Isaiah 61

Messiah (the Anointed One)

Messiah — the Anointed One (Greek: Christ)

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; Isaiah 61:1–3

The Messiah speaks: the Spirit is upon Him and He is anointed to heal broken hearts and free captives. Jesus read these words in the Nazareth synagogue and announced that He was their fulfillment. The Doctrine and Covenants shows that the 'opening of the prison' includes His preaching to the spirits of the dead.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• fulfilled by Luke 4:18-21 — Jesus reads the passage and says, 'This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.'
• interpreted by D&C 138:42 — Isaiah prophesied that the Redeemer was anointed to proclaim liberty to the captives, including the dead.
• alluded to by Acts 10:38 — 'God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power.'
• the same event in Isaiah 63:4 — 'The day of vengeance' at His Second Coming.

Jehovah

For I the LORD love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. Isaiah 61:8

Jehovah loves justice, rejects offerings made from stolen goods, and promises an everlasting covenant with His restored people.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• the same title in Isaiah 55:3 — The same promise of an everlasting covenant.

Grace (Robe of Righteousness)

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. Isaiah 61:10

The redeemed rejoice because the Lord Himself dresses them in salvation and righteousness, like wedding clothes. Nephi and Jacob pleaded to be wrapped in this robe of Christ's righteousness.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alluded to by 2 Nephi 4:33 — Nephi: 'O Lord, wilt thou encircle me around in the robe of thy righteousness!'
• alluded to by 2 Nephi 9:14 — The righteous clothed with purity, 'even with the robe of righteousness.'