Judah and Jerusalem have been assured that Yahweh has a plan for a remnant of the people. They will return from exile. The Lord has promised to restore heaven and earth, to restore the people to himself, and to hasten the day of redemption. The announcement of the year of the Lord’s favor means that the Lord is reconciled to humanity and that humanity may obtain forgiveness from God. In chapter 61 the Lord himself, together with the prophet, confirms the eternal covenant, which cannot be broken.

The person of whom the prophet speaks in 61:1–7 is a servant of God. (Technically this is not a Servant Song.) The presence of the Spirit of God (61:1) and the anointing and proclamation suggest the servant’s purpose. The servant of the Lord, who has been called to proclaim the good news, can be …