Isaiah 61:1-5

The Year of the LORD’s Favor 1The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, Hebrew; Septuagint the blind

2to proclaim the year of the LORD ’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,

3and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.

4They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.

5Strangers will shepherd your flocks; foreigners will work your fields and vineyards.