Chapter Summary

Two advents of Christ in one view. Kingdom blessing after the day of vengeance. Israel's restoration.

Discussion Questions for Isaiah, Chapter 61

1. In Luke 4:18-19 Jesus reads the first verse and part of the second verse of a scroll from Isaiah 61, what is the significance of Jesus reading these verses and the verse following in Luke where He tells those listening that the verses He read were fulfilled in their hearing?
2. In what ways did Jesus fulfill the verses He quoted in Isaiah 61? How does His fulfillment bring joy and hope into your life knowing that Jesus does this even today, even for us?
3. Was Jesus intending to mean that ALL of Isaiah 61 was fulfilled for them in His reading? Are there clues that would suggest that only the portion Jesus read was fulfilled and there would be a further fulfilling in years to come? Why or why not?
4. In verses 2-3 the word “mourn” or “mourning” (NASB1995) is used three times? In light of your study of Isaiah thus far, about what would the LORD be comforting the people?
5. In verses 5-6 there seems to be a shift in the overall vocation or focus of the people being described. What is the reason for this shift? What were they once doing and what does Isaiah say their primary tasks will become?
6. In verse 7 the author describes the people's condition by using the word “instead” (NASB1995) two times. What are the two contrasts the author uses? While salvation in the Old Testament had different connotations than it does in the New Testament context, what are some contrasts that you can identify that are a result of God's gift of salvation offered to you? List several.
7. Verse 8 reads, “For I, the LORD, love justice...” Justice is not typically the first attribute or description offered by people describing God, but it is an essential attribute? Why? What are other attributes of God that are closely linked with justice?
8. What are the various ways God's promises are evident in this chapter? How is God's salvation evident to these people in Isaiah's context? How are God's promises evident to you?
9. In verse 10-11 the prophet is rejoicing and glorifying God for salvation. What rich imagery does Isaiah use to describe the beauty of salvation? What other meaningful and biblical ways is salvation described elsewhere in the Bible?
10. God's faithfulness is evident throughout this chapter, in what ways does Isaiah make it evident that God is faithful to His own character and promises in this chapter?

Key Words/Phrase

Universal righteousness, v. 11.

Characters

God, Christ, Holy Spirit.

Strong Verse(s)

10, 11.