Isaiah 61:1
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners,
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me
This phrase begins with a profound declaration of divine empowerment. The Hebrew word for "Spirit" is "Ruach," which signifies breath, wind, or spirit, indicating a life-giving force. In the context of Isaiah, this Spirit is not just any spirit but the "Spirit of the Lord GOD," emphasizing the divine origin and authority. The phrase "is upon me" suggests an anointing or commissioning, a common practice in ancient Israel where prophets, priests, and kings were anointed with oil as a symbol of being set apart for God's service. This anointing signifies that the speaker is chosen and equipped by God for a specific mission.

because the LORD has anointed me
The term "anointed" comes from the Hebrew word "mashach," which means to smear or consecrate with oil. In the Old Testament, anointing was a physical act that symbolized a spiritual reality, marking someone as chosen by God for a particular purpose. This anointing is not self-appointed but is initiated by "the LORD," underscoring the divine authority and purpose behind the mission. Historically, this reflects the practice of anointing kings and priests, setting them apart for leadership and service. In a messianic context, this points to Jesus Christ, the Anointed One, who fulfills this prophecy as the ultimate prophet, priest, and king.

to bring good news to the poor
The phrase "good news" is translated from the Hebrew "basar," which means to proclaim glad tidings. This is the same root from which the term "gospel" is derived in the New Testament. The "poor" here can be understood both literally and spiritually, referring to those who are economically disadvantaged as well as those who are humble and contrite in spirit. In the historical context of Isaiah, this message of hope and restoration would have been particularly poignant for the Israelites, who faced oppression and exile. Theologically, this anticipates the ministry of Jesus, who proclaimed the gospel to the marginalized and downtrodden, offering salvation and hope.

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted
"To bind up" translates the Hebrew "chabash," meaning to bandage or heal. This phrase conveys a message of comfort and restoration. The "brokenhearted" are those who are crushed in spirit, experiencing deep sorrow or distress. In the ancient Near Eastern context, this would resonate with those who had suffered loss, exile, or defeat. Theologically, this reflects God's compassion and desire to heal and restore His people. In the New Testament, Jesus embodies this mission, offering healing and wholeness to those who are spiritually and emotionally wounded.

to proclaim liberty to the captives
The word "proclaim" is from the Hebrew "qara," meaning to call out or announce. "Liberty" translates "deror," which signifies freedom or release. "Captives" refers to those who are imprisoned or enslaved. Historically, this would have been a powerful message for the Israelites, who experienced captivity and exile. Spiritually, it speaks to the liberation from sin and bondage that God offers. In the New Testament, Jesus fulfills this prophecy by offering spiritual freedom through His death and resurrection, breaking the chains of sin and death.

and release from darkness to the prisoners
"Release" is from the Hebrew "pĕqach-qowach," meaning opening or deliverance. "Darkness" symbolizes ignorance, sin, or despair, while "prisoners" refers to those who are bound or confined. This phrase conveys a message of hope and deliverance, promising light and freedom to those trapped in darkness. In the historical context, it would have been a message of hope for those in exile or oppression. Theologically, it points to the spiritual liberation that Christ brings, illuminating the darkness of sin and offering the light of salvation.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Spirit of the Lord GOD
Refers to the Holy Spirit, indicating divine empowerment and presence.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His authority and relationship with His people.

3. The Anointed One
Traditionally understood as the Messiah, who is empowered by God to fulfill His mission.

4. The Poor
Those who are materially or spiritually impoverished, in need of God's intervention.

5. The Brokenhearted, Captives, and Prisoners
Symbolic of those who are suffering, oppressed, or in bondage, both physically and spiritually.
Teaching Points
Empowerment by the Holy Spirit
Recognize that true ministry and service are empowered by the Holy Spirit. Seek His guidance and strength in all endeavors.

Mission of the Messiah
Understand that Jesus' mission was to bring holistic restoration—spiritual, emotional, and physical. As followers, we are called to participate in this mission.

Good News to the Poor
Reflect on how the Gospel addresses both spiritual and material poverty. Consider ways to support and uplift those in need.

Healing and Restoration
Embrace the promise of healing for the brokenhearted. Encourage others with the hope and comfort found in Christ.

Freedom in Christ
Celebrate the freedom from sin and bondage that Jesus offers. Live in the liberty He provides and help others find this freedom.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the empowerment of the Holy Spirit manifest in your life and ministry today?

2. In what ways can you bring "good news to the poor" in your community?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced healing or restoration from God. How can you share this testimony with others?

4. What are some modern forms of captivity or bondage that people face, and how can the church address these issues?

5. How does understanding Jesus as the fulfillment of Isaiah 61:1 impact your view of His mission and your role as His follower?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Luke 4:18-19
Jesus reads this passage in the synagogue, identifying Himself as the fulfillment of this prophecy.

