“They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” (v.3b)
Back in Isaiah 1, Israel is rebuked for putting its delight in “sacred oaks” and special gardens, places devoted to pagan sacrifices and fertility rituals (Isaiah 1:29). Instead of trusting its Creator for fullness of life, Israel trusted His creations. The result was lifelessness and spiritual drought. “You will be like an oak with fading leaves,” the Lord says, “a garden without water” (Isa 1:30). Delight in anything apart from the Life Giver eventually leads to spiritual barrenness.
However, Isaiah 61 speaks of the restoration of the faithful in Israel after the Exile. In a series of opposing poetic images, this passage prophesies how the Lord will exchange Israel’s barrenness for new life. Instead of ashes, there will be beauty; instead of mourning, gladness; instead of despair, praise (v.3). The final line of this verse, which is easy to miss, recalls the image of Isaiah 1--instead of dying idolatrous oaks, “they will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.”
By returning to its Maker, Israel will thrive. In the same way, by recognizing that we are the work of God’s hands (v.21), and that creating life is His work, not ours, we grow. Because we worship Him, we will reflect Him, and display His splendor.
The Truth: “Rend your heart and not your garments. Now return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness, and relenting of evil.” (Joel 2:13)
Back in Isaiah 1, Israel is rebuked for putting its delight in “sacred oaks” and special gardens, places devoted to pagan sacrifices and fertility rituals (Isaiah 1:29). Instead of trusting its Creator for fullness of life, Israel trusted His creations. The result was lifelessness and spiritual drought. “You will be like an oak with fading leaves,” the Lord says, “a garden without water” (Isa 1:30). Delight in anything apart from the Life Giver eventually leads to spiritual barrenness.
However, Isaiah 61 speaks of the restoration of the faithful in Israel after the Exile. In a series of opposing poetic images, this passage prophesies how the Lord will exchange Israel’s barrenness for new life. Instead of ashes, there will be beauty; instead of mourning, gladness; instead of despair, praise (v.3). The final line of this verse, which is easy to miss, recalls the image of Isaiah 1--instead of dying idolatrous oaks, “they will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.”
By returning to its Maker, Israel will thrive. In the same way, by recognizing that we are the work of God’s hands (v.21), and that creating life is His work, not ours, we grow. Because we worship Him, we will reflect Him, and display His splendor.
The Truth: “Rend your heart and not your garments. Now return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness, and relenting of evil.” (Joel 2:13)
