Isa 61:3 To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified." NKJV
Isa 61:3 (JFB Commentary)
To appoint ... to give - The double verb, with the one and the same accusative, imparts glowing vehemence to the style.
beauty for ashes - There is a play on the sound and meaning of the Hebrew words, peer, epher, literally, "ornamental headdress" or tiara
(Eze_24:17), worn in times of joy, instead of a headdress of "ashes," cast on the head in mourning (2Sa_13:19).
oil of joy - Perfumed ointment was poured on the guests at joyous feasts (Psa_23:5; Psa_45:7, Psa_45:8; Amo_6:6). On occasions of grief its use was laid aside (2Sa_14:2).
garment of praise - bright-colored garments, indicative of thankfulness, instead of those that indicate despondency, as sackcloth (Joh_16:20).
trees of righteousness - Hebrew, terebinth trees; symbolical of men strong in righteousness, instead of being, as heretofore, bowed down as a reed with sin and calamity (Isa_1:29, Isa_1:30; Isa_42:3; 1Ki_14:15; Psa_1:3; Psa_92:12-14; Jer_17:8).
planting of ... Lord - (See on Isa_60:21).
that he might be glorified - (Joh_15:8).
Psa 30:5(30:6) For His anger is but for a moment, His favour is for a life-time; weeping may tarry for the night, but joy cometh in the morning. NKJV
I know there are many out there that are going through rough times. Our families are being attacked, our finances, our health, our ministries are going through the fire, our children are not serving YHVW and many of us are in mourning and wondering what is going on? Sometimes we open the door for the enemy to attack us through disobedience and sometimes we are just being attacked because we are obeying. Each of us needs to seek His face in our own lives and search our hearts and repent where we need to repent and stand when we need to stand, always keeping our eyes upon Him.
This is for you.......
He has promised to console those who mourn in Zion
He said he would give us beauty for ashes (ashes are a sign of great distress and mourning)
He said he would give us the oil of joy
He said he would give us a garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness
Why? That we might be called Trees of Righteousness-That we would become strong In our faith/trust in who He is and that we would learn to stand firm on His word no matter what we might have to face.
He has promised us that even though there may be weeping through the night, joy comes in the morning.
We need to cling to His promises even when it seems everything around us is falling apart, because He is our faithful YHVH Elohim.
