I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its sprouts, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the nations.

Isaiah 61-63

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its sprouts, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the nations. Isaiah 60:10-11

I return to my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series.  My study of Isaiah moves on to day 1 (of 5) of week 22, which looks at Isaiah 61-63.  Day 1 starts with initial observations of Isaiah 61.  Stepping back and looking broadly at Isaiah, this commentary shares how the book serves as a "miniature Bible" with the first 39 chapters focusing on "judgement upon immoral and idolatrous men" and with the final 27 chapters "declar[ing] a message of hope" - Isaiah is 66 chapters just as the Bible is with 39 books in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament.  This commentary shares that during the middle Isaiah's ministry (722 B.C.), the northern kingdom is taken captive by Assyria, and Isaiah prophecies how Judah - the southern kingdom will be taken captive by Babylon (see also this chart and this history) as the former will be absorbed by the latter.  Isaiah 61 seeks to comfort the afflicted captives, again described by this commentary how:

• the promised Messiah comes on a mission of blessing and vengeance (v1-3, 1-11)
• the Messiah's mission transforms Israel's status among the nations-distinct roles for both Gentile nations and Israel in the Redeemer's mission (v4-9)
• the mission of Messiah brings great joy for its righteousness and fruitfulness (v10-11)

Isaiah's words offer great comfort and hope for believers, particularly for the afflicted and suffering. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God who loves us and who never leaves or forsakes us - offering comfort and hope.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and blessings.  My sin is great and it continues.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.