Isaiah 35
Isaiah 35 is a chapter that sings of God’s restoration and salvation that will come after suffering and judgment. In contrast to the judgment in the previous chapter, this chapter begins with a scene in which barren wilderness and dry land are filled with joy and life. Verses 1-2 depict the grace and delight of the wilderness blooming with flowers, and Verses 3-4 comfort those who are discouraged and strengthen them. Verses 5-7 speak of miraculous changes in which springs well up in the dry land and physical and spiritual obstacles are restored. Then Verses 8-10 prophesy that the faithful will return to Zion along the holy way and enjoy everlasting joy.
1verseThe wilderness and the dry land will be glad. The desert will rejoice and blossom like a rose.
2verseIt will blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing. Lebanon’s glory will be given to it, the excellence of Carmel and Sharon. They will see the LORD’s glory, the excellence of our God.
3verseStrengthen the weak hands, and make the feeble knees firm.
4verseTell those who have a fearful heart, “Be strong! Don’t be afraid! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, God’s retribution. He will come and save you.
5verseThen the eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf will be unstopped.
6verseThen the lame man will leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute will sing; for waters will break out in the wilderness, and streams in the desert.
7verseThe burning sand will become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water. Grass with reeds and rushes will be in the habitation of jackals, where they lay.
8verseA highway will be there, a road, and it will be called “The Holy Way”. The unclean shall not pass over it, but it will be for those who walk in the Way. Wicked fools shall not go there.
9verseNo lion will be there, nor will any ravenous animal go up on it. They will not be found there; but the redeemed will walk there.
10verseThen the LORD’s ransomed ones will return, and come with singing to Zion; and everlasting joy will be on their heads. They will obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”
Key Themes and Message
- Restoration and Renewal: Isaiah 35 shows the promise of restoration that God has prepared for His people who are in hardship. Images of the wilderness blooming with flowers and the desert turning into joy symbolize the change from dryness and despair to renewal and hope.
- Courage and Hope: The message encouraging the discouraged not to fear and to be strong brings great comfort to the community.
- Salvation and a New Way: The Highway of Holiness means the new way of life by which the saved return safely to Zion. This way promises purity and God’s protection.
Points for Reflection
- What are the dryness and wasteland in our lives? Let’s expect the experience of restoration that God brings, and think about where we need to change.
- Let’s reflect on the power of a single word that encourages and builds up those who are suffering.
- Let’s carefully consider what attitudes or decisions we need in our lives in order to walk the “holy way.”
Applying It to My Life
- In difficulties that feel like a wasteland, I press on while holding on to God’s promise of hope and restoration.
- Let’s put into practice a life that delivers a message of hope to discouraged people around us.
- Even in everyday life, I hope to experience the joy and peace God promised, while keeping myself holy.
