Isaiah 35 - Printer Friendly

What does Isaiah 35 mean?

Chapter Commentary:

Isaiah 35 is a poem that somewhat mirrors the previous chapter. Isaiah 34 describes the Lord's future judgment of the nations, especially that of Edom. Enraged, God will slaughter the people and leave Edom a wasteland of burning pitch and sulfur suitable only to be occupied by animals.

Now, Isaiah paints a picture of the opposite happening. A desert will burst into abundant bloom and joyful gladness with singing. This wilderness will receive the glory of the region's most abundant and fruitful landmarks. Lebanon was known for its rich natural resources (2 Chronicles 2:8). Carmel (Jeremiah 50:19) and Sharon (1 Chronicles 27:29) were both associated with abundance and growth. Crocus plants were the source of valuable spices and dyes. Beyond growth, the people will see the glory of the Lord. Just as Edom's future reality is destruction, Isaiah shows that the future reality of the people of the Lord is transformation from misery to rejoicing, from lifelessness to participating in the abundant glory of God (Isaiah 35:1–2).

That moment has not yet come, but Isaiah tells his people to stop being afraid. The text mentions common signs of intense fear, such as shaking or being "weak in the knees." The people are told to encourage each other rather than wallowing in terror. God's justice is coming for Israel's enemies (Isaiah 35:3–4).

When the Lord comes, He will do more than just put an end to those who have been oppressing Israel. He will transform the people themselves. God will heal and make them whole. Sight will come to the blind. Hearing will come to the deaf. Movement will come to the paralyzed. Speech will come to the mute. The transformation of God's people will be like a dry desert suddenly bursting with flowing water and lush plants. Rather than a barren land for scavengers, it will become welcoming (Isaiah 35:5–7).

In that newly restored land will be a clear and open pathway leading the people to Zion. This is another name for Jerusalem and is often used as a symbol of God's authority and presence. On this path the people will be free from natural dangers and evil people. Some translations imply that the path will even keep the foolish from wandering off. Those who are redeemed—purchased with a price—were once in bondage to sin and death. This price is paid by the Messiah, Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:28). In this destination there will be no more pain (Revelation 21:4), only eternal happiness (Isaiah 35:8–10).

Isaiah 35:1–4 describes God restoring Israel using the imagery of a desert transforming into lush terrain. Isaiah mentions the crocus, source of saffron and yellow dyes. Carmel and Sharon are both associated with abundant resources, as is Lebanon. Just as other nations are fated for destruction (Isaiah 34), Israel is destined for redemption. In the meantime the people should encourage each other and set aside fear. Divine justice is coming.

Isaiah 35:5–10 promises that God's redemption of Israel will include healing. The land, the people, and the nation will be restored to health and prosperity. God will provide a clear path for Israel to return to a relationship with Him. The ransomed (Matthew 10:28) people will find eternal joy and singing there, in Zion.

Chapter Summary:

Isaiah paints a picture of a desert wilderness bursting into bloom and gladness. The Lord's people will see His glory and majesty. Those suffering now must reject fear because the Lord is coming to remove their enemies and save them. The blind, paralyzed, deaf, and mute will be healed. It will be like streams bursting forth in a desert, transforming burning sand into pools of cool water. The Lord's people will walk on a safe, clear path: the Way of Holiness. They will follow this path to Zion where there will be singing and everlasting joy.

Chapter Context:

Isaiah 35 follows the previous chapter's description of the judgment of the Lord on the nations of the earth (Isaiah 34) with an inversion. God will transform the wilderness into a lush, safe path for His people to come to Him. This passage concludes a series of prophetic visions. Most of Isaiah's words so far have been prophecies with occasional mention of current events. Next is an extended narrative (Isaiah 36—39) about King Hezekiah and an attempted invasion by Assyria.

Isaiah is among the most important prophetic books in the entire Bible. The first segment details God's impending judgment against ancient peoples for sin and idolatry (Isaiah 1—35). The second part of Isaiah briefly explains a failed assault on Jerusalem during the rule of Hezekiah (Isaiah 36—39). The final chapters predict Israel's rescue from Babylonian captivity (Isaiah 40—48), the promised Messiah (Isaiah 49—57), and the final glory of Jerusalem and God's people (Isaiah 58—66).

Accessed 4/23/2026 6:42:28 AM