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.