Isaiah

¹ because God anointed me. He sent me to preach good news to the poor, heal the heartbroken, Announce freedom to all captives, pardon all prisoners.

² a celebration of God's destruction of our enemies— and to comfort all who mourn,

³ give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes, Messages of joy instead of news of doom, a praising heart instead of a languid spirit. Rename them "Oaks of Righteousness" planted by God to display his glory.

⁴ raise a new city out of the wreckage. They'll start over on the ruined cities, take the rubble left behind and make it new.

⁵ and foreigners to work your fields,

⁶ honored as ministers of our God. You'll feast on the bounty of nations, you'll bask in their glory.

⁷ and more than your share of contempt, Your inheritance in the land will be doubled and your joy go on forever.

⁸ and hate thievery and crime, I'll pay your wages on time and in full, and establish my eternal covenant with you.

⁹ Your children in foreign countries Will be recognized at once as the people I have blessed."

¹⁰ explode in praise from deep in my soul! He dressed me up in a suit of salvation, he outfitted me in a robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom who puts on a tuxedo and a bride a jeweled tiara.

¹¹ and as a garden cascades with blossoms, So the Master, God, brings righteousness into full bloom and puts praise on display before the nations.