Isaiah 61

Verse 1. Lord. Hebrew adds, “God.” Adonai seems to have been inserted to prevent the pronunciation of Jehovah, (Kennicott) which alone occurs in the Septuagint Arab. and in Saint Luke, 4:18. Bible.—Thus Elohim may have been substituted for Jehovah, Genesis 22:8 as verse 14, “Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah jireh, because he had said that day on the mount: Jehovah will provide” a victim, even Jesus Christ in the same place. Perhaps no part of the Bible is “so absurdly translated” as this, (Ken.) by Protestants. Bible.—Saint Luke follows the Septuagint in his quotation, only instead of to preach a, and so forth he has an explanation, to set at liberty them that are bruised. Isaias may here speak of himself, (Chal.) yet only as a figure of Christ. The Jews admit that the Messias is meant. Christ had received the Holy Spirit at the Jordan. John 1:32. He performed these works, (Lu. 7:22) particularly addressing his discourse to the meek and poor. Zephaniah 3:12. Zechariah 11:7 and 1 Corinthians 1:26. Calmet.—He was not anointed with oil, like Aaron, but with the Holy Ghost; so that of his fullness others must receive. Acts 10:39. and so forth Worthington.

LXX and DSS add: recovery of sight to the blind

Verse 2. Year of Jubilee, (Jeremiah 25:11) when the Jews should be delivered, as a figure of Christ’s redemption.—Vengeance, when the Chaldees, and so forth should perish, ( Calmet.) and all obstinate sinners, at the day of judgment. Bible.

Verse 3. Glorify. The rulers shall act with justice. Calmet. 60:17, 21.

Verse 4. Ruins, as the Jews did. Calmet. 58:12. The apostles preached to the Gentiles, who had been long neglected.

Verse 5. Vines. Bishops were soon chosen from among the Gentiles. The Machabees subdued the neighbouring nations. 1 Maccabees 15:28.

Verse 6. Priests. They were greatly honoured, (Exodus 19:6) so that the sons of David had the appellation. The Jews had still to labour as before. Christians become heirs to these promises, and are styled a royal priesthood. 1 Peter 2:9. Revelation 1:6. They have received the Scriptures from the Jews, and employ human sciences for the advancement of religion. The wisest pagans yield to the force of truth.

Verse 7. Part: God, or the land. Converts shall bless God for having withdrawn them from the crowd of infidels, and they will rejoice in suffering for his sake, ( Calmet.) preferring their lot before that of unbelievers. Before this change the apostles grieved. Worthington.

Verse 8. Holocaust. The pagans saw such things were improper victims. Eus. præp. iv. 14.—Septuagint “hate unjust plunder.” Bible.—Therefore will I subject the strangers to you. verse 5.—Truth. I will grant a sure reward.—Covenant. These of Nehemias and the Machabees were soon forgotten: but Christ’s covenant shall abide for ever.

Verse 9. Blessed. The Jews are visibly the reverse. The Church flourishes in spite of domestic and foreign enemies.

Verse 10. Jewels. Revelation 21:2. Jerusalem, or rather the Church, praises God.

Verse 11. Nations, whose conversion is implicitly foretold. All behold the justice which God has treated both his people and their oppressors. Calmet.