Isaiah 61:3. 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.
Peer, “beauty,” is the same word that is rendered “bonnet” in Isaiah 3:20, where see the note (#486). The prophet wishes to allow the contrast between the time of mourning and that of rejoicing. The mourner sits with ashes on the head. See note on 2 Samuel 15:32 (#279). When the mourning ceases and the joy comes the ashes are taken from the head, and, in the true spirit of rejoicing, a beautiful diadem is placed thereon instead.