Isaiah 61:13 Kommentar

In this chapter, I. We are sure to find the grace of Christ, published by himself to a lost world in the everlasting gospel, under the type and figure of Isaiah's province, which was to foretel the deliverance of the Jews out of Babylon (Isa 61:1-3). II. We think we find the glories of the church of Christ, its spiritual glories, described under the type and figure of the Jews' prosperity after their return out of their captivity 1. It is promised that they decays of the church shall be repaired (Isa 61:4). 2. That those from without shall be made serviceable to the church (Isa 61:5). 3. That the church shall be a royal priesthood, maintained by the riches of the Gentiles (Isa 61:6). 4. That she shall have honour and joy in lieu of all her shame and sorrow (Isa 61:7). 5. That her affairs shall prosper (Isa 61:8). 6. That prosperity shall enjoy these blessings (Isa 61:9). 7. That righteousness and salvation shall be the eternal matter of the church's rejoicing and thanksgiving (Isa 61:10, Isa 61:11). If the Jewish church was ever thus blessed, much more shall the Christian church be so, and all that belong to it.

INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAH 61 In this chapter both Christ and the church are introduced speaking, in their turns. It begins with the words of Christ, describing his work and office; his qualifications for it; the several parts and branches of it; and the ends to be answered by it; Isa 61:1, the reparation of the church; the feeding it by strangers; its being a holy priesthood; its enjoying the riches of the Gentiles; its having honour and joy, instead of shame and confusion; its prosperity in the work of the Lord, and the continuance of its spiritual offspring among the Gentiles, are prophesied of in Isa 61:4, and then the church is represented as rejoicing in the Lord, on account of her being clothed with his righteousness, so ornamental to her, Isa 61:10 and the chapter is concluded with a promise of her righteousness and glory appearing before all the nations of the world; of which the following chapter is an illustrious prophecy, Isa 61:11.

The subject of the preceding chapter is continued in this; and to give it the greater solemnity, the Messiah is introduced describing his character and office, and confirming the large promises made before, Isa 61:1-9. In consequence of this the Jewish Church is introduced, praising God for the honor done her by her restoration to favor, and by to accession of the Gentiles, which is beautifully described by allusions to the rich pontifical dress of the high priest; a happy similitude to express the ornaments of a restored nation and of a renewed mind, Isa 61:10. Certainty of the prophecy illustrated by a figure drawn from the vegetable kingdom, Isa 61:11.

MESSIAH'S OFFICES: RESTORATION OF ISRAEL. (Isa 61:1-11) is upon me; because . . . hath anointed me--quoted by Jesus as His credentials in preaching (Luk 4:18-21). The Spirit is upon Me in preaching, because Jehovah hath anointed Me from the womb (Luk 1:35), and at baptism, with the Spirit "without measure," and permanently "abiding" on Me (Isa 11:2; Joh 1:32; Joh 3:34; Psa 45:7; with which compare Kg1 1:39-40; Kg1 19:16; Exo 29:7). "Anointed" as Messiah, Prophet, Priest, and King. good tidings--as the word "gospel" means. the meek--rather, "the poor," as Luk 4:18 has it; that is, those afflicted with calamity, poor in circumstances and in spirit (Mat 11:5). proclaim liberty-- (Joh 8:31-36). Language drawn from the deliverance of the Babylonian captives, to describe the deliverance from sin and death (Heb 2:15); also from the "liberty proclaimed" to all bond-servants in the year of jubilee (Isa 61:2; Lev 25:10; Jer 34:8-9). opening of the prison--The Hebrew rather is, "the most complete opening," namely, of the eyes to them that are bound, that is, deliverance from prison, for captives are as it were blind in the darkness of prison (Isa 14:17; Isa 35:5; Isa 42:7) [EWALD]. So Luk 4:18 and the Septuagint interpret it; Luk 4:18, under inspiration, adds to this, for the fuller explanation of the single clause in the Hebrew, "to set at liberty them that are bruised"; thus expressing the double "opening" implied; namely, that of the eyes (Joh 9:39), and that of the prison (Rom 6:18; Rom 7:24-25 Heb 2:15). His miracles were acted parables.