About Isaiah

Isaiah proclaims both judgment and salvation, containing the most detailed messianic prophecies in the Old Testament.

Author: IsaiahWritten: c. 740-680 BCReading time: ~1 minVerses: 10
HolinessJudgmentSalvationMessiahServantRestoration

Places in This Chapter

View map →
Lebanon(Region)Mount Carmel(Mountain)Sharon 1(Region)Way of Holiness(Road)Zion(Settlement)

King James Version

Isaiah 35

10 verses with commentary

The Joy of the Redeemed

1

The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.

View commentary
The "wilderness" and "desert" rejoicing marks a dramatic shift from chapter 34's judgment to restoration. The Hebrew "suws" (rejoice) and "gil" (be glad) express exuberant joy, personifying creation's response to redemption. This connects to Romans 8:19-22 where creation awaits liberation from corruption. The rose (possibly crocus) blooming symbolizes beauty emerging from barrenness, prefiguring the gospel transforming spiritually dead souls into vibrant spiritual life.
2

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.

View commentary
The abundant blossoming and joyful singing demonstrate complete transformation. Lebanon's glory, Carmel's excellence, and Sharon's beauty represent the pinnacle of natural splendor. The promise that "they shall see the glory of the LORD" connects natural restoration to theophany—seeing God Himself is the ultimate blessing. This anticipates the new creation where God's glory illuminates everything (Revelation 21:23). The "excellency of our God" emphasizes covenant relationship ("our God") as the source of all blessing.
3

Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.

View commentary
The command to "strengthen" weak hands and "confirm" feeble knees shifts to direct exhortation. This pastoral language addresses spiritual discouragement, using physical metaphors for spiritual weakness. Hebrews 12:12 quotes this verse in context of persevering faith. The imperative mood shows that believers have responsibility to encourage one another, not merely wait passively for God's intervention. Strengthening weak believers is part of the church's mutual ministry.
4

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. fearful: Heb. hasty

View commentary
The message "Be strong, fear not" directly addresses anxiety with the antidote—God's coming intervention. "Your God will come with vengeance" assures that justice will be done, encouraging perseverance under persecution. The "recompense of God" promises both punishment for enemies and reward for the faithful. This dual aspect of God's coming—judgment and salvation—runs throughout Scripture, culminating in Christ's second advent. The certainty ("He will come") provides firm foundation for hope.
5

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.

View commentary
This prophecy appears in Isaiah's vision of future restoration (chapter 35) and describes messianic miracles that would authenticate the Messiah. 'Then' (az, אָז) indicates a specific future time—when Messiah comes. 'The eyes of the blind shall be opened' speaks both literally and metaphorically. Physical blindness would be healed, while spiritual blindness would be removed. Jesus fulfilled this dramatically: He healed countless blind people (Matthew 9:27-30, Mark 8:22-25, John 9:1-41), and when John the Baptist's disciples questioned His identity, Jesus pointed to these very signs: 'The blind receive their sight' (Matthew 11:5, quoting Isaiah 35:5-6). 'The ears of the deaf shall be unstopped' parallels the first healing. Jesus healed deaf people (Mark 7:31-37), and metaphorically 'opened ears' to hear God's word. These physical healings demonstrated the Messiah's authority over creation and previewed ultimate restoration when all creation's brokenness will be reversed.
6

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.

View commentary
The lame leaping like a deer and the mute tongue singing depict miraculous healing. Jesus' healing miracles (Matthew 11:5) fulfilled this prophecy, demonstrating His messianic identity. The wilderness waters breaking forth symbolizes spiritual refreshment in barren places—the Holy Spirit bringing life where death reigned. This physical-spiritual duality characterizes biblical prophecy: literal healing points to deeper spiritual restoration. The abundance of water in the desert represents the gospel's life-giving power.
7

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. grass: or, a court for reeds, etc

View commentary
The parched ground becoming a pool reverses the curse of drought and barrenness. Dragons' (jackals') habitation—previously representing desolation (34:13)—transforms into vegetation, showing complete restoration. Reeds and rushes require abundant water, indicating permanent fertility. This dramatic transformation from cursed wasteland to fertile paradise illustrates regeneration—what was dead in sin becomes alive in Christ. The imagery anticipates the new heavens and new earth where former things pass away.
8

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. but: or, for he shall be with them

View commentary
The "highway" called "The way of holiness" represents God's sanctified path for His redeemed people. The exclusion of the unclean emphasizes purity and separation from sin. "The wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err" promises divine guidance so clear that even simple believers cannot miss it. This contrasts with the world's confusing paths. The highway anticipates John 14:6 where Jesus declares Himself "the way"—the exclusive path to the Father.
9

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:

View commentary
The promise "No lion shall be there" removes danger from God's highway, echoing Eden's pre-fall safety and anticipating the peaceable kingdom (Isaiah 11:6-9). "Ravenous beasts" represent spiritual dangers—Satan as a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8) cannot access this protected way. "The redeemed shall walk there" specifies who travels this highway—only those purchased by God's grace. This security assures believers that nothing can separate them from God's love (Romans 8:38-39).
10

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.

View commentary
The "ransomed of the LORD" returning to Zion with singing depicts triumphant homecoming. "Everlasting joy" and sorrow fleeing away describe permanent transformation from mourning to gladness. Revelation 21:4 echoes this promise in the new creation. The "ransomed" (Hebrew "paduwy") emphasizes payment of redemption price, pointing to Christ's atoning work. This glorious procession anticipates believers' entry into heaven's rest, welcomed with joy unspeakable.

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 35 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter
Isaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Isaiah 36All Isaiah ChaptersIsaiah 35 QuizComplete Isaiah QuizAll Bible QuizzesBible CharactersBible TopicsNave's Topical Bible