Search Tools
New Defender's Study Bible Notes
61:1 good tidings unto the meek. This Scripture was fulfilled in Luke 4:17-19. Note that Jesus came to “preach the gospel” to the meek, not the arrogant, and to bind up the broken-hearted, not the hard-hearted.
61:1 opening of the prison. The phrase “opening of the prison” in this verse is one word in the Hebrew, used only this one time in the Old Testament. It had two fulfillments, one physical and one spiritual. He came to set free those under bondage to sin spiritually, but He also descended in the Spirit to Hades, from which prison, when “He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive.” See notes on Ephesians 4:8 and 4:9.
61:2 day of vengeance. When Jesus appropriated this affirmation (Isaiah 61:1,2) as fulfilled in Himself (Luke 4:16-21), He stopped quoting it just before “the day of vengeance of our God.” This final aspect of His work will be accomplished at His second coming (Isaiah 63:4).
61:6 Priests of the LORD. The redeemed Israelites will become a “kingdom of priests,” as promised long ago (Exodus 19:6). The same honor is to be given to all who believe on Christ (I Peter 2:9; Revelation 1:6).
61:7 everlasting joy. The promise of eternal joy to the redeemed people is found also in Isaiah 35:10; 51:11).
61:10 garments of salvation. A beautiful Biblical metaphor for salvation is that of divinely provided clothing, such as that provided by God for Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:21). Man-made clothing is like their fig leaves (Genesis 3:7), and is no better than filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). It is also pictured in the wedding garment which was essential for attendance at the prince’s wedding (Matthew 22:12-13). If we would participate in “the marriage of the Lamb,” we must be “arrayed in fine linen, clean and white…the righteousness of saints,” as provided by Christ (Revelation 19:7-8; Ephesians 2:10). We are exhorted even now to “put on thy beautiful garments” (Isaiah 52:1), and be prepared to come into the presence of our king.