To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;
Ver. 2. To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.] The new and true jubilee, or year of releasement, called here in the Hebrew the year of good will, like as the elect are called the men of God's good will. Luk 2:14 This year is now, 2Co 6:2 and the present now must be embraced and improved, since God is but a while with men in the opportunities of grace; which opportunities are headlong, and, once past, irrecoverable.
And the day of vengeance of our God.] Tribulation to them that trouble his people. 2Th 1:6-7 Gog and Magog shall down in that day; all humans be hanged up at that royal feast, at the last day especially. Luk 19:27
To comfort all that mourn.] This Christ did both by word and deed, and this must all his ministers do: "Comfort the feebleminded"; 1Th 5:14 not burdening men's consciences with human traditions and merit of works. Popery is a doctrine of desperation.