Isaiah 35
Isaiah 35 is a prophetic vision of hope, describing the transformation of the wilderness and the desert into a place of beauty and joy. It symbolizes the restoration and salvation that will come to God’s people. The chapter offers a vision of physical healing, spiritual renewal, and the ultimate redemption when the people return to Zion. This passage reflects God’s promise to restore His people and bring them into a future of peace and blessing.
Isaiah 35:1-2 (NKJV)
1 The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them, and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose;
2 It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice, even with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the excellence of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the excellency of our God.
The desolate places, symbolizing the broken and barren state of the people, will be transformed into flourishing beauty. The reference to Lebanon, Carmel, and Sharon evokes images of the most fertile and beautiful places in Israel, signifying that the glory of God will bring abundant life and joy. This is a promise of physical and spiritual renewal.
Isaiah 35:3-4 (NKJV)
3 Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees.
4 Say to those who are fearful-hearted, "Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God; He will come and save you."
This passage is an encouragement to those who are discouraged and fearful. The command to strengthen weak hands and feeble knees implies preparing for action and endurance. God's coming brings justice and salvation. Those who have suffered oppression and hardship can take heart because God will bring deliverance.
Isaiah 35:5-6 (NKJV)
5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.
6 Then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb sing. For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert.
The opening of blind eyes and the healing of the deaf and lame represent both physical and spiritual restoration. This is a powerful symbol of the messianic age, where miracles demonstrate God’s saving power. The bursting forth of waters in the desert illustrates the transformative power of God to bring life and refreshment where there was once desolation.
Isaiah 35:7 (NKJV)
7 The parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water; in the habitation of jackals, where each lay, there shall be grass with reeds and rushes.
The barren, parched ground will be transformed into fertile land with abundant water. The reference to jackals, which inhabit desolate places, being replaced by grass and reeds symbolizes a complete renewal of the land. This is a vivid depiction of the restoration God will bring.
Isaiah 35:8 (NKJV)
8 A highway shall be there, and a road, and it shall be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean shall not pass over it, but it shall be for others. Whoever walks the road, although a fool, shall not go astray.
The "Highway of Holiness" symbolizes the path that the redeemed will walk on their return to Zion. It is a road of purity and righteousness, where only those cleansed by God can walk. Even those considered simple or foolish will be guided on this path, showing that it is by God’s grace that all can walk in holiness.
Isaiah 35:9-10 (NKJV)
9 No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast go up on it; it shall not be found there. But the redeemed shall walk there,
10 And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing, with everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
This passage describes a safe and joyful journey for the redeemed. There will be no danger or threat, symbolized by the absence of lions or ravenous beasts. The redeemed and ransomed will return to Zion, singing with joy and experiencing everlasting peace. All sorrow and suffering will be gone, replaced by eternal joy and gladness, signifying the final restoration of God’s people.