1 The Spirit of the Lord Godhas taken control of me!The Lord has chosen and sent meto tell the oppressedthe good news,to heal the brokenhearted,and to announce freedomfor prisoners and captives.
2 This is the yearwhen the Lord Godwill show kindness to usand punish our enemies.The Lord has sent meto comfort those who mourn,
3 especially in Jerusalem.He sent me to give them flowersin place of their sorrow,olive oil in place of tears,and joyous praisein place of broken hearts.They will be called“Trees of Justice,”planted by the Lordto honor his name.
4 Then they will rebuild citiesthat have been in ruinsfor many generations.
5 They will hire foreignersto take care of their sheepand their vineyards.
6 But they themselves will bepriests and servantsof the Lord our God.The treasures of the nationswill belong to them,and they will be famous.
7 They were terribly insultedand horribly mistreated;now they will be greatly blessedand joyful forever.
8 I, the Lord, love justice!But I hate robberyand injustice.My people, I solemnly promiseto reward youwith an eternal agreement.
9 Your descendants will be knownin every nation.All who see them will realizethat they have been blessed,by me, the Lord.
10 I celebrate and shoutbecause of my Lord God.His saving power and justiceare the very clothes I wear.They are more beautifulthan the jewelry wornby a bride or groom.
11 The Lord will bring aboutjustice and praisein every nation on earth,like flowers bloomingin a garden.