Good News for the Oppressed

1The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me,

for the LORD has anointed me

to bring good news to the poor.

He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted

and to proclaim that captives will be released

and prisoners will be freed.a

2He has sent me to tell those who mourn

that the time of the LORD’s favor has come,b

and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies.

3To all who mourn in Israel,c

he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,

a joyous blessing instead of mourning,

festive praise instead of despair.

In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks

that the LORD has planted for his own glory.

4They will rebuild the ancient ruins,

repairing cities destroyed long ago.

They will revive them,

though they have been deserted for many generations.

5Foreigners will be your servants.

They will feed your flocks

and plow your fields

and tend your vineyards.

6You will be called priests of the LORD,

ministers of our God.

You will feed on the treasures of the nations

and boast in their riches.

7Instead of shame and dishonor,

you will enjoy a double share of honor.

You will possess a double portion of prosperity in your land,

and everlasting joy will be yours.

8“For I, the LORD, love justice.

I hate robbery and wrongdoing.

I will faithfully reward my people for their suffering

and make an everlasting covenant with them.

9Their descendants will be recognized

and honored among the nations.

Everyone will realize that they are a people

the LORD has blessed.”

10I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God!

For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation

and draped me in a robe of righteousness.

I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding

or a bride with her jewels.

11The Sovereign LORD will show his justice to the nations of the world.

Everyone will praise him!

His righteousness will be like a garden in early spring,

with plants springing up everywhere.