61:1 Spirit. See 11:2; 42:1; 48:16 and notes; Luke 3:22; 4:18, 19. The prophecy was fulfilled in the ministry of Christ. Isaiah is included (62:1) as a shadow or forerunner of Jesus.

poor. See Ps. 9:18 note; Luke 7:22.

proclaim liberty. This phrase may be an allusion to the liberation of slaves in the Year of Jubilee (Lev. 25:10).