New Living Translation
Isaiah • Chapter 61
1
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me,<br>for the LORD has anointed me<br>to bring good news to the poor.<br>He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted<br>and to proclaim that captives will be released<br>and prisoners will be freed.<br>
2
He has sent me to tell those who mourn<br>that the time of the LORD’s favor has come,<br>and with it, the day of God (Elohim)’s anger against their enemies.<br>
3
To all who mourn in Israel,<br>he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,<br>a joyous blessing instead of mourning,<br>festive praise instead of despair.<br>In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks<br>that the LORD has planted for his own glory.<br>
4
They will rebuild the ancient ruins,<br>repairing cities destroyed long ago.<br>They will revive them,<br>though they have been deserted for many generations.<br>
5
Foreigners will be your servants.<br>They will feed your flocks<br>and plow your fields<br>and tend your vineyards.<br>
6
You will be called priests of the LORD,<br>ministers of our God (Elohim).<br>You will feed on the treasures of the nations<br>and boast in their riches.<br>
7
Instead of shame and dishonor,<br>you will enjoy a double share of honor.<br>You will possess a double portion of prosperity in your land,<br>and everlasting joy will be yours.<br>
8
“For I, the LORD, love justice.<br>I hate robbery and wrongdoing.<br>I will faithfully reward my people for their suffering<br>and make an everlasting covenant with them.<br>
9
Their descendants will be recognized<br>and honored among the nations.<br>Everyone will realize that they are a people<br>the LORD has blessed.”<br>
10
I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God (Elohim)!<br>For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation<br>and draped me in a robe of righteousness.<br>I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding<br>or a bride with her jewels.<br>
11
The Sovereign LORD will show his justice to the nations of the world.<br>Everyone will praise him!<br>His righteousness will be like a garden in early spring,<br>with plants springing up everywhere.<br>