Isaiah Chapter 35 Verse-by-Verse Commentary
Isaiah 35:1–2
The desert and the dry land will be glad; the 'Aravah will rejoice and blossom like the lily. It will burst into flower, will rejoice with joy and singing, will be given the glory of the L'vanon, the splendor of Karmel and the Sharon. They will see the glory of ADONAI, the splendor of our God.
In this passage, we see the redemption of the land of Israel as it is turned from a desolate land to one that is lush with plant life as well as joy and singing because of the presence of God. Although this has been happening for years now, it will continue and accelerate as the kingdom draws near.
Isaiah 35:3–4
Strengthen your drooping arms, and steady your tottering knees. Say to the fainthearted, "Be strong and unafraid! Here is your God; he will come with vengeance; with God's retribution he will come and save you."
In chapter 34, we saw God's vengeance poured out on those that rejected him and we see that this change in the land of Israel is also a result of that pouring out. This passage speaks of the fact that we can be strong because we know that God is going to show up on our behalf and his presence changes everything.
Isaiah 35:5–7
Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf will be unstopped; then the lame man will leap like a deer, and the mute person's tongue will sing. For in the desert, springs will burst forth, streams of water in the 'Aravah; the sandy mirage will become a pool, the thirsty ground springs of water. The haunts where jackals lie down will become a marsh filled with reeds and papyrus.
This passage speaks of the signs of the appearing of Messiah and we see healing of people as well as healing of the land.
Isaiah 35:8–9
A highway will be there, a way, called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not pass over it, but it will be for those whom he guides; fools will not stray along it. No lion or other beast of prey will be there, traveling on it. They will not be found there, but the redeemed will go there.
Here, we see the formation of a road or path leading to holiness and we see it is the redeemed who will travel on this road.
The redeemed are those that have accepted the work of Messiah Yeshua and we see that, once a person is on this kingdom highway, they will not stray off of the road which speaks of the fact that, when we are in Messiah, it is a permanent identity change and you will not lose your salvation.
Isaiah 35:10
Those ransomed by ADONAI will return and come with singing to Tziyon, on their heads will be everlasting joy. They will acquire gladness and joy, while sorrow and sighing will flee.
We see that this kingdom highway leads to the kingdom of God in Jerusalem and the redeemed will be filled with joy and gladness.