“Yahweh has sent me
To proclaim the year of Yahweh’s favor.
He has sent me
To proclaim the day of rescue of our God.
He has sent me
To comfort all who mourn.
He has sent me
To provide for those who mourn in Zion.
He has sent me
To give them a garland
Instead of ashes.
He has sent me
To give the oil of gladness
Instead of the oil of mourning.
He has sent me
To give the mantle of praise
Instead of a faint spirit.”
There was a clear mission to Zion. This servant or prophet was sent out to proclaim a year of Yahweh’s favor with a rescue day for those who needed comforting in their mourning for Zion. This would indicate a prophet more than a servant. This individual was sent to give flower garlands and not ashes. He was to give the oil of gladness and not the oil of mourning. He was sent to give a coat of praise rather than a faint spirit. In this sense he was more like a servant comforter to the people of Zion.