Isaiah 42:1-7
Describes the Servant of the Lord, who brings justice and light to the nations, echoing themes of liberation and healing.

Psalm 147:3
Speaks of God healing the brokenhearted, reinforcing His compassion and restorative power.

Matthew 5:3
The Beatitudes, where Jesus blesses the poor in spirit, connecting to the good news for the poor.

Galatians 5:1
Discusses the freedom Christ brings, aligning with the proclamation of liberty to captives.
Messiah's Mission, to the TroubledR. Tuck Isaiah 61:1
The Coming SaviourW.M. Statham Isaiah 61:1
The Beneficent MissionW. Clarkson Isaiah 61:1, 2
A Broken HeartR. Macculloch.Isaiah 61:1-8
A Faithful Gospel MinistryR. M. McCheyne.Isaiah 61:1-8
A Trite MinistryJ. Parker, D. D.Isaiah 61:1-8
Causes of Sinners' ImprisonmentT. Boston.Isaiah 61:1-8
Jesus a Preacher of Good Tidings to the MeekT. Boston.Isaiah 61:1-8
Jesus and the Broken-HeartedJ. Vaughan, M. A.Isaiah 61:1-8
Jesus and the MeekT. Boston.Isaiah 61:1-8
Jesus Binds Up the Broken-HeartedT. Boston.Isaiah 61:1-8
Jesus Proclaims Liberty to the CaptivesT. Boston.Isaiah 61:1-8
Jesus the LiberatorJ. Vaughan, M. A.Isaiah 61:1-8
Liberty for Satan's CaptivesR. Macculloch.Isaiah 61:1-8
Liberty to the CaptiveEssex Congregational RemembrancerIsaiah 61:1-8
Satan's BandsT. Boston.Isaiah 61:1-8
Sinners Worse than CaptivesT. Boston.Isaiah 61:1-8
The Gospel ProclamationR. Macculloch.Isaiah 61:1-8
The Sinner's CaptivityR. Macculloch.Isaiah 61:1-8
The Speaker: Probably the Prophet HimselfProf. G. A. Smith, D. D., Prof. G. A. Smith, D. D.Isaiah 61:1-8
The Speaker; Probably the Servant of JonahF. Delitzch, D. D.Isaiah 61:1-8
The Spirit a Compensation for the Self-Emptying of JesusT. G. Selby.Isaiah 61:1-8
The Spirit in the Son of ManT. G. Selby.Isaiah 61:1-8
Message of Grace to ZionE. Johnson Isaiah 61:1-9
People
Isaiah, Israelites
Places
City of the Lord, Zion
Topics
Anointed, Bind, Brokenhearted, Captives, Darkness, Freedom, Humble, Liberty, News, Poor, Preach, Prisoners, Proclaim, Release, Sovereign, Spirit
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Isaiah 61:1

     1235   God, the LORD
     1511   Trinity, relationships in
     1670   symbols
     2428   gospel, descriptions
     3015   Holy Spirit, divinity
     3110   Holy Spirit, titles of
     3120   Holy Spirit, descriptions
     3269   Holy Spirit, in Christ
     3272   Holy Spirit, in OT
     3278   Holy Spirit, indwelling
     3287   Holy Spirit, sealing of
     4804   breath
     5134   blindness, natural
     5135   blindness, spiritual
     5149   eyes
     5246   captivity
     5344   imprisonment
     5449   poverty, remedies
     5450   poverty, spiritual
     5457   power, human
     5461   prisoners
     5566   suffering, encouragements in
     5801   brokenness
     6660   freedom, through Christ
     6738   rescue
     7304   anointing
     7967   spiritual gifts, responsibility
     8713   discouragement

Isaiah 61:1-2

     2206   Jesus, the Christ
     2230   Messiah, coming of
     2318   Christ, as prophet
     2333   Christ, attitude to OT
     2351   Christ, miracles
     2366   Christ, prophecies concerning
     3040   Holy Spirit, promise of
     3224   Holy Spirit, and preaching
     5335   herald
     6634   deliverance
     6689   mercy, of Christ
     7482   Year of Jubilee
     7725   evangelists, identity
     7741   missionaries, task
     7757   preaching, effects
     7758   preachers, call
     8422   equipping, spiritual
     8425   evangelism, nature of
     8441   goals
     9140   last days

Isaiah 61:1-62:12

     6659   freedom, acts in OT

Isaiah 61:1-3

     1620   beatitudes, the
     2039   Christ, joy of
     2354   Christ, mission
     3020   Holy Spirit, joy of
     3218   Holy Spirit, and praise
     3239   Holy Spirit, anointing
     4978   year
     5426   news
     5797   bereavement, comfort in
     5831   depression
     5888   inferiority
     5970   unhappiness
     7755   preaching, importance

