Isaiah 61:4

“And they shall build the old wastes, &c.] The captives set at liberty, and who are called trees of righteousness, and the planting of the Lord; righteous and good men, who shall be employed in the spiritual building of the church in Gospel times, and especially in the latter day; for here begins an account of the benefits and blessings the church of Christ should partake of, particularly at the time of the calling and conversion of the Jews: after having described the work and office of the Messiah, and his fitness for it, the Holy Ghost returns to the same subject with the preceding chapter, and which is carried on in the next. What is here said was literally true, when the Jews returned…”

“old wastes--Jerusalem and the cities of Judah which long lay in ruins (see on Isa 58:12).”

“And they shall build the old wastes - (See the notes at Isaiah 58:12). return to 'Top of Page'”

“Isa 49:6-8, Isa 58:12; Eze 36:23-26, Eze 36:33-36; Amo 9:14, Amo 9:15 Isaiah 61:5”

“Even in Isa 61:3 with להם וקרא a perfect was introduced in the place of the infinitives of the object, and affirmed what was to be accomplished through the mediation of the Servant of Jehovah. The second turn in the address, which follows in Isa 61:4-9, continues the use of such perfects, which afterwards pass into futures. But the whole is still governed by the commencement in Isa 61:1. The Servant of Jehovah celebrates the glorious office committed to him, and expounds the substance of the gospel given him to proclaim. It points to the restoration of the promised land, and to the elevation of Israel, after its purification in the furnace of judgment, to great honour and dignity in the…”