Isaiah 61:5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The ancient leaders, the scribes and Pharisees, who were tasked with guiding the descendants of Israel, became complacent, ineffective, and lacking in spiritual insight. Consequently, those under their care languished because they focused not on the pure teaching but rather on human doctrines and commandments, leading their followers away from the knowledge of Christ. As stated, "we know that God spoke to Moses, but we do not comprehend this" (John 9:29), and further, "he has a demon, and rages: why would you listen to him?" (John 10:20). Therefore, the Lord, speaking through the prophets, declared: “The shepherds became fearful and did not seek the Lord; that is why the whole flock suffered and was lost” (Jer. 10:21). Through Ezekiel, He condemned the shepherds saying: “O you shepherds of Israel, feed yourselves! Should not shepherds tend to the flock? Behold, you consume the milk, but you do not nourish my sheep” (Ezekiel 34:3). He continues: “You shall graze in good pastures, but you trample down the rest of the land, you drink the clear water, yet you muddy it for others: my sheep suffer from the trampling and drink the water you disturb” (Ezekiel 34:18-19). The pure waters and flourishing pastures symbolize the sustenance offered by the law. However, these leaders defiled and contaminated that nourishment through misguided teachings as if forcing the people to consume impure water and feed on barren land. Hence, they were rightly dismissed from tending to the flock of the Lord, making way for outsiders to take on this role. The teachers within the churches are ordained by Christ to be wise and steadfast, possessing deep understanding of the doctrines, even from among the Gentiles and not merely the descendants of Israel; they have become preachers and caretakers of the vineyard (2 Tim. 2:15), and ministers of the gospel of Christ, as stated in scripture. Their fulfillment does not come from seeking such honor for themselves, but rather from being chosen by God, as the wise Paul notes (Heb. 5:4). While he belongs to the tribe of Benjamin, he identifies as a minister and appointed apostle of Jesus Christ. Therefore, all of you who hold this sacred office should recognize that your authority will be eclipsed by the richness of divine grace. By "the strength of the tongue," one might understand either the honors given by the powerful who come from the Gentiles or another interpretation. However, "no man" – He states – "will escape from the word," referencing Scripture's frequent use of "mouth" as a metaphor for God's communication: for instance, “Their mouths are full of oaths and troubles” (Psalms 9:28). Thus, He instructs to dismantle the strength of the tongue. The prophetic declaration regarding the “fortress of the tongue” seems to refer to those renowned or most knowledgeable among them, filled with worldly wisdom. Just as the words of the bearers of the holy mystery were potent, so too were those who answered the call honored; the praise, the crown, and glory of the teachers are those saved through their enlightening message. Consequently, He mentions, “In their riches, you shall be magnificent.” He also proclaims that the divine message will extend to all nations, and those leading the sacred churches, while glorifying Christ, shall one day inherit the earth. Joshua once distributed the territories among the Israelites; they received lands from the Amorites, Idumeans, and Hivites, among others. Yet, the Christ who appeared to the world, whose earlier form was Jesus, bestowed upon His ministers not just Judah but the entire earth. Following this first inheritance came the second; by His decree, His ministers and disciples shared the lands and cities, and to this day, they rejoice in Christ with a spiritual joy, as if adorned with a crown. This joy, however, is everlasting, for we trust that the reward consists not of worldly possessions but of eternal hope, everlasting life, and blessings that transcend human understanding and expression.

After the apostles and their successors have been anointed with the oil of joy and robed—even as some translations say—with the glorious table of praise in exchange for ashes and a spirit of sorrow, they will be identified as righteous generations, the magnificent planting of the Lord. They will be empowered by God’s righteousness, undertaking the task of glorifying Him as they rebuild the ancient cities of Judah and all nations. They will not only master the art of constructing and restoring cities but also excel as shepherds. In light of the rejection faced by the former leaders, whom God reprimanded through Ezekiel, asking, “O shepherds of Israel! Where do the shepherds feed themselves? Are not the sheep more important?” (Ezekiel 34:3), they will heed the words of the Apostle Peter: “Feed my sheep” (John 21:17).

Miraculously, these builders and shepherds will also become farmers and vintners, as they declare with the Apostle, “We are God’s field, God’s building” (1 Cor. 3). Hence, the Savior posed a question to the scribes and Pharisees, who served as vinedressers and farmers among the Jews: “What will the owner do to the wicked vinedressers?” When they replied, “He will destroy the wicked and give the vineyard to others,” He remarked, “The kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a people producing its fruits” (Matthew 21:41-43). This requires no further explanation. Many church leaders today, once Jewish and far from God’s covenant, have emerged from backgrounds that were previously devoted to idols and ignorant of His promises. Now, they shepherd the churches and, through the plow of faith, cultivate the once unyielding hearts of the Gentiles to bear fruit, thereby multiplying the spread of Christ’s doctrine through their abundant good works.

This body uniquely embodies the prophetic vision, making it most relevant to the Church while applying only weakly to the Old Testament Israel. The privileges accorded to the chosen people as a holy nation were forfeited due to their disbelief in Christ and were bestowed upon the children of the New Testament Church. The prophecy states, “Ye shall be called the priests of the Lord, and His servants.” The Apostle Peter describes Christians as a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a people set apart to serve God. Initially, this profound dignity of the Christian Church went unrecognized by the Gentiles, who dismissed and harshly persecuted it. In time, however, they acknowledged its significance, becoming devoted servants. Among them emerged the shepherds of Christ’s flock—speakers who tended to the spiritual fields through teaching, and caretakers responsible for the Church, the spiritual vineyard. The Church benefitted from the nations’ strengths in speech and material resources, which were devoted to its defense and to enhance its external prosperity.