Isaiah 61:1–7
1The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD
has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind
up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release
from darkness for the prisoners, 2to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3and
provide for those who grieve in Zion — to bestow on them a crown of
beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a
garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called
oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his
splendor. 4They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore
the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have
been devastated for generations. 5Aliens will shepherd your flocks; foreigners will work your fields and vineyards. 6And
you will be called priests of the LORD, you will be named ministers of
our God. You will feed on the wealth of nations, and in their riches
you will boast. 7Instead of their shame my people will
receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace they will rejoice in
their inheritance; and so they will inherit a double portion in their
land, and everlasting joy will be theirs.
NIV