Isaiah 61:3-4

3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy 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.

4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.

Isaiah 61:3-4 Meaning and Commentary

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 61:1-3, 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 61:4-9, 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.

Cross References

• 1. S Isaiah 3:23
• 2. S Job 2:8
• 3. S Ruth 3:3; S Isaiah 1:6; Hebrews 1:9
• 4. Jeremiah 31:13; Matthew 5:4
• 5. Psalms 1:3; Psalms 92:12-13; Matthew 15:13; 1 Corinthians 3:9
• 6. S Isaiah 44:23; Isaiah 60:20-21
• 7. S Isaiah 44:26; Isaiah 51:3; Isaiah 65:21; Isaiah 49:8; Ezekiel 36:33; Amos 9:14; Zechariah 1:16-17