The speaker is not identified, but he is distinct from the Lord and from Zion’s suffering people. He possesses the divine spirit, is God’s spokesman, and is sent to release prisoners from bondage. The evidence suggests he is the Lord’s special servant, described earlier in the servant songs (see 42:1–4, 7; 49:2, 9; 50:4; see also 51:16).

The mission is: Give good tiding to the poor, to bind the broken hearted, to release the captives and to free those in imprisonment. In other words, the favor of God is upon them. 

However, to some people this is the day of bad news: God will seek vengeance. 

The description about the action being done to the poor and broken hearted are very similar to the action being done to those who mourn in Zion. They will be strengthen. In other words, the universal healing will now be focused on a special group who will be healed: the Zionists. 

2. "They" v.3b-4

Not only their inner heart will be strengthened, but their outward appearance will be changed. God will give the following: turban, oil of joy, garment symbolizing praise. God will vindicate them (will be called oaks of righteousness). 

v.3bThey will be called oaks of righteousness

 NET Rather than referring to the character of the people, צֶדֶק (tsedeq) may carry the nuance “vindication” here, suggesting that God’s restored people are a testimony to his justice. See v. 2, which alludes to the fact that God will take vengeance against the enemies of his people. Cf. NAB “oaks of justice.”

Even long-term ruins or desolated places since ancient times will be rebuild, restored and reestablished.

3. "You" v.5-6

Not only the Anointed One will speak about them, now God talk to them directly. God reminded them their Old Covenant in Ex 19:6

v.6     You will be called, ‘the LORD’s priests, servants of our God.’

(BKC) As a nation of priests each one will know the LORD, and have access to Him, and mediate on behalf of others, as did the Levitical priests. This was to be one of Israel’s functions in the world (Ex. 19:6), but unfortunately she will not fully carry out that responsibility till in the Millennium.

Reflection: God encourages and binds our brokenness. He strengthens our inner power. Not by our power, but His. This is the favor of God. Thank God for doing this to me. If Anointed One encouraged me and bind my brokenness why do I still feel bad?

For the Israelites, God focuses His attention to them. Outwardly this will be seen in the future. Not only the people, but also the building. They will reflect Who God is and brings people to Him. Israel will be the special country that mediate on behalf of others. Today,  we may not see this, but when the people is changed God blessings will come. 

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