1. The spirit of the sovereign Lord is upon me,because the Lord has chosen me.He has commissioned me to encourage the poor,to help the brokenhearted,to decree the release of captives,and the freeing of prisoners,
2. to announce the year when the Lord will show his favor,the day when our God will seek vengeance,to console all who mourn,
3. to strengthen those who mourn in Zion,by giving them a turban, instead of ashes,oil symbolizing joy, instead of mourning,a garment symbolizing praise, instead of discouragement.They will be called oaks of righteousness,trees planted by the Lord to reveal his splendor.
4. They will rebuild the perpetual ruinsand restore the places that were desolate; they will reestablish the ruined cities,the places that have been desolate since ancient times.
5. “Foreigners will take care of your sheep;foreigners will work in your fields and vineyards.
6. You will be called, ‘the Lord’s priests,servants of our God.’You will enjoy the wealth of nationsand boast about the riches you receive from them.
7. Instead of shame, you will get a double portion;instead of humiliation, they will rejoice over the land they receive.Yes, they will possess a double portion in their landand experience lasting joy.