The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.
It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the Lord, and the excellency of our God.
Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.
Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.
Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.
Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.
And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes.
And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.
No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there:
And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Isaiah 35, a radiant chapter nestled within the book of Isaiah, bursts forth with a message of hope and restoration following pronouncements of judgment. It paints a vivid picture of transformation, not only for the land of Israel but also for its people, promising a future where sorrow is replaced with unending joy. This chapter provides encouragement to persevere in faith, assuring God's people of His unwavering presence and ultimate deliverance.
The Desert Blossoms (Isaiah 35:1-2)
The prophecy opens with a stunning image: the desert rejoicing and blooming like a crocus (Isaiah 35:1). This isn't merely a superficial change; it's a profound transformation signifying God's blessing and restoration upon His people, particularly Israel. For anyone familiar with the arid landscapes of the Holy Land, this promise carries immense weight. It speaks of life springing forth from barrenness, a testament to God's power to bring beauty out of desolation. The land will display the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God (Isaiah 35:2). This glory is not just agricultural abundance; it is a manifestation of God's reign in Jerusalem through His Son.
Strengthen the Weak (Isaiah 35:3-4)
Isaiah's message wasn't solely for a distant future. It held immediate relevance for those living in his time, facing the daunting threat of the Assyrian army. In the face of fear, Isaiah urges the faithful: Strengthen the weak hands, steady the shaking knees! (Isaiah 35:3). This call to courage resonates throughout history. The author of Hebrews echoes this sentiment, urging Christians to “Strengthen your tired hands and weakened knees” (Hebrews 12:12). The people of God in every age need encouragement to stand firm amidst a sinful world that threatens to overwhelm them.
Isaiah encourages God's faithful to say to those who cower in fear, Be strong... Here is your God; vengeance is coming. God's retribution is coming; he will save you (Isaiah 35:4). In Isaiah's time, this salvation was manifested in the defeat of the Assyrians. This message highlights the importance of faith in the face of adversity. Knowing that God is with us, and that He will ultimately vindicate His people, provides the strength to persevere.
Healing and Holiness on the Highway (Isaiah 35:5-10)
Returning to the theme of future kingdom blessings, Isaiah details the healing and restoration that will encompass both the people and the land (Isaiah 35:5-7). Physical defects will be healed, and the desert will transform into a well-watered paradise. This transformation extends beyond the physical realm. God will create a highway to Jerusalem, called the Holy Way, on which the righteous will travel to worship Him (Isaiah 35:8). This "Highway of Holiness" symbolizes a direct path to God, free from defilement and accessible to all who are righteous.
The chapter culminates in a vision of unending joy and the complete absence of sorrow and sighing (Isaiah 35:10). While we experience glimpses of this joy in worship and fellowship, life in this present age is also marked by trials and sadness. However, Isaiah's prophecy offers a powerful promise of a future where joy reigns supreme and all tears are wiped away. This ultimate hope fuels our perseverance and strengthens us for the journey ahead, reminding us that "the joy of the LORD is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10). Align yourself with the King, and you need not fear. Though the gates of hell rise against you, Satan can’t prevail against Christ’s church (see Matthew 16:18). Therefore, look to the Lord. If you focus on his will for you, it will bring you much joy. This, in turn, will strengthen you to keep fighting the good fight.
The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.
It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the Lord, and the excellency of our God.
Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.
Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.
Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.
Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.
And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes.
And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.
No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there:
And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Isaiah 35, a radiant chapter nestled within the book of Isaiah, bursts forth with a message of hope and restoration following pronouncements of judgment. It paints a vivid picture of transformation, not only for the land of Israel but also for its people, promising a future where sorrow is replaced with unending joy. This chapter provides encouragement to persevere in faith, assuring God's people of His unwavering presence and ultimate deliverance.
The Desert Blossoms (Isaiah 35:1-2)
The prophecy opens with a stunning image: the desert rejoicing and blooming like a crocus (Isaiah 35:1). This isn't merely a superficial change; it's a profound transformation signifying God's blessing and restoration upon His people, particularly Israel. For anyone familiar with the arid landscapes of the Holy Land, this promise carries immense weight. It speaks of life springing forth from barrenness, a testament to God's power to bring beauty out of desolation. The land will display the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God (Isaiah 35:2). This glory is not just agricultural abundance; it is a manifestation of God's reign in Jerusalem through His Son.
Strengthen the Weak (Isaiah 35:3-4)
Isaiah's message wasn't solely for a distant future. It held immediate relevance for those living in his time, facing the daunting threat of the Assyrian army. In the face of fear, Isaiah urges the faithful: Strengthen the weak hands, steady the shaking knees! (Isaiah 35:3). This call to courage resonates throughout history. The author of Hebrews echoes this sentiment, urging Christians to “Strengthen your tired hands and weakened knees” (Hebrews 12:12). The people of God in every age need encouragement to stand firm amidst a sinful world that threatens to overwhelm them.
Isaiah encourages God's faithful to say to those who cower in fear, Be strong... Here is your God; vengeance is coming. God's retribution is coming; he will save you (Isaiah 35:4). In Isaiah's time, this salvation was manifested in the defeat of the Assyrians. This message highlights the importance of faith in the face of adversity. Knowing that God is with us, and that He will ultimately vindicate His people, provides the strength to persevere.
Healing and Holiness on the Highway (Isaiah 35:5-10)
Returning to the theme of future kingdom blessings, Isaiah details the healing and restoration that will encompass both the people and the land (Isaiah 35:5-7). Physical defects will be healed, and the desert will transform into a well-watered paradise. This transformation extends beyond the physical realm. God will create a highway to Jerusalem, called the Holy Way, on which the righteous will travel to worship Him (Isaiah 35:8). This "Highway of Holiness" symbolizes a direct path to God, free from defilement and accessible to all who are righteous.
The chapter culminates in a vision of unending joy and the complete absence of sorrow and sighing (Isaiah 35:10). While we experience glimpses of this joy in worship and fellowship, life in this present age is also marked by trials and sadness. However, Isaiah's prophecy offers a powerful promise of a future where joy reigns supreme and all tears are wiped away. This ultimate hope fuels our perseverance and strengthens us for the journey ahead, reminding us that "the joy of the LORD is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10). Align yourself with the King, and you need not fear. Though the gates of hell rise against you, Satan can’t prevail against Christ’s church (see Matthew 16:18). Therefore, look to the Lord. If you focus on his will for you, it will bring you much joy. This, in turn, will strengthen you to keep fighting the good fight.