1The Spirit of the Lord Yahweh is on me, because Yahweh has appointed me to bring good news to the humble. He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to announce freedom for captives, and release for those in prison.
2to proclaim the year of Yahweh’s favor and the day of our God’s vengeance, and to comfort all who mourn.
3to provide for those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful crown 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 mighty oaks, a planting of Yahweh, for his glory.
4They will rebuild ancient ruins. They will restore places that have been destroyed for a long time. They will repair ruined cities that have been devastated for many generations.
5Foreigners will stand and tend your flocks, and other nations’ people will work your fields and vineyards.
6But you yourselves will be called priests of Yahweh. People will refer to you as the servants of our God. You will enjoy the wealth of other nations and take pride in their riches.
7Instead of shame, you will receive double honor. Instead of disgrace, they will rejoice in their portion. Therefore, in their land, they will inherit double, and their joy will be everlasting.
8For I, Yahweh, love fairness. I hate robbery and wrongdoing. I will truly give them what they deserve, and I will make an everlasting agreement with them.
9Their children will be known among the nations, and their descendants among all people. Everyone who sees them will recognize them as the children Yahweh has blessed.
10I will greatly rejoice in Yahweh! My whole being will be joyful in my God; for he has dressed me in clothes of salvation. He has covered me with a robe of righteousness, like a bridegroom who puts on a garland, and like a bride who puts on her jewelry.
11Just as the earth makes its plants grow, and a garden makes the seeds planted in it sprout, so the Lord Yahweh will make righteousness and praise sprout up before all the nations.