Caveat: In the book of Isaiah, especially these last six chapters, it is difficult to ascertain when the ‘speaker’ is the prophet, Isaiah, God, Christ the Messiah, or some other entity. From the context, it is often apparent that a change in speaker has occurred; but pinpointing exactly when or where, that transition between ‘speakers’ occurs, has proven very difficult. Bible scholars are particularly divided regarding the identity of ‘speaker(s)’ in chapter 62. Since all scripture is ‘God-breathed’ (2 Tim.3:16), the question might be regarded as moot; but in trying to maximize clarity by implementing punctuating, and proper placement of quotation marks, as well as font color application, has been especially challenging in these chapters, and some quotation marks may be mis-applied. The reader is therefore here advised to regard their implementation in these chapters as not absolute – but ‘best-effort’. 1“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon Me; because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor and humble; He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty for the captives, and the freeing of those who are kept in darkness; 2To proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; 3To grant to them who grieve in Zion a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, to be clothed in praise instead of despair, that they might be called oaks of righteousness, planted by the LORD, that He may be glorified.” 4They shall rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the long-devastated cities, repairing the cities that are in ruin, devastated for many generations. 5Foreigners shall tend your flocks, and their sons shall plow your fields and dress your vineyards. 6And you shall be called the “Priests of the LORD”; men shall call you the “Ministers of our God”. You shall feed on the wealth of the nations, and in their riches shall you boast. 7Instead of shame and dishonor, you shall enjoy a double portion of honor, and in place of poverty you shall rejoice in prosperity; therefore, you shall possess a double portion in your land; everlasting joy shall be yours. 8“For I, the LORD, love justice, I hate robbery and wrongdoing; and I will direct My people in truth, and reward them for their suffering, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. 9And their descendants shall be recognized and honored among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge them as the people that the LORD has blessed.” 10“I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, My soul shall be joyful in My God; for He has clothed Me with the garments of salvation, He has arrayed Me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. 11For as the earth brings forth sprouts, and as the garden causes the seeds that are sown in it to grow, so the LORD God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.”
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