Isaiah 61:3

Mourn. See on v. 2.

Beauty. Literally, “headdress,” “coronet,” or “garland,” such as that worn by a bridegroom or a victor in battle. A coronet of joy was to take the place of the ashes that had been sprinkled upon the head in token of penitence and grief (see ch. 58:5).

Oil of joy. Compare Ps. 45:7, where a similar phrase is used of Christ. In times of mourning and fasting the Hebrews refrained from the use of anointing oils (Dan. 10:3; cf. Matt. 6:17). Now every indication of sorrow was to be put away, and God’s people were to bedeck themselves as for an occasion of festivity and joy. Their garments of mourning were to be replaced by those used for gala occasions (see Zech. 3:3-5; cf. Luke 15:22).

Spirit of heaviness. Or, as we would say today, “disheartened spirit.”

Trees of righteousness. In the OT, trees are often used figuratively of people (see on Ps. 1:3); here, of God’s ransomed ones. They would be righteous because they had put on His likeness and been re-created in His image (see on Isa. 60:1).

The planting. See on ch. 60:21.

Might be glorified. God is honored when His children bear the fruits of righteousness and reveal in their lives His own traits of character (John 15:8; Gal. 5:22, 23).