Isaiah 61:8Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Consequently, Solomon proclaims, "The wealth unjustly obtained will be taken away, and the angel will remove it from his temple," and again, "They shall increase their gains through ill-gotten means, while the benefit will be conferred upon the one who cares for the needy" (Proverbs 28:8; Job 20:15). This indicates that it will not be granted to virtuous and caring individuals but to the wicked, whom, for appearance’s sake, he referred to as those who love the poor. This situation arises because those given to hedonism often share property with one another, losing through significant strife what they have acquired unlawfully. As the psalmist observes, "Both are consumed: he stores up treasure and does not know to whom he will give it" (Psalm 38:7).

In another manner, the efforts of the scribes and Pharisees will be transferred to others, notably Gentile teachers. Hence, Christ proclaims, "The kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation producing its fruits" (Matthew 21:43). They will therefore be dismissed, while the ones called from among the Gentiles into the priesthood will enter into an eternal covenant, indicating either the proclamation of the Gospel or the everlasting hope. Their descendants and offspring will be recognized among the Gentiles, as He asserts: "Everyone who sees me will know them to be the blessed offspring of God," for those who teach are the sons of the sacred mysteries, renowned for their virtuous actions and devout lives. Through their teachings, as previously mentioned, they become the heirs of the saints. They are the blessed progeny of God, akin to the congregations of holy monks, of whom Paul states, "Those who belong to Christ have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires" (Galatians 5:24), leading lives of piety and diligence. They represent the blessed seed of God, rejoicing and exulting in the Lord; their joy is not found in worldly pleasures but fills their hearts with love for Christ, embodying the essence of salvation and the source of all spiritual delight.

The builders of abandoned cities and caretakers of livestock, along with the vine-growers, meaning the sons of strangers, are also priests of God. The prophet asserts, ‘And you shall be called priests of the Lord,’ meaning the ministers of our God, which likely refers to the leaders of the churches. This could also pertain to the apostles, suggesting that when the builders, shepherds, and vine-dressers from the Gentiles take their place as leaders, you, who were promised, will be known as priests and ministers of God, much like the sons of David, of whom it is written, ‘But the sons of David were priests of God.’ They shall consume the strength of nations and marvel at their wealth. The glory of the children reflects the honor of the fathers, and the wellbeing of the people is the sustenance of the priests.

Paul expressed to the Corinthians this notion of wealth: I thank my God through Christ Jesus that in every aspect you have been enriched in Him, in every utterance and understanding, as the testimony of Christ has been revealed in you, so that you may lack no gift. The strength of nations symbolizes the triumph of martyrs, and we take pride in their glory - not in a sinful pride opposed by God, who grants grace to the humble, but rather in a pride stemming from strength and honor. Hence, Moses had a radiant face, signifying victory, as one can say, “With Your power, we shall cast down our adversaries.”

Meanwhile, an alternate interpretation avoids boasting in glory and suggests adornment, indicating a unique royal attribute. Therefore, ‘instead of your double shame,’ which is absent in the Hebrew text, may be understood this way: because you have suffered dual shame from the unfaithful Jewish populace and from the idol-worshiping Gentiles, when you turn to the reverence of God, you will witness them praising your share, likely referring to the Lord, of whom the psalmist says, ‘My share is in the Lord.’ However, only those holding another portion can declare this. Thus, from the disgrace you have suffered, they will receive double honor when they come to believe in both the present and the future.

They will rejoice eternally instead of merely possessing the land again, for eternal joy will rest on their heads, as the Jewish people who once inhabited the land closely will eventually inherit all the earth. Concerning this land, the Father says to the Savior, ‘Ask of Me, and I will give You nations as Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth as Your possession.’ The Lord, who loves true equity and despises ill-gotten offerings, perceived that He prefers the poverty of the righteous over the dishonestly acquired gifts from the wealthy.

Furthermore, the Word of God denounces such behavior, stating, Cursed is the one who performs the work of the Lord negligently (Jer 48:10), as those who carry out most of their offerings—these being their responsibilities and actions—for mere fleshly gratification and personal benefit, leaving only the remnants and meager portions for the Lord, akin to the wicked laborers.