Isaiah 61

1. The Spirit of Adonai Elohim is upon me, 1 because Adonai has anointed me 1 to announce good news to the poor. 1 He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted; 1 to proclaim freedom to the captives, 1 to let out into light those bound in the dark;

2. to proclaim the year of the favor of Adonai 2 and the day of vengeance of our God; 2 to comfort all who mourn,

3. yes, provide for those in Tziyon who mourn, 3 giving them garlands instead of ashes, 3 the oil of gladness instead of mourning, 3 a cloak of praise instead of a heavy spirit, 3 so that they will be called oaks of righteousness 3 planted by Adonai, in which he takes pride.

4. They will rebuild the ancient ruins, 4 restore sites long destroyed; 4 they will renew the ruined cities, 4 destroyed many generations ago.

5. Strangers will stand and feed your flocks, 5 foreigners plow your land and tend your vines;

6. but you will be called cohanim of Adonai, 6 spoken of as ministers to our God. 6 You will feed on the wealth of nations, 6 and revel in their riches.

7. Because of your shame, which was doubled, 7 and because they cried, “They deserve disgrace,” 7 therefore in their land what they own will be doubled, 7 and joy forever will be theirs.

8. “For I, Adonai, love justice; 8 I hate robbery for burnt offerings. 8 So I will be faithful to reward them 8 and make an eternal covenant with them.”

9. Their descendants will be known among the nations, 9 their offspring among the peoples; 9 all who see them will acknowledge 9 that they are the seed Adonai has blessed.

10. I am so joyful in Adonai! 10 My soul rejoices in my God, 10 for he has clothed me in salvation, 10 dressed me with a robe of triumph, 10 like a bridegroom wearing a festive turban, 10 like a bride adorned with her jewels.

11. For just as the earth brings forth its plants, 11 or a garden makes its plants spring up, 11 so Adonai, God, will cause victory and glory 11 to spring up before all nations.