2 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,
2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn;
2 God sent me to announce the year of his grace - a celebration of God's destruction of our enemies - and to comfort all who mourn,
2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn,
2 He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord 's favor has come, and with it, the day of God's anger against their enemies.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Isaiah 61:2
Commentary on Isaiah 61:1-3
(Read Isaiah 61:1-3)
The prophets had the Holy Spirit of God at times, teaching them what to say, and causing them to say it; but Christ had the Spirit always, without measure, to qualify him, as man, for the work to which he was appointed. The poor are commonly best disposed to receive the gospel, James 2:5; and it is only likely to profit us when received with meekness. To such as are poor in spirit, Christ preached good tidings when he said, Blessed are the meek. Christ's satisfaction is accepted. By the dominion of sin in us, we are bound under the power of Satan; but the Son is ready, by his Spirit, to make us free; and then we shall be free indeed. Sin and Satan were to be destroyed; and Christ triumphed over them on his cross. But the children of men, who stand out against these offers, shall be dealt with as enemies. Christ was to be a Comforter, and so he is; he is sent to comfort all who mourn, and who seek to him, and not to the world, for comfort. He will do all this for his people, that they may abound in the fruits of righteousness, as the branches of God's planting. Neither the mercy of God, the atonement of Christ, nor the gospel of grace, profit the self-sufficient and proud. They must be humbled, and led to know their own character and wants, by the Holy Spirit, that they may see and feel their need of the sinner's Friend and Saviour. His doctrine contains glad tidings indeed to those who are humbled before God.