John Calvin Commentary Isaiah 61:11

"For as the earth bringeth forth its bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord Jehovah will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations." — Isaiah 61:11 (ASV)

For as the earth puts forth. By a beautiful comparison the Prophet confirms the former promises, for he reminds the Jews of the ordinary power of God, which shines brightly in the creatures themselves. The earth every year puts forth its bud, the gardens grow green after the sowing time, and, in short, herbs and plants, which appear to be dead during the winter, revive in the spring and resume their vigor. Now these are proofs and very clear illustrations of the divine power and kindness toward us. Since this is so, should people doubt it? Will not he who gave this power and strength to the earth display it still more in delivering his people? And will he not cause the elect seed to bud, of which he promised that it should remain in the world forever?

Before all the nations. He again shows that the boundaries of the Church will no longer be as narrow as they formerly were, for the Lord will cause her to fill the whole world.

Will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth, He mentions “righteousness,” which was fully displayed when the Lord redeemed his people; but the righteousness of God was chiefly seen when Christ was manifested to the world; not that God kept his righteousness concealed until that time, but that people did not know it. It is as if he had said, “God will deliver and restore his people in such a manner that all will acknowledge him to be righteous.” For redemption is a striking proof of the justice of God.

He next mentions praise, because such a benefit ought to be accompanied by thanksgiving. The purpose of “righteousness” is that glory may be given to God; and therefore he exhorts us to gratitude, for it is exceedingly base to be silent after having received God’s benefits.

CHAPTER 62.