Isaiah 61:1-4

     5857   fame
     6703   peace, divine OT

Library
The Joy-Bringer
'To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.'--ISAIAH lxi. 3. In the little synagogue of Nazareth Jesus began His ministry by laying His hand upon this great prophecy and saying, 'It is Mine! I have fulfilled it.' The prophet had been painting the ideal Messianic Deliverer, with special reference to the return from the Babylonian captivity. That was 'the liberty to the captives, and the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Beauty for Ashes
We will read our text again, and then meditate thereon. "To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified." Our first consideration will be, who gives this word? Secondly, to whom doth he give it? Thirdly, what saith he in it? And, fourthly, what will come of it? I. First then, WHO GIVES THIS
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

Centenary Commemoration
OF THE ELECTION OF BISHOP SEABURY. 1883. THE REV. SAMUEL SEABURY, D.D. WAS ELECTED FIRST BISHOP OF CONNECTICUT AT WOODBURY, MARCH 25, 1783. The one-hundredth anniversary of the election of Bishop Seabury fell on Easter-Day (being also the Festival of the Annunciation), 1883. In accordance with the request of the Diocesan Convention, the Bishop set forth the following special Thanksgiving to be used throughout the Diocese, immediately after the General Thanksgiving at Morning and Evening Prayer on
Various—The Sermons And Addresses At The Seabury Centenary

Thirtieth Lesson. An Holy Priesthood;'
An holy priesthood;' Or, The Ministry of Intercession. An holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.'--I Peter ii. 5. Ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord.'--Isaiah lxi. 6. THE Spirit of the Lord God is upon me: because the Lord hath anointed me.' These are the words of Jesus in Isaiah. As the fruit of His work all redeemed ones are priests, fellow-partakers with Him of His anointing with the Spirit as High Priest. Like the precious ointment upon
Andrew Murray—With Christ in the School of Prayer

Christianity Requires the Temper of Childhood.
MARK x. 15.--"Verily I say unto you, whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein." These words of our Lord are very positive and emphatic, and will, therefore, receive a serious attention from every one who is anxious concerning his future destiny beyond the grave. For, they mention an indispensable requisite in order to an entrance into eternal life. "Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein."
William G.T. Shedd—Sermons to the Natural Man

Growth in Grace
'But grow in grace.' 2 Pet 3:38. True grace is progressive, of a spreading and growing nature. It is with grace as with light; first, there is the crepusculum, or daybreak; then it shines brighter to the full meridian. A good Christian is like the crocodile. Quamdiu vivet crescit; he has never done growing. The saints are not only compared to stars for their light, but to trees for their growth. Isa 61:1, and Hos 14:4. A good Christian is not like Hezekiah's sun that went backwards, nor Joshua's
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Christ the Deliverer.
"And he [Jesus] came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up; and he entered, as his custom was, into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Isaiah. And he opened the book, and found the place where it was written, The spirit of the Lord is upon me, Because he anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor: He hath sent me to proclaim release to the captives, And recovering of sight to the blind, To set at liberty them that
Frank G. Allen—Autobiography of Frank G. Allen, Minister of the Gospel

"For they that are after the Flesh do Mind the Things of the Flesh,",
Rom. viii. 5.--"For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh,", &c. Though sin hath taken up the principal and inmost cabinet of the heart of man--though it hath fixed its imperial throne in the spirit of man, and makes use of all the powers and faculties in the soul to accomplish its accursed desires and fulfil its boundless lusts, yet it is not without good reason expressed in scripture, ordinarily under the name of "flesh," and a "body of death," and men dead in sins, are
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Of the Words Themselves in General.
We come now to the words themselves, wherein Christ asserts that he is, 1, "the way;" 2, "the truth;" 3, "the life;" and, 4, "that no man cometh to the Father but by him." In them we learn these two things in general. First, The misery of wretched man by nature. This cannot be in a few words expressed. These words will point out those particulars thereof, which we will but mention. 1. That he is born an enemy to, and living at a distance from God, by virtue of the curse of the broken covenant of
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Organically One.
"From whom the whole body, fitly joined together and compacted, maketh increase unto the edifying of itself in love." --Ephes. iv. 16. The newness of holy Love lies in the Church. As we look at the withered state of the Church in almost every period, we almost hesitate to make this statement; yet in principle we maintain it to its fullest extent and power. The Church of Christ on earth is like an "incluse." The "inclusi" were honorable men and women who in the Middle Ages immured themselves in little
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

