NOTES for Isa 61:1-11

The Lord promises the people a new life in the renewed land, and it is portrayed, as in many other prophecies, through images of earthly prosperity. But we know that such images should not always be understood literally, although many prophecies have, of course, also been fulfilled literally. Yet it is no less important to see what is revealed behind these images. And now, too, when we cast a superficial glance over the lines that mention foreigners working in the fields and vineyards and tending the flocks, we might conclude that a dream of domination and the exploitation of other peoples is being expressed here.

But let us also read the other lines attentively: those to whom the words of the prophecy are directly addressed are called priests, and then we remember why, and for what responsible ministry, the Lord called the people. The exiles, accustomed to life in slavery and having forgotten much, must remember the height of their calling. Priests are called not to rule over other people but to serve God; and even if not all those who heard the prophetic word become priests in the literal sense, all of them—and therefore we as well—should still constantly remember Him.