To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them. "To appoint ... to give" - the double verb, with the one and the same accusative, imparts glowing vehemence to the style.
Beauty for ashes. There is a play on the sound and meaning of the Hebrew words, pª'eer (H6287) ... 'eeper (H665): literally, 'ornamental head-dress' or tiara (Ezekiel 24:17), worn in times of joy, instead of a head-dress of "ashes," cast on the head in mourning (2 Samuel 13:19.)
The oil of joy for mourning - perfumed ointment was poured on the guests at joyous feasts (Psalms 23:5; Psalms 45:7-8; Amos 6:6). On occasions of grief its use was laid aside (2 Samuel 14:2).
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. The image is from bright-coloured garments, indicative of thankfulness, which were worn by the joyful, instead of those that indicate despondency, as sackcloth (John 16:20.)
That they might be called Trees of righteousness. "Trees" (Hebrew, 'eeleey (H352), terebinth trees); symbolical of men strong in righteousness, instead of being, as heretofore, bowed down as a reed with sin and calamity (Isaiah 1:29-30; Isaiah 42:3; 1 Kings 14:15; Psalms 1:3; Psalms 92:12-14: Jeremiah 17:8).
The planting of the Lord - (note, Isaiah 60:21.)
That he might be glorified - (John 15:8.)