9/23 Isaiah 61:10

10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.


This chapter begins with the words that Jesus read in His home synagogue and declared were fulfilled in Him (Luke 4:18-19, 21). He brings good news to the poor and binds up the broken-hearted and declares liberty to the captives. It goes on to describe God's promises of blessing to a future generation of Israel. Then at this verse the chapter suddenly switches from the LORD speaking to the prophet's own words.

All who are recipients of the LORD'S blessings can join the prophet's sentiments. If we are in Jesus we have every reason to rejoice, for our future is eternity in His presence. Our soul should exult in our God. The word "exult" in Hebrew comes from a word that means "to spin around." It means to be under a violent emotion. Some would have us deny our emotions, and certainly our emotions can lead us astray. However, the prophet is telling us we should have very strong emotions about our God because He has clothed us with salvation. We are clothed in Christ Jesus! He is our robe of righteousness. That is the greatest beauty we could ever hope to have.

Isaiah compares that beauty to a bride and groom on their wedding day. Of course, we are to be the bride of Christ. John echoes this in the Revelation when he says we will be like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband (Revelation 21:1). The most glorious wedding on earth does not compare with the wedding of the ages.

Isaiah also speaks of the beautiful headdress of the priest. Over that headdress was a golden plate upon which is engraved, "Holiness to the LORD" (Exodus 28:36). That means we will be completely His and His alone.

Consider: What a glorious future awaits us. Exult!