In direct contrast with the previous chapter, and as a culmination of the messages to and about the nations (chapters 13-35), Isaiah 35 sings (2, 6, 10) a joyful finale of the physical return and spiritual restoration of God’s people. Here we see the bright side of the Day of the Lord. While it is true this day is one of vengeance and recompense (34:8; 35:4), it’s also a day of deliverance and joy.
The chapter begins with the wilderness rejoicing as its blooms and blossoms (1-2). In chapter 24, the Lord turns the land of rebellious nations to a desolate, burning wilderness (34:8-17); at the same time, He turns the wilderness leading to Zion into a lush meadow. What had once been parched now blossoms with flowers (2). What had once been barren and dry now rivals Lebanon for beauty and Mt. Carmel and the coastal meadows of Sharon for majesty (2). The desert is now the canvas displaying the “glory of the Lord and the majesty of our God” (2).
This amazing turnaround is welcome news to God’s downtrodden and defeated people. The promise of God’s restorative work is meant to give strength to those with “weak hands” and “feeble knees” (3). All those with “anxious” hearts (the Hebrew verb translated “anxious” means to be quick or hasty—perhaps in this case frightened and ready to flee) are given reason to “be strong” and “fear not” (4). Why? God is coming to “recompense” their enemies and restore His people: “He will come and save you” (4).
On this climactic day, the spiritual condition of God’s people will change for the better. Isaiah once again uses physical maladies to picture spiritual realities. He speaks of God’s people, who for so long had been characterized by spiritual blindness and deafness (6:9-10), finally being able to see and hear well (5). Those who had previously been limping spiritually will now leap; those with stammering tongues will sing for joy (6).
The long, inhospitable, and dangerous wilderness and desert lands that stretch between the exiles and their homeland will be transformed into “the Way of Holiness” that brings them home (6-10). This highway through the desert-turned-meadow will be reserved for those who have been redeemed (saved) by the Lord (9) and choose to walk in His ways. The “unclean” (ceremonially defiled) will not “pass over it” (8). Even those who had once been “fools” will walk on it without going astray (8). [Alternatively, many translations, like the NLT, say those who are currently fools “will never walk there”.]
Though the wilderness desert had been a dangerous place where wild animals attack, this highway will be a safe way home: “No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it” (9).
Streaming through the desert, refreshed by the “streams in the desert” (6), will be the hosts of the redeemed returning home. As they travel the Way of Holiness they are singing. Creation sings along with them (2), lifting praise to the Redeemer. The joy in their songs will crown their heads—not for a moment but forever (“everlasting joy shall be upon their heads”—10). Theirs will be gladness for sorrow and sadness have fled and gone away. Home they come to stay!
Behold Your God
The Lord will one day renew creation, making it both stunning and safe. When the Day of the Lord comes, creation will rejoice. The desert will blossom (1), displaying the glory of God (2). Having been subjected to frustration because of human sin, the creation will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the sons of God (Rom 8:19-23). Harmony between animals and people will be restored (Gen 2:19-20; Isa 11:6). As Psalm 96 anticipates, “all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord, for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth” (96:12-13).
The Lord can restore the health (physical and spiritual) of his broken people. Isaiah speaks of the blind regaining their sight, the deaf recovering their hearing, the lame springing to their feet, and the mute singing for joy (4). While these words can be read literally to speak of physical restoration, they should also be understood as a metaphor of renewed spiritual health and vitality. The Lord had previously indicted his people for being spiritually deaf and blind (6:9). The same accusation is repeated later in the book (42:18). In Isaiah 35 we read the glorious news that God can and will heal the spiritual maladies of his hard-hearted people. He is the Great Physician who heals all our diseases—physically and spiritually (Psalm 103:3).
The Lord will redeem His people and bring them home with eternal joy. As there was a first exodus from Egypt, so there will be another exodus and home coming for Israel’s exiles. This time, they will stream home through the wilderness from Babylon (Isa 40:1-5; see also Ezra and Nehemiah). These homecomings anticipate the final, ultimate exodus when the Lord brings His people (“strangers and exiles”—1 Pet 1:1-2) to their eternal home, the new Jerusalem (Rev 21-22). Then, at last and forever, God will wipe away every tear from the eyes of his people. Then, there will be no more crying or sorrow or death. Then, we will be in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23:6).
Here Am I
Confidence in God’s coming salvation inspires strength and stability in present. The good news that the Lord will come to save His people is the basis for the call to “Be strong, fear not (4). As I believe God’s promise, I can strengthen my weak hands, firm up my feeble knees, and quiet my anxious heart. God’s final salvation, which brings us home to the new Jerusalem on a renewed earth (Rev 21-22), is foreshadowed by the many smaller rescues we experience on the journey home as we walk the Way of Holiness. I want to move forward confident that my God is a God who saves His people.
To walk in God’s way is to walk in holiness—now and forever. The way through the wilderness to God’s restored homeland is called “the Way of Holiness” (8). It is the way set apart for those who walk with God towards the city He has prepared. Walking in holiness involves living with my eyes open and my ears attentive to the Lord (5). It also entails walking with joy, rejoicing in the God who saves and the salvation His brings. Lord, keep my feet on this path.
Rick and Linda Reed 