Isaiah 61:1

CHAPTER LXI

The subject of the preceding chapter is continued in this; and

to give it the greater solemnity, the Messiah is introduced

describing his character and office, and confirming the large

promises made before, 1-9.

In consequence of this the Jewish Church is introduced,

praising God for the honour done her by her restoration to

favour, and by to accession of the Gentiles, which is

beautifully described by allusions to the rich pontifical dress

of the high priest; a happy similitude to express the ornaments

of a restored nation and of a renewed mind, 10.

Certainty of the prophecy illustrated by a figure drawn from

the vegetable kingdom, 11.

NOTES ON CHAP. LXI

Verse Isaiah 61:1. The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me - "The Spirit of JEHOVAH is upon me"] The Septuagint, Vulgate, and St. Luke, (Luke 4:18,) and a MS., and two old editions omit the word אדני Adonai, the Lord; which was probably added to the text through the superstition of the Jews, to prevent the pronunciation of the word יהוה Jehovah following. See Kennicott on the state of the printed Hebrew text, vol. i., p. 610.

In most of Isaiah's prophecies there is a primary and secondary sense, or a remote subject illustrated by one that is near. The deliverance of the Jews from their captivity in Babylon is constantly used to shadow forth the salvation of men by Jesus Christ. Even the prophet himself is a typical person, and is sometimes intended to represent the great Saviour. It is evident from Luke 4:18 that this is a prophecy of our blessed Lord and his preaching; and yet it is as evident that it primarily refers to Isaiah preaching the glad tidings of deliverance to the Jews.

The opening of the prison - "Perfect liberty"] פקח קוח pekach koach. Ten MSS. of Kennicott's, several of De Rossi's, and one of my own, with the Complutensian, have פקחקוח pekachkoach in one word; and so the Septuagint and Vulgate appear to have taken it: not merely opening of prisons, but every kind of liberty - complete redemption.

The proclaiming of perfect liberty to the bound, and the year of acceptance with JEHOVAH. is a manifest allusion to the proclaiming of the year of jubilee by sound of trumpet. See Leviticus 25:9, c. This was a year of general release of debts and obligations, of bondmen and bondwomen, of lands and possessions which had been sold from the families and tribes to which they belonged. Our Saviour, by applying this text to himself, (Luke 4:18,) a text so manifestly relating to the institution above mentioned, plainly declares the typical design of that institution.