Isaiah 61:1–11

Read down to the center, where the pattern turns; then rise back out through its mirror.

A. Messiah speaks of YHWH's blessings 1-4
- The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me — anointed to bring good news to the poor, bind up the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to the captives, freedom to the prisoners 1
- To proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn 2
- To give mourners in Zion a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of gladness for mourning, a garment of praise for a faint spirit — called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD 3
- They shall rebuild the ancient ruins, restore the devastations, repair the ruined cities 4
B. Messiah speaks to Israel about restoration 5-7
- Strangers shall tend your flocks; foreigners shall be your plowmen and vinedressers 5
- You shall be called priests of the LORD, ministers of our God; you shall eat the wealth of the nations 6
- Instead of shame — a double portion 7
B'. YHWH speaks in first person about restoring Israel 7-9
- Instead of dishonor — a double portion; they shall possess their land and have everlasting joy 7
- For I the LORD love justice; I hate robbery and wrong; I will faithfully give their recompense and make an everlasting covenant with them 8
- Their offspring shall be known among the nations — an offspring the LORD has blessed 9
A'. Messiah speaks of YHWH's blessing 10-11
- I will greatly rejoice in the LORD — clothed with garments of salvation, wrapped in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decked like a priest, as a bride adorned with jewels 10
- As the earth brings forth its sprouts, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the nations 11