Isaiah 61:1
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners. (NIV)
Today’s Reading: Isaiah 61:1-3
Jesus announced his kingdom in his hometown synagogue that day by reciting Isaiah 61:1-2. He said that he was sent by God the Father to bind up the brokenhearted. That seems like odd language to me. In English, to “bind” something is to tie it up tight or even handcuff someone. Why would Jesus come to bind up the brokenhearted?
The Hebrew word used for “bind” is ḥābaš which does describe the act of tying something so tight that it stays in place. However, it is in the context of bringing something that is in disorder under control for a good or necessary purpose. This could describe binding a criminal to control them and bring order. But in Isaiah 61, ḥābaš is binding up the sin that has left broken people in its wake. When Jesus binds the brokenhearted, he is wrapping people up in God’s mercy to make them whole.
The Hebrew word šābar is translated as “brokenhearted” which is actually a verb describing something being crushed. It’s the same word found here:
“he protects all his bones,
not one of them will be broken” (Psalm 34:20).
So when Scripture uses this word to describe people, it is translated as “brokenhearted” in that they are spiritually broken. Our God cherishes the brokenhearted:
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted (šābar) and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
“He heals the brokenhearted (šābar) and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3).
Jesus came to bind up the brokenhearted. Just as a nurse would “bind up” or bandage a wound, Jesus came to bandage the spiritually broken people. The brokenhearted need spiritual healing from the damage that sin has caused and Jesus provided it on the cross:
“the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed” (Isa 53:5).
David sinned greatly when he committed adultery with Bathsheba. He was broken when he came face to face with what he had done. He knew that only God could restore him:
“For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight” (Psalm 51:3-4).
“Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10).
David knew that burnt offerings were ultimately not what God wanted from him. God wanted a broken spirit. He wanted David’s heart. David’s sacrifice for his sins was his repentance:
“My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart
you, God, will not despise” (Psalm 51:17).
This should be our spiritual posture as well. Repentance is all it takes for Jesus to save us. He simply wants us to be brokenhearted so that he can restore and refresh us:
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord” (Acts 3:19).
Christ in the Old Testament 
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