The First Galilean Ministry.
The visit to Nazareth was in many respects decisive. It presented by anticipation an epitome of the history of the Christ. He came to His own, and His own received Him not. The first time He taught in the Synagogue, as the first time He taught in the Temple, they cast Him out. On the one and the other occasion, they questioned His authority, and they asked for a sign.' In both instances, the power which they challenged was, indeed, claimed by Christ, but its display, in the manner which they expected,
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Not Like unto Us.
"Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness."--Matt. iv. 1. The representation that Christ's human nature received animating and qualifying influences and impulses directly from His divine nature, altho on the whole incorrect, contains also some truth. We often distinguish between our ego and nature. We say: "I have my nature against me," or "My nature is in my favor"; hence it follows that our person animates and actuates our nature. Applying this to the Person of the Mediator, we must
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

How those are to be Admonished who Desire not the Things of Others, but Keep their Own; and those who Give of their Own, yet Seize
(Admonition 22.) Differently to be admonished are those who neither desire what belongs to others nor bestow what is their own, and those who give of what they have, and yet desist not from seizing on what belongs to others. Those who neither desire what belongs to others nor bestow what is their own are to be admonished to consider carefully that the earth out of which they are taken is common to all men, and therefore brings forth nourishment for all in common. Vainly, then, do those suppose
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Rest for the Weary
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. W hich shall we admire most -- the majesty, or the grace, conspicuous in this invitation? How soon would the greatest earthly monarch be impoverished, and his treasures utterly exhausted, if all, that are poor and miserable, had encouragement to apply freely to him, with a promise of relief, fully answerable to their wants and wishes! But the riches of Christ are unsearchable and inexhaustible. If millions and millions
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

Religion Pleasant to the Religious.
"O taste and see how gracious the Lord is; blessed is the man that trusteth in Him."--Psalm xxxiv. 8. You see by these words what love Almighty God has towards us, and what claims He has upon our love. He is the Most High, and All-Holy. He inhabiteth eternity: we are but worms compared with Him. He would not be less happy though He had never created us; He would not be less happy though we were all blotted out again from creation. But He is the God of love; He brought us all into existence,
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

"We have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous. "
1 John ii. 1.--"We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." There is no settlement to the spirit of a sinner that is once touched with the sense of his sins, and apprehension of the justice and wrath of God, but in some clear and distinct understanding of the grounds of consolation in the gospel, and the method of salvation revealed in it. There is no solid peace giving answer to the challenges of the law and thy own conscience, but in the advocation of Jesus Christ, the Saviour
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Jesus visits Nazareth and is Rejected.
^A Matt. XIII. 54-58; ^B Mark VI. 1-6; ^C Luke IV. 16-31. ^b 1 And he went out from thence [from Capernaum] ; and he cometh { ^a And coming} ^b into his own country; and his disciples follow him. ^c 16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up [As to this city, see pages 14 and 55. As to the early years of Jesus at Nazareth, see page 60]: ^b 2 And when the sabbath was come ^c he entered, as his custom was, into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up to read. [This does not mean
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Comforts Belonging to Mourners
Having already presented to your view the dark side of the text, I shall now show you the light side, They shall be comforted'. Where observe: 1 Mourning goes before comfort as the lancing of a wound precedes the cure. The Antinomian talks of comfort, but cries down mourning for sin. He is like a foolish patient who, having a pill prescribed him, licks the sugar but throws away the pill. The libertine is all for joy and comfort. He licks the sugar but throws away the bitter pill of repentance. If
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Blessed are the Poor in Spirit
Having spoken of the general notion of blessedness, I come next to consider the subjects of this blessedness, and these our Saviour has deciphered to be the poor in spirit, the mourners, etc. But before I touch upon these, I shall attempt a little preface or paraphrase upon this sermon of the beatitudes. 1 Observe the divinity in this sermon, which goes beyond all philosophy. The philosophers use to say that one contrary expels another; but here one contrary begets another. Poverty is wont to expel
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

The Consolation
Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received at the LORD 's hand double for all her sins. T he particulars of the great "mystery of godliness," as enumerated by the Apostle Paul, constitute the grand and inexhaustible theme of the Gospel ministry, "God manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

Making and Breaking Connections.
Many Experiences, but One Law. In mechanics power depends on good connections. A visit to any great machine shop makes that clear. There must be good connections in two directions--inward toward the source of power, and outward for use. The same law holds true in spiritual power as in mechanical. There must be good connections. These nights we have been together a few things have seemed clear. We have seen that from the standpoint of our lives there is need of power, as well as from the standpoint
S.D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on Power

The Indwelling Spirit Fully and Forever Satisfying.
The Holy Spirit takes up His abode in the one who is born of the Spirit. The Apostle Paul says to the believers in Corinth in 1 Cor. iii. 16, R. V., "Know ye not that ye are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" This passage refers, not so much to the individual believer, as to the whole body of believers, the Church. The Church as a body is indwelt by the Spirit of God. But in 1 Cor. vi. 19, R. V., we read, "Know ye not that your body is a temple of the Holy Ghost which is
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit

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