Dual Panel1The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me because the LORD has anointed me; he has sent me to announce good news to the humble, to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to captives, release to those in prison;
2to proclaim a year of the LORD's favour and a day of the vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn,
3to give them garlands instead of ashes, oil of gladness instead of mourners' tears, a garment of splendour for the heavy heart. They will be called trees of righteousness, planted by the LORD for his adornment.
4Buildings long in ruins will be rebuilt and sites long desolate restored; they will repair the ruined cities which for generations have lain desolate.
5Foreigners will serve as shepherds of your flocks, aliens will till your land and tend your vines,
6but you will be called priests of the LORD and be named ministers of our God. You will enjoy the wealth of nations and succeed to their riches.
7And so, because shame in double measure and insults and abuse have been my people's lot, they will receive in their own land a double measure of wealth, and everlasting joy will be theirs.
8For I the LORD love justice and hate robbery and crime; I shall grant them a sure reward and make an everlasting covenant with them;
9their posterity will be renowned among the nations and their descendants among the peoples; all who see them will acknowledge that they are a race blessed by the LORD.
10Let me rejoice in the LORD with all my heart, let me exult in my God; for he has robed me in deliverance and arrayed me in victory, like a bridegroom with his garland, or a bride decked in her jewels.
11As the earth puts forth her blossom or plants in the garden burst into flower, so will the Lord GOD make his victory and renown blossom before all the nations.