FRAMEWORKS: Isaiah 35: Transformation for the returning redeemed

 

For Context see chapter 28

 

v.1,2 Contrasting the previous chapter, Israel will be a blessed land

v.3,4 Encouragement: God is coming to save

v.5-7 Healing & Transformation are promised

v.8-10 A way back to God in Jerusalem will be provided

 

[Introductory Comment: Note two things:

Application: This chapter concludes this Part with a prophecy that may perhaps have various applications: a general principle encouragement prophecy, a description of the spiritual transformation brought by the Messiah, and/or an end-time prophecy.

Content: The contrast between the devastated land of the previous chapter and what is now revealed is stark. The initial picture is of a land that is blossoming [v.1,2] and the people are exhorted to be strong for God is coming to save them [v.3,4]. Returning to the picture of the Land, we are shown healing and transformation for both people and the Land itself [v.5-7] and within it will be a new highway back to the Lord at Jerusalem [v.8-10]. Whichever of the suggested applications above [and it may be all], it is an encouraging picture of the restoring blessing of God coming to His people.]

 

 

v.1,2 Contrasting the previous chapter, Israel will be a blessed land

 

v.1  (Transformation for the desert is promised)  The desert and the parched land will be glad;
    the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.
Like the crocus,

v.2  it will burst into bloom;
    it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.
(It clearly refers to the Promised Land)  The glory of Lebanon will be given to it,
    the splendour of Carmel and Sharon;
they will see the glory of the Lord,
    the splendour of our God.

    

   

v.3,4 Encouragement: God is coming to save

 

v.3  (Take heart, be strong, God is coming to save you)  Strengthen the feeble hands,
    steady the knees that give way;
v.4  say to those with fearful hearts,
    ‘Be strong, do not fear;
your God will come,
    he will come with vengeance;
with divine retribution
    he will come to save you.'

    

  

v.5-7 Healing & Transformation are promised

 

v.5  (Healing will come)  Then will the eyes of the blind be opened
    and the ears of the deaf unstopped.
v.6 (Joy and life will break forth)  Then will the lame leap like a deer,
    and the mute tongue shout for joy.
Water will gush forth in the wilderness
    and streams in the desert.
v.7 (the desert will be transformed)  The burning sand will become a pool,
    the thirsty ground bubbling springs.
In the haunts where jackals once lay,
    grass and reeds and papyrus will grow.

   

  

v.8-10 A way back to God in Jerusalem will be provided

 

v.8 (A way will be opened up for the righteous to return)  And a highway will be there;
    it will be called the Way of Holiness;
    it will be for those who walk on that Way.
The unclean will not journey on it;
    wicked fools will not go about on it.
v.9 (It will be a path of safety & security)  No lion will be there,
    nor any ravenous beast;
    they will not be found there.
But only the redeemed will walk there,
v.10  and those the Lord has rescued will return.
(The redeemed will return to Jerusalem and to the Lord)  They will enter Zion with singing;
    everlasting joy will crown their heads.
Gladness and joy will overtake them,
    and sorrow and sighing will flee away.

   

     

Continue to Chapter 36