Devotional Exposition of Isaiah Sixty One
Isaiah 61:1 begins with a declaration: "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound" [4]. This verse is rich with imagery of restoration and divine empowerment. The phrase "good tidings unto the meek" suggests a message of hope and comfort for those who are humble or afflicted [4]. This concept of God caring for the humble and brokenhearted is echoed in other biblical texts, such as Psalm 34:18, which states, "The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit" [1]. Similarly, Psalm 147:3 notes that God "healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds" [3].
The anointing mentioned in Isaiah 61:1 signifies a divine commission for a specific purpose [4]. The prophet is empowered to bring liberation to those in bondage, both literally and figuratively. The proclamation of "liberty to the captives" and "opening of the prison to them that are bound" can be understood as release from physical imprisonment, but also from spiritual or emotional oppression [4]. The Targum Jonathan, an ancient Aramaic paraphrase of the Hebrew Bible, interprets this verse as the prophet being anointed to "preach good tidings to the meek" and to "strengthen the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and to the prisoners! Appear in light!" [5].
This passage is often understood within Christian tradition as a messianic prophecy, fulfilled by Jesus Christ. In Luke 4:18-19, Jesus reads from Isaiah 61:1-2 in the synagogue at Nazareth and declares, "This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears," indicating his own anointing and mission to bring good news, healing, and liberation [4]. The broader context of Isaiah 60 and 62 also speaks of Zion's future glory and salvation, with Isaiah 60:1 proclaiming, "Up! let your face be bright, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord is shining on you" [2]. Isaiah 62:1 further emphasizes this theme: "For Zion’s sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until her righteousness go out as brightness, and her salvation as a lamp that burns" [4]. These surrounding chapters reinforce the message of divine intervention leading to restoration and triumph.
Sources
- OpenBible.info “Cross-reference: Ps.34.18 → Isa.61.1 (confidence: 51 votes)”
- Isaiah “Isaiah 60:1 (BBE) — Up! let your face be bright, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord is shining on you.”
- OpenBible.info “Cross-reference: Ps.147.3 → Isa.61.1 (confidence: 40 votes)”
- Isaiah “For Zion’s sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until her righteousness go out as brightness, and her salvation as a lamp that burns. -- Isaiah 62:1”
- Targum Jonathan (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Targum Jonathan, Targum Jonathan on Isaiah 61:1: The prophet said, the spirit of prophecy from before the presence of the Lord God is upon me; because that the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings to the meek; He hath sent me to strengthen the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and to the prisoners! Appear in light!”