Bible Verse Lookup
Is 61:3
Chapter 61
3
to comfort those who mourn in Zion and give them a garland instead of ashes, oil of gladness instead of mourning, and festal clothes instead of despair. They will be called oaks of integrity planted by the Lord to show his glory.
Commentaries
Mission of the Prophet.
Anointing in the Bible always signifies a mission. The Lord sends His anointed one to proclaim the year of grace. This year was meant to be observed every 50 years, marking the anniversary of freeing slaves, returning land to its original owners, and canceling debts. Poor peasants suffered from bad weather, famine, and opportunists, often ending up as slaves. The year of grace serves as a metaphor for the salvation and restoration that God will bring (cf. Lk 4:18-19).