Isaiah 61

Isaiah 61:1

Lord. Hebrew adds, “God.” Adonai seems to have been inserted to prevent the pronunciation of Jehovah, (Kennicott) which alone occurs in the Septuagint, Arabic, and in St. Luke, iv. 18. (Haydock) — Thus Elohim may have been substituted for Jehovah, Genesis xxii. 8., as [in] [Genesis xxii.] ver. 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, (Kennicott) by Protestants. (Haydock) — St. Luke follows the Septuagint in his quotation, only instead of to preach a, &c., he has an explanation, to set at liberty them that are bruised. Isaias may here speak of himself, (Chaldean) 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 i. 32. He performed these works, (Luke vii. 22.) particularly addressing his discourse to the meek and poor, Sophonias iii. 12., and Zacharias xi. 7., and 1 Corinthians i. 26. (Calmet) — He was not anointed with oil, like Aaron, but with the Holy Ghost; so that of his fullness others must receive, Acts x. 39., &c. (Worthington)

Isaiah 61:2

Year of Jubilee, (Jeremias xxv. 11.) when the Jews should be delivered, as a figure of Christ’s redemption. — Vengeance, when the Chaldeans, &c., should perish, (Calmet) and all obstinate sinners, at the day of judgment. (Haydock)

Isaiah 61:3

Glorify. The rulers shall act with justice, chap. lx. 17, 21.

Isaiah 61:4

Ruins, as the Jews did, chap. lviii. 12. The apostles preached to the Gentiles, who had been long neglected.

Isaiah 61:5

Vines. Bishops were soon chosen from among the Gentiles. The Machabees subdued the neighbouring nations, 1 Machabees xv. 28.

Isaiah 61:6

Priests. They were greatly honoured, (Exodus xix. 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 ii. 9., and Apocalypse i. 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.

Isaiah 61:7

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 Converts shall bless God for having withdrawn them from the crowd of infidels, and they will rejoice in suffering for his sake, (Calmet) preferring their lot before that of unbelievers.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)

Isaiah 61:8

Holocaust. The pagans saw such things were improper victims. (Eusebius, pr'e6p. iv. 14.) — Septuagint, “hate unjust plunder.” (Haydock) — Therefore will I subject the strangers to you, ver. 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.

Isaiah 61:9

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

Isaiah 61:10

Jewels. Apocalypse xxi. 2. Jerusalem, or rather the Church, praises God.

Isaiah 61:11

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

Isaiah 61:22

CHAPTER LXI.