Summary: How does Isaiah 61 develop the theme of liberation?

Isaiah 61 seems an appropriate passage on which to end this thematic study. It summarises much of what has been developed by previous passages and provides hope for complete liberation in the future.

Isaiah 61 begins with Yahweh sending his anointed one to bring about liberation. This liberation leads to transformation of the people. Then follows transformation by the people of the city. All of this serves as a revelation of Yahweh’s character and a proclamation to other nations. There is also a future hope of full restoration of God’s people.

This reinforces previous studies and leads to the following expansion upon the theme of liberation, creating a model that can be transferred to other, more modern, contexts.

Bearing in mind studies in Exodus, it is important to note that the initial liberation is primarily spiritual although it is worked through and out in physical liberation. This is also a feature of the return to Jerusalem as the purpose was spiritual worship through the building of the temple.