Introduction to Isaiah 61

Structure and Formatting

This chapter presents an oracle that continues the positive tone of this second section of Part Eight of the book. Despite the many problems of the community, the prophet rejoices that he has been called to proclaim a message of hope within a difficult situation. He describes how God has given him his Spirit to equip and empower him for this work. He believes and expects that through his ministry, peace and justice will be re-established within the community and that the cities devastated a generation before will be rebuilt.Jesus read the opening words of this oracle out loud in the synagogue of his hometown of Nazareth. He then announced, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” When words spoken at earlier points in the unfolding story of God take on a fuller and deeper meaning in light of later developments in that story, they are said to be “fulfilled.” Jesus was using this prophet’s words to announce and celebrate how he himself had been empowered by the Spirit and to explain how his mission was a vastly greater extension of the prophet’s calling to make Jerusalem a light to all nations.Like the oracle in chapter 60, this oracle has five parts that are nested pairs. In the first and last parts, the prophet rejoices in the work Yahweh has given him to do. There are images of festive clothing and growing plants. In the second and fourth parts, other nations recognize Zion’s children. In the third part, there is a central promise from Yahweh of restoration and glory. 1. The prophet rejoices in the work Yahweh has given him to do (1–3) 2. Other nations recognize Zion’s children (4–6) 3. Yahweh promises restoration and glory (7) 4. Other nations recognize Zion’s children (8–9) 5. The prophet rejoices in the work Yahweh has given him to do (10–11)