Caveat: In the book of Isaiah, especially the last six chapters, it is difficult to ascertain when the ‘speaker’ is the prophet, Isaiah, and when the ‘speaker’ is God, or some other entity. From the context, it is often apparent that a change in speaker has occurred; but ascertaining when or where, exactly, the transition between ‘speakers’ occurs, is very difficult. Since it is all God-breathed, the question might be regarded as moot; but punctuating these chapters, so far as proper placement of some quotation marks, has been challenging and some may misplaced. The reader is therefore advised to regard the placement of quotation marks in these chapters as a ‘best-effort’ attempt to add clarity. Their placement is not to be regarded as absolutely correct! 1“The Spirit of the LORD God is upon Me; because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the meek; He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty for the captives, and the freeing from prison for them who are kept in darkness; 2To proclaim the acceptable 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.” 4And they shall rebuild the old ruins, they shall 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 known 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.” Reader-Friendly Bible: Purple Letter Edition © 2024 by Jim Musser. Used by Permission. All rights Reserved. Bible Hub |
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