To grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn in Zion–to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit–that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent, distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God], the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. Isaiah 61:3 (AMPC)
Images declare and display certain facts or truth.
When God created us in His image it was to declare and display the truth of our origin and identity in Him.
When He calls us oaks of righteousness He’s declaring to us and displaying our true quality of being and character as lofty, strong, magnificent, and distinguished just like natural oak trees are. We are the planting of the Lord, meaning it is not by our own effort but by His will and working that we exist, live, and are all that He purposed.
Oak trees are among the tallest and hugest. As oaks of righteousness we are called and equipped to live a life far high above average and beyond the ordinary. We are the head and not the tail; we are above only, and never below. See- Deuteronomy 28:13. We are raised and seated with Christ in the heavenly places far above all rule and power. See-Ephesians 2:5-6.
Oak trees live very long, most species get to at least two hundred years and there are those known to reach a thousand years.
As oaks of righteousness living healthy, long, and strong is our portion. With long life the Lord satisfies us. See-Psalms 91:16.
Trees are deeply, firmly rooted, established, and immovable. As the Lord’s planting we are established in righteousness. See-Isaiah 54:14.
The Lord Jesus Christ Himself is our Righteousness and we are rooted and established in